Consider the Various Dimensions of the Poor Performance of Sub-Saharan

question 12

Essay

Consider the various dimensions of the poor performance of sub-Saharan Africa compared with other developing regions over the last two decades. Which of the following possible causes would you single out as primary causes and which as symptoms, or secondary, proximate causes? In each case, defend and substantiate your selection(s).
a.legacy of colonial period
b.war
c.commodity price declines
d. poor governance/corruption
e. low investment in human capital
f.poor macroeconomic policies
g.excessive state ownership of industry
h.poor business climate; harassment of entrepreneurs
i.neglect of agriculture
j.disincentives for exports
k.low incentives for foreign investment
l.debt crisis
m.low savings and investment in nonhuman capital
n.high population growth
o.environmental degradation and climate change
p.bad advice or conditionality of the IMF and World Bank
q.inequality of income or assets
r.underdeveloped institutions

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Definitions:

Hydrogen Ions

Positively charged ions (H+) generated when a hydrogen atom loses its electron, playing a crucial role in chemical reactions, including acid-base chemistry.

Proximal Tubules

Proximal tubules are part of the nephron in the kidney, responsible for reabsorbing water, ions, and nutrients from the filtrate and returning them to the blood.

Potassium Ions

Positively charged ions (K+) essential for various cellular processes, including nerve transmission, muscle contraction, and maintaining fluid balance within cells.

Ammonium Ions

Positively charged ions (NH4+) derived from ammonia, significant in the nitrogen cycle and plant nutrition.