Africa Today

African Economics

The relationship between a country’s economy and its literacy rate. Let’s look at … The relationship between a country’s economy and its literacy rate.

What does literacy rate mean? The percentage of people in a country that can read and write.

What in the world is GDP? Gross Domestic Product The total market value of all final goods and services produced within the country in a given period of time (usually a calendar year). Countries seek to increase their GDP to improve their standard of living

So, what is GDP per capita? Per capita is a measure of wealth Per capita income means how much money each individual would receive IF a country divided its yearly income equally among everyone. Is used to measure a nation’s wealth with the wealth of other nations.

Look at the following chart and try to determine the following … Does the literacy rate of a country seem to have an affect on … GDP per capita? Life expectancy? Industrial production growth rate?

Other factors? Other than the literacy rate, what other factors may affect a country’s GDP per capita?

So, how does literacy rate affect the standard of living in Africa? Normally, the higher the literacy rate the higher the GDP per capita.

What is the relationship between investment in human capital and GDP? First … what is human capital? The health, strength, education, training, and skills that people bring to their jobs.

What is the relationship between investment in human capital and GDP? What do you think would be an example of human capital? How can a country invest in human capital? Do you think a country would be wise to invest in human capital? What is the relationship between investment in human capital and the GDP? Do you think our chart supports your answer?

Economy – Two Case Studies South Africa & Nigeria

South Africa’s Economy Gold and diamonds Tourism has developed into an important economic factor over the last years Rand – South Africa’s currency

Nigeria’s Economy The economy of Nigeria historically was based on agriculture, and more than half of the workforce is still engaged in farming (largely of a subsistence type). But then oil was discovered! Today, Nigeria’s economy is considered a “dual economy” – half economy based in agriculture – the other half based in oil!

Take a minute to think … Which do you think would be better for a country … to EXPORT more oil … OR to IMPORT more oil? Be able to defend your answer!

AIDS and Famine in Africa Between 1999 and 2000 more people died of AIDS in Africa than in all the wars on the continent. WHY? Lack of medical care, lack of medicine, lack of education – therefore, people don’t know how to prevent the spread of AIDS.

AIDS & Famine continued AIDS affects different segments of society in different ways. Example – Children have to care for sick parents. Schooling may suffer as a result. Children become orphans when parents die of AIDS.

Famine in Africa

Most Deadly Periods of Starvation Somalia – 2010 – 2012 – appx. 260,000 died Sudan – 1998 - along with civil war, 70,000 died Somalia – 1991 – 1992 – 300,000 died Ethiopia – 1983 – 1985 – 1 million died Uganda – 1980 – 1983 – 30,000 died Many, many more … these are just a few!

What causes famine? Drought Conflict Misuse of the land

Just one more issue … the issue of education. How does gender affect access to education in Kenya and Sudan? Historically, females in Africa have had much less access to education than males. Therefore, in many African countries the literacy rate among females is much lower than the literacy rate among males. However, many countries are working hard to change this.

Can you answer this question? Why does international trade require a system for exchanging currencies between nations? Because when I go to England, I cannot buy a Big Mac at an English McDonald’s with my American dollar! I must have the English pound to buy the Big Mac at the English McDonald’s! Therefore, there must be a system to exchange my American dollar for the English pound!

Governments of Africa

First … a short review of governments!

A Review of Governments LEQ’s How do the unitary, confederation, and federal government systems distribute power? How do autocratic, oligarchic, and democratic governments determine citizen participation? What are the components of parliamentary and presidential governments?

Unitary Central government possess MOST authority / decision-making powers Example – South Africa, Rwanda, Sierra Leon Confederation Local governments have SOME authority / decision-making powers The United States PRIOR to the Constitution (Under the Articles of the Confederation) Federal Power split between central and local governments in authority / decision-making powers Example – United States

Map of unitary governments

Autocratic Political power held by single, self-appointed ruler This person determines the role of citizens Oligarchic Political power held with a small, elite few These few people determines the role of the citizen Democratic Political power is held by the majority of the people The majority of the people determine the role of the citizens

A Look at Some Governments of Africa LEQ’s What distinguishes the form of leadership, public voting procedures and personal freedoms the republican systems of government in the Republic of Kenya, the Republic of South Africa and the dictatorship of the Republic of Sudan?

Presidential Democracy Parliamentary Democracy Dictatorship Kenya South Africa Sudan Type of government Citizen participation Which LEVEL holds the power? Presidential Democracy Parliamentary Democracy Dictatorship Citizens vote for the president & representatives Citizens vote for the parliament & then the parliament votes for the president. Citizens have no real voice in the government. National government has the power – therefore a UNITARY National government has the power – therefore a UNITARY Central government has the power – therefore, a UNITARY

The End!