Why did Asian tigers and not African lions become economically successful? The answer is simple: agriculture. In the sixties, newly independent African countries had more potential than their South East Asian counterparts. The reason why Africa is still poor is that it failed to invest in rural areas, a comparative study by the Tracking Development project shows.

The study, that took five years to complete, researched the development of four pairs of countries: Nigeria/Indonesia, Kenya/ Malaysia, Tanzania/ Vietnam and Uganda/Cambodia. The pattern that emerges is clear, says David Henley, Indonesia expert and one of the leaders of the project, which was funded by the Dutch Foreign Ministry: agriculture is the only effective tool for development.

He says that African countries can learn lessons from South East Asia’s effective development track record. This is what is required: 1. pro-poor, pro-rural public spending; 2. economic freedom and market access for peasants and small entrepreneurs; and 3. low inflation and stable currencies.

Political threat
South East Asian governments had good reasons to invest in rural areas, because that’s where their most serious political threats came from. The rural masses were poor, vocal and well organized. Rural insurrections were looming. “In Africa, rural masses hardly have a voice. An African leader doesn't need to be afraid of them,“ explains Dutch africanist Kees van Donge, Henley’s fellow project leader.

After independence, African governments were hoping that the benefits of their industrial investments would trickle down to rural populations. That never happened. In South East Asia, by contrast, measures to boost agriculture eventually benefited urban populations as well.

Van Donge says the rationale is simple: “You should focus on agriculture because most poor people live in rural areas; it’s easier to reduce poverty there. This, once it is achieved, gives rural populations the possibility to engage in productive work. The returns from agriculture are much higher and provide a foundation for industrialisation, not the other way around.”

Corruption
At the project’s inception, it was believed that corruption did not have a major impact on development, as two notoriously corrupt countries, Indonesia and Nigeria, had achieved different levels of development. But in Indonesia, corrupt money was reinvested in the local economy, says David Uchenna Enweremadu, who did research in both countries. “And in Nigeria the money is taken outside to Switzerland and Britain, so you end up with a very negative type of corruption that is more harmful to development.”

The researchers also examined governance in both regions. Akinyinka Akinyoade, for example, found that with longer tenures in office, ministers in Indonesia had sufficient time to implement their policies, compared to Nigeria where the political turnover was high. When Nigeria had six finance ministers in 15 years, Indonesia had only one. “In Indonesia, ministers are appointed not because of their political or ethnic background, but because they are ready to deliver, and they get government support to get the job done,” says Akinyoade.
http://www.rnw.nl/africa/article/why-africa-lion-stayed-poor-and-asian-tiger-became-rich

rash47:
Let's kip our head up, never give up. Africa is the future,the promise, the only uncontaminated continent in d world. One day we will surely gets there.

koonbey: Dont give up,e go better. When i started this post i wass going to give you some reasons why you shouldnt give up,but i cant think of any so jux dont give up,e go betta

rash47:
Let's kip our head up, never give up. Africa is the future,the promise, the only uncontaminated continent in d world. One day we will surely gets there.

Afam4eva: If poverty must be tackled, it is common sense to focus on what majority of poor population are involved in and that is Agriculture. Without Agriculture, wealth will hardly trickle down to the rural areas.

ShyM-X:


But are Africans ready to go back to the farm?

The mentality is so messed up that everyone seems to be scheming for education and white-collar jobs, even when they aren't mentally capable for it.

Personally, I don't mind being a farmer. Most farmers in the UK are millionaires.

DerideGull: Stupidity!!!!

ShyM-X:


Mazi Dede1, kedu.

I just started reading "The Nigerian Revolution and the Biafran War" by Alexander Madiebo today. And I'm not going to lie, I did shed a tear subconsciously on the train today, on my way from work.

I know there might be some sentiments involved in his narration, however, I enjoyed what I've read so far. Personally, I think Nzeogwu was let down by the coup plotters in Lagos. Also, I think we can draw comparisons between this current administration and the first republic. History is about to repeat itself - however, it seems Igbo's haven't learnt their lessons about not underestimating the Northerners. GEJ reminds me of Aguiyi Ironsi. The swift way in which the Northern army captured Lagos, despite Igbo officers being in-charge of all the Lagos garrisons and having almost the same number of combatants is shocking.

Afam4eva: If poverty must be tackled, it is common sense to focus on what majority of poor population are involved in and that is Agriculture. Without Agriculture, wealth will hardly trickle down to the rural areas.

DerideGull:
Omo Shymaxx.

When you read Alexander Madiebo’s crap, you must try to understand the objectives of coup plotters. While the objective of January 15, 1966 coup plotters was to change a government riddled with nepotism and corruption, the main objective of July 29, 1966 coup plotters was tribal and to eliminate easterners.

It is very naïve and childish on your part to insinuate that Ndigbo have not learnt their lesson. I expect you to expatiate on “Ndigbo have not learnt their lesson”.