Development of Europe & Underdevelopment of Africa

Written by David Charles, February 7, 2021

Broadly speaking, no country can exist independent of another. Interactions and interrelationships exist between and among countries of the world. Although, such a relationship could be friendly or inimical. Whichever way it is, the relationship is as old as human existence. However, countries of the world are majorly divided into two, namely developed and underdeveloped countries. The developed countries found themselves in the northern hemisphere of the globe while the southern hemisphere contains the underdeveloped countries of the world. The indices of the development of Europe at the same time led to the underdevelopment of Africa. In this article, some activities in the above point shall be addressed.

More importantly, there is a need to understand these two concepts. According to PERROUX (1978:65), defines development is "the combination of mental and social changes among the population which decide to increase its real and global products, cumulatively and in a sustainable manner. Dudley Seers in his thesis argues that development is when a country experiences a reduction or elimination of poverty, inequality, and unemployment. In the words of Edgar Owens (1987), development is when there is a development of people (human development) and not a development of things.

Underdevelopment on the other has also been defined by various scholars. According to M.P. Todaro, “underdeveloped economy is that economy in which there are low levels of living, absolute poverty, low per capita income, low consumption levels, poor health services, high death rates, high birth rates and dependence on foreign countries.” Similarly, in the words of Prof. Gunnar Myrdal, An underdeveloped country is a country in which there are constellations of numerous undesirable conditions of work and life; output, income, and levels of living are low; many modes of production, attitude, and behavior patterns are disadvantageous, and there are unfavorable institutions. To argue that all these are evident in underdeveloped countries is not out of point.

The Transatlantic Slave Trade provided greener pastures for underdevelopment to flourish in Africa as able-bodied men with capacities and capabilities to develop their indigenous land were taken to West Indies to cultivate in order to boost the growing needs of industrialization in Europe. This barbaric policy affected Africa and Africa was left with no other option but to bow to the ever-increasing desires of their respective colonial masters. Fortunately, the slave trade was abolished in 1807 and was considered illegal. But the damage that has been done could not be repaired. Europe was developed through this act while Africa suffered the heat.

Moreso, the relationship between Africa and Europe through some economic groups is another index of development in Europe and underdevelopment in Africa. The economies were tied in such a way that Africa is over-reliant on Europe for survival. Technologically, medically, military assistance, etc are sought in Europe by African countries. The fact that countries interdepend on one another are not disputed but the rate at which Africa economies have been crippled by indecent policies from the Western world is alarming. Devaluation of African currency is nothing to write home about. For instance, 1 US Dollar is equivalent to 381 Nigeria naira.

On a final note, Africa is regarded as a dumping ground for Europe. Not only this, Africa is considered as the best market for goods produced in Europe. Once again, trade relationship is good and it is needed all over the world but when an economy suffers less productivity as a result of the trade relationship, then close observation should be done. European countries keep advancing in all ramifications while Africa is retrogressing. Therefore, the development of Europe is part and parcel of the underdevelopment of Africa.