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Droughts and Famine Due to Poor Governance

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Even today, in the 21st century, droughts and famine are common in Africa due to poor governance.  A continent that perhaps has the greatest agricultural potential in the world, suffers from unpredictable weather patterns and pro-longed drought periods.  This results in the displacement of people, depletion of grain reserves, and loss of livelihoods for a great number of people (especially those that live along the southern coast of Africa).  The resulting famine caused by this phenomena hinders African growth significantly; it slows down development and affects the ability of future generations to battle from a malnourished childhood and better living standards as adults.  This cycle is detrimental to the growth and development of African nations.

The worst part is that these problems are not beyond the scope and resources of the local African governments.  With adequate policy-making and implementation from the political class to the civil service in African countries, these problems could be solved and avoided by proper governance.  Rather than work to solve and prevent these problems, elected officials focus on short-term solutions, such as asking for and receiving aid from foreign establishments and entities.  This not only prolongs the problem, but also allows foreign governments and organizations to shape African politics.

Sources: Drought in Africa 2017. (2017, March 17). Retrieved May 05, 2017, from https://www.irinnews.org/feature/2017/03/17/drought-africa-2017

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