1. Matunhu. “A Critique of Modernization and Dependency Theories in Africa”, African Journal of History and Culture, June 2011

Vol. 3(5), pp 65-72.

Introduction

Summary of the article

1. Math talks about the African countries that possess rich economic resources. Despite that, the continent continues to suffer from poverty, illiteracy, famine, and diseases (Buthelezi, 2007).

The Modernization theory of development

Matunhu states that in Africa, modernization implies applying European methods of production in various sectors. In agriculture, the modernization process involves enlightening farmers to plant new crops, apply the latest marketing techniques, use of hybrid seeds, applying the latest production techniques, use of greenhouses, use of insecticides, artificial fertilizers, tractors to replace conventional methods.

The article states that Modernization involves changes in which external aspects affect a person or the culture. In this scenario, the modernization of individuals has to give motivation, to adapt to the various economic and social changes taking place. Presented in another way, African development needs to take place after the deculturization of individuals.

Modernization theory has been critiqued as it does not take into consideration the poor individuals as the main focusin its suggestions to eradicate poverty. The following are the key critiques of African development as proposed by the modernization theory:

• Modernization is an underrepresentation perspective of social changes (Coetze et al., 2007: 101). People tend to go against change which presents uncertainty.
• Modernization argues that external influence, from European nations, determines which way the African continent takes for development.
• Modernization involves aid from developed nations which mostly gain access to Africa’s resources, therefore ending up to benefit even more than the African nations themselves.
• Modernization does not appreciate and recognize Africa’s creativity, therefore it ends up impoverishing the African continent.

The Dependency Theory

As indicated by Matunhu, the Colonialists aimed at exploiting and repatriating revenues generated in Africa to their countries. Africa got dominated by political and economic aspects up to date. Africa has dependedon both Europe and America. Today even the metropolitan areas within African nations are exploiting rural areas, due to the impact of dependency theory.

The theory has rendered Africa a place for old merchandise and excess labor and trade favors developed nations leading to more poverty.

The main critique of the dependency theory is that generally, Africa, particularly rural parts is seen as being the ones receiving substandard servicesfrom urban areas. E.g, Africa used to provide raw materials at low prices to Europe while buying high priced finished products from the same nations.

The African Renaissance Theory

Due to the failure of both dependency and modernization theories, another theory, the African renaissance was developed. It focuses on African norms and values. The theory is adaptable to change and creativity or innovations offered by the value system and social set up of an ordinary African.

The theory motivates Africans to undertake micro-level initiatives for poverty eradication. It focuses on restoring African values and norms. The critique for the theory is that ‘transformation’relies on the success of transforming values, institutions, behaviors, and technologies in line with the social and ecological realities in Africa.

Critical Evaluation

The author highlights the critiques of dependency and modernization theories in the African development context. By providing examples, the author successfully substantiated the critiques.

From the two theory scenarios, I completely agree when the author states that dependency and modernization theories did not succeed in assisting Africa to develop. The main reason is that basically, every endeavor from underdeveloped nations offer more advantages to developed nations (claiming to aid the underdeveloped). This occurs as the aid provided binds the underdeveloped nations to fulfill their part of the bargain by offering raw materials at poor prices or buying finished products at high prices.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the best alternative for African nations and other underdeveloped third world nations is to de-connect themselves from the world market. This means breaking ties with Europe and America and other developed nations. Thus, Africa’s initiative to develop the African renaissance theory as their way of developing their nations is a good example for other developing or underdeveloped nations to establish and develop their nations without necessarily relying on developed nations.