Kema Irogbe’s The Persistence of Famine in Sub-Saharan Africa discusses the problem of famine in Sub-Saharan Africa. Throughout the article, Irogbe examines many theories about the famine in Sub-Saharan African and he points out several flawed arguments. Overall, this article discusses possible solutions to the famine in Sub-Saharan Africa while addressing the factors that caused it.
In the introductory part of the article, Irogbe states that Sub-Saharan has not progressed in forty years and the region continues to struggle with famine and poverty. As stated in the article, the United Nations labeled African as a failed region with political instability, droughts, and environmental problems and this is proof that many Sub-Saharan African countries …show more content…
Some scholars blame capitalism for Sub-Saharan Africa’s current state while others believe that capitalism and the exploitation of Africa’s raw materials during colonialism are the reason for the famine. The underdevelopment theory states that capitalism continues to use Africa for its raw materials and minerals to satisfy the needs of the Western world. Furthermore, the underdevelopment theory argues that Sub- Saharan Africa’s resources are used to create cash crops instead of food. According to Irogbe, the major problem with the underdevelopment theory is that it fails to acknowledge the diverse economic and political differences in Sub-Saharan Africa. The underdevelopment theory groups all of the Sub- Saharan countries in one category and it is not accurate. For example, countries like Ghana are more economically developed than their neighbors and this proves that there must be other factors beyond the colonial legacy. Although colonialism contributed to the current state of Sub- Saharan African, Africans cannot place all of the blame on the Europeans. Irogbe ends this section by stating that dependency theory does not explain the famine in Sub-Saharan …show more content…
On page 453, Irogbe suggests that a great number of uneducated Africans are moving into the cities and many of them cannot find jobs because of they lack the necessary skills to be successful in urban areas. Also, African professionals are leaving their home country in search for better opportunities and this is damaging to the economy. In his article, Irogbe suggests that it is necessary to give incentives to African professionals so it can inspire them to move to certain countries and help the economy. Nevertheless, incentives will not keep Africans from leaving their home country unless the individual has a sense of nationalism. In addition to the problems with urbanizations and brain drain, some Sub- Saharan African countries struggle with corrupt leaders. Many political leaders in Sub- Saharan Africa are selfish and they do not perform effectively for their citizens. Irogbe states that Africa needs good leaders who are responsible so the region can grow. Although it seems like Sub- Saharan Africa is a total mess, Irogbe states, “hope is not loss” and this statement is extremely optimistic towards the situation in Sub- Saharan Africa.
The greatest strength of Irogbe’s The Persistence of Famine in Sub-Saharan Africa is the author’s diction. Irogbe uses powerful words and phrases to deliver his message about the tragic famine in Sub- Saharan Africa. However,
In the introductory part of the article, Irogbe states that Sub-Saharan has not progressed in forty years and the region continues to struggle with famine and poverty. As stated in the article, the United Nations labeled African as a failed region with political instability, droughts, and environmental problems and this is proof that many Sub-Saharan African countries …show more content…
Some scholars blame capitalism for Sub-Saharan Africa’s current state while others believe that capitalism and the exploitation of Africa’s raw materials during colonialism are the reason for the famine. The underdevelopment theory states that capitalism continues to use Africa for its raw materials and minerals to satisfy the needs of the Western world. Furthermore, the underdevelopment theory argues that Sub- Saharan Africa’s resources are used to create cash crops instead of food. According to Irogbe, the major problem with the underdevelopment theory is that it fails to acknowledge the diverse economic and political differences in Sub-Saharan Africa. The underdevelopment theory groups all of the Sub- Saharan countries in one category and it is not accurate. For example, countries like Ghana are more economically developed than their neighbors and this proves that there must be other factors beyond the colonial legacy. Although colonialism contributed to the current state of Sub- Saharan African, Africans cannot place all of the blame on the Europeans. Irogbe ends this section by stating that dependency theory does not explain the famine in Sub-Saharan …show more content…
On page 453, Irogbe suggests that a great number of uneducated Africans are moving into the cities and many of them cannot find jobs because of they lack the necessary skills to be successful in urban areas. Also, African professionals are leaving their home country in search for better opportunities and this is damaging to the economy. In his article, Irogbe suggests that it is necessary to give incentives to African professionals so it can inspire them to move to certain countries and help the economy. Nevertheless, incentives will not keep Africans from leaving their home country unless the individual has a sense of nationalism. In addition to the problems with urbanizations and brain drain, some Sub- Saharan African countries struggle with corrupt leaders. Many political leaders in Sub- Saharan Africa are selfish and they do not perform effectively for their citizens. Irogbe states that Africa needs good leaders who are responsible so the region can grow. Although it seems like Sub- Saharan Africa is a total mess, Irogbe states, “hope is not loss” and this statement is extremely optimistic towards the situation in Sub- Saharan Africa.
The greatest strength of Irogbe’s The Persistence of Famine in Sub-Saharan Africa is the author’s diction. Irogbe uses powerful words and phrases to deliver his message about the tragic famine in Sub- Saharan Africa. However,