How Europe Underdeveloped Africa

Book Review by: rahaman

Original Author: Walter Rodney

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Africa continued to be described as an under-developed continent despite her abundant natural resourses.Colonialism

came in disguise of civilization and in the process destroyed the core values of Africa.The traditional system of education was undermined to perpetuate western education which is alien to African culture.The trade and economic system was exploitative and was capitalist oriented.Tactically, the European colonialists explored and exploited both human and material resourses of africa to develop their own economy.
The under-development of Africa could therefore be attributable to long term effects of slave trade,labour exploitation,unfavourable tax system which are common features of colonialism.The nature of African inherited educational system is such that encourage social stratification,and economic inequalities of the people of Africa.Also, the inherited educational system contributes to technolgical stagnation and perpetual distortion of African Economy.
Of equal importance is the fact that economic motive rather than quist for modernity, civilization and cultural integration were hidden factors for colonialism.Moreimportantly,Africa is a primary source of raw materials for the European Industries as well as a steady and stable market for European goods despite the fact that such products were offered at exhorbitant rates.
The infrastructure put in place arguably were to facilitate further the exploitation of Africa by the colonial powers.Indeed, every stage of European Conquest involved the use of arms and ammunitions wherever persuasion fails.Similar faith befell Africans during slave trade era and millions of African active population were lost in the process.

Published: June 17, 2006

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