The paradox of Africa's poverty: the role of indigenous knowledge, traditional practices and local institutions – the case of Ethiopia

✍ Scribed by Abbi Mamo Kedir

• Publisher: John Wiley and Sons
• Year: 2001
• Tongue: English
• Weight: 33 KB
• Volume: 13
• Category: Article
• ISSN: 0954-1748
• DOI: 10.1002/jid.738

✦ Synopsis

religious values were highlighted, praised by some groups but otherwise blamed as the source of underdevelopment. In periods of expansion and currently, foreign (especially US) values prevail.

Changes in the pattern of migration and in demographic features are the main social changes analysed. Migration from rural to urban areas (especially of women) was very strong due to wage differentials, availability of public goods in urban areas and lack of land. Now, migration to the biggest cities is decreasing while medium-size cities are more attractive, re¯ecting changes in the location of industries and higher unemployment in the biggest cities, as discussed by Chant (Chapter 10). Migration was strongly related to the growth of the informal sector before the 80's crisis. After the crisis, the growth of the informal sector was, according to Chant, a response to the high unemployment rate. Even in the 90's, when the unemployment rate has decreased, its level was still very high, especially among the poor and the young.

Another social change stressed by Chant is the decrease in the fertility rate, due to contraception (in¯uenced by government action), higher levels of education and of participation of woman in the labour force. Given improved control of diseases, a better diet and health care, the mortality rate has also decreased. These two trends and the increase in life expectancy have increased the dependency rate. Two additional topics are discussed: land reform and usage of resources. Kay (Chapter 11) comments that early land reforms were less concerned with equity than with increasing ef®ciency. Recent reforms are concerned with guarantees of property rights. However, Kay doubts the reforms will really improve access to land. Gwynne and Silva (Chapter 7) emphasise the need to decrease exploitation of non-renewable resources and promote sustainable development.

Latin America Transformed is a useful book for students and researchers beginning to study Latin America. The approach of analysing the subject from several angles is an important contribution, and this aim is successfully achieved, helping to understand the complexity of Latin America. On the other hand, this approach makes it impossible to discuss issues arising in speci®c disciplines (such as economics or politics) deeply. The book raises challenging questions and helps the reader to form an opinion about the problems of Latin America.