Community Development in Africa 2013

Discussion guide A quick trip through history and beyond: 1.A brief look at the history of civilizations in Africa 2.An overview of the era of colonization and its effects on Africa 3.The time after colonization – the era of ‘developing’ and ‘developed’ countries – Aid to Africa 4.Globalisation – interdependence and independence 5.Africa Rising

What makes a civilisation*? “The ten criteria of civilization are very easy to know. You must have political organization and social classes. There have to be religions and beliefs. You must also have forms of the arts. Language and communication are other criteria. And science and technology also defines civilization.” ( ( * Civilization - Synonyms: Progress, advancement, refinement, sophistication, society.

What makes a civilisation? Language and communication ( ica-the-fading-use-of-indigenous-languages/)

What makes a civilisation? Shared culture Art Writing Stories Religion/belief system

What makes a civilisation? Political structures Self ruling areas (sovereignty) Justice systems/laws Social classes Education & training

What makes a civilisation? Trade International economic movement of goods Professional services (accountants/letter writers/contracts) Measure of exchange (money) Scientific research Astronomy Philosophy Medicine Metal work Agriculture

Ancient African Civilisations North Africa & West Asia Mesopotamia (3500BC – 2000BC) Egypt (3000 BC – 2100 BC) Sub-Sahara Africa Axum (Ethiopia) (300 AD – 1100 AD ) Ghana (700 AD – 1200 AD ) Kilwa Kisiwani (1100 AD – 1600 AD ) Mali (1200 AD – 1400 AD ) Songhai (1500 AD – 1700 AD ) Zimbabwe (1200 AD – 1500 AD ) Dates from 3500 BC to approx AD – years in total.

Era of colonisation 16 th – 20 th Century Europe expanded into Africa Portuguese slave traders to Angola French & English traders to West African coast Dutch to Cape of Good Hope ( trade.php)

Era of Development Post WWII European colonial powers became involved in ‘developing’ Africa. The intention was to ‘modernise’ the ‘developing’ countries to conform to the industrialised standards of the ‘developed’ countries. The road to hell is indeed paved with good intentions! This type of development did not take into account the local conditions, the culture or the needs of local communities. It failed…

Africans doing it for themselves The realisation that only Africans can solve Africa’s problems. The legacy of foreign political and economic systems – from Free Market mechanisms to Socialism We have to find new political and economic realities that are truly African and truly global Millennium Goals for Africa National Development Plan (SA) Trade not Aid

Globalisation Interdependent or independent? A rope made up of many strands is stronger than a single strand of fibre Regional cooperation: SADC and AU – Africa must move to be completely independent and to systems of majority rule that is acceptable to all – political Global cooperation: BRICS, UN We do need one another

Regional development goals Find a few clear goals to focus on, for example: Improve education opportunities for girls Encourage policy changes to open the doors Cascade policies down to all members of the region and to all levels of government Create awareness about the policies amongst all social classes Change perceptions about the value and contribution of basic education for girls – frame the message to emphasise the benefit to individuals and families Make this the accepted practice in the communities, countries, region Become the aspirational example to other countries, regions Be realistic Time frame: at least 12 – 20 years for full benefit

Africa rising Business opportunities Trade partner of choice International economies need growth from African markets and manufacturing/production capacities Agriculture Resources Static international markets provide opportunities Increase of educated young people with access to information Cellular and ICT developments Africa redefining the role of business in society The child is becoming a young adult. She is confident and hungry for success!