nep-afr New Economics Papers
on Africa
Issue of 2015‒05‒16
six papers chosen by
Sam Sarpong
The University of Mines and Technology

  1. Localizing Chinese Enterprises in Africa: from Myths to Policies By Barry Sautman; Hairong Yan
  2. Education and Fertility: Panel Evidence from sub-Saharan Africa By Carolyn Chisadza; Manoel Bittencourt
  3. Potential Impacts of Drought Tolerant Maize: New Evidence from Farm-trials in Eastern and Southern Africa By Kostandini, Genti; Abdoulaye, Tahirou; Erenstein, Olaf; Sonder, Kai; Gou, Zhe; Setimela, Peter; Menkir, Abebe
  4. A COMPARISON BETWEEN THE SEGREGATION POLICY AGAINST AFRICAN AMERICANS AND THE APARTHEID POLICY By Serdar Ornek
  5. Bumper Harvests a Curse or a Blessing for Zambia: Lessons from the 2014/15 Maize Marketing Season. By Chapoto, Antony; Chisanga, Brian; Kuteya, Auckland; Kabwe, Stephen
  6. THE PRINCIPLES OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT AND ENVIRONMENTAL CHALLEGES IN NIGERIA By SYLVESTER ADEJO OGBA; ELIJAH OJOCHONU OKPANACHI

  1. By: Barry Sautman (Division of Social Science, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology; Institute for Emerging Market Studies, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology); Hairong Yan (Department of Applied Social Sciences, Hong Kong Polytechnic University)
    Abstract: Prof. Barry Sautman, an HKUST IEMS Faculty Associate and political scientist at HKUST, discusses the myths about the extent of localization of Chinese enterprises in Africa. He also recommends how African governments can further encourage Chinese enterprises to further contribution to employment and development. Citing findings from his extensive field research throughout Africa, Prof. Sautman suggests that myths about Chinese firms' putative non-localization should be abjured and those propagated for political ends by anti-Chinese political forces should be counteracted, so that Africans can move on to reality-based job issues within the China/Africa relationship.
    Keywords: Chinese localization, Chinese enterprises abroad, African employment, China Africa relationship, China in Africa, Chinese investment, Chinese FDI, African loans, China, Africa
    JEL: O55 F34 F35 O19
    Date: 2015–02
    URL: http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hku:briefs:201505&r=afr
  2. By: Carolyn Chisadza (Department of Economics, University of Pretoria); Manoel Bittencourt (Department of Economics, University of Pretoria)
    Abstract: We study the effects of different levels of education on fertility in 48 sub-Saharan African countries between 1970 and 2010. The results, based on panel data analysis with fi?xed effects and instrumental variables, show how that lower education levels do not have a significant effect on people?s fertility decisions. However, the results from the higher education levels suggest otherwise. They are indicative of a region that is transitioning from the Malthusian epoch to a modern growth regime in which people substitute quantity for quality of children. Lower fertility implies less strain on public expenditure, higher human capital and higher productivity which can lead to sustained economic growth as witnessed in most developed regions today.
    Keywords: education, fertility, sub-Saharan Africa
    JEL: O55 J13 I25
    Date: 2015–05
    URL: http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:pre:wpaper:201526&r=afr
  3. By: Kostandini, Genti; Abdoulaye, Tahirou; Erenstein, Olaf; Sonder, Kai; Gou, Zhe; Setimela, Peter; Menkir, Abebe
    Abstract: We estimate the impact of drought tolerant maize varieties in 13 countries in sub-Saharan Africa using geo referenced farm-trial data from 49 locations in eastern and southern Africa. Planting dates were matched with rainfall data in order to generate better drought risk zones in each country. Maize drought tolerant varieties perform better than popular commercial maize varieties grown in sub-Saharan Africa. Estimates are in the range of $132-$353 million to producers and consumer accruing in the 13 countries during the 2017-2016 period. Analysis of risk based on higher moments of yield distribution points out that there are drought tolerant varieties that have the same level of risk but offer higher overall gains compared to popular commercial varieties.
    Keywords: Drought Tolerant Maize, Risk benefits, Higher Moments, Crop Production/Industries, International Development, Q11, Q16,
    Date: 2015–04
    URL: http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aesc15:204219&r=afr
  4. By: Serdar Ornek (Kocaeli University)
    Abstract: Segregation is a policy and practice of imposing the seperation of races. The segregation in America can be described as the endeavors of white Americans to keep African Americans in a subordinate status by denying the African American people’s equal access to public facilities (public schools, housing and/or industry) and also ensuring that blacks lived apart from whites.Apartheid is a system of racial segregation in South Africa enforced through legislation by the National Party governments from 1948 to 1994, under which the rights, associations, and movements of the black inhabitants were restricted.The fundamental difference between African Americans and Africans is the way they react to racism ans discrimination. They have also some differences in their culture, language and education system. Whereas they have similar hope, disappointment and disillusionment. In order to understand the deep relation between African Americans and Africans, the background of these two groups should be examined. The aim of this paper is to define the main points of the segregation and apartheid by making comparisons.
    Keywords: Segregation, Apartheid, Discrimination, African Americans, Africans
    URL: http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:sek:iacpro:1003206&r=afr
  5. By: Chapoto, Antony; Chisanga, Brian; Kuteya, Auckland; Kabwe, Stephen
    Abstract: The successive maize bumper harvests experienced by Zambia in recent years mean that the country has to find long lasting and sustainable ways to deal with persistent maize marketing challenges facing the smallholder farmers. The government has continued to struggle with the price-dilemma where they would like to keep the price of maize grain high for the maize producers, while at the same time try to maintain low mealie-meal prices for the consumers. In the process, the government has continued to alienate the private sector, which if promoted would help broaden the market for maize and save the national treasury millions of the Kwacha Rebased (K).
    Keywords: Marketing,
    Date: 2015–03
    URL: http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:midcwp:202881&r=afr
  6. By: SYLVESTER ADEJO OGBA (KOGI STATE UNIVERSITY,); ELIJAH OJOCHONU OKPANACHI (KOGI STATE UNIVERSITY)
    Abstract: The concept of sustainable development can be interpreted in different ways, but at its core is an approach to development that looks to balance different and often competing needs against an awareness of environmental, social and economic limitations in the society. Most often than not, development is driven by one particular need without fully considering the wider or future impacts. The effects of the damages this type of approach can cause should be the concern of all. When the World Commission on Environment and Development (1987) presented their report titled “our common future”, they sought to address the problems of conflicts between environment and development goals by formulating a concise approach to the understanding of the concept. The Postulation is that, both development and the environment, hitherto addressed as separate issues, could be managed in a mutually beneficial way. One implication of not doing so is environmental degradation resulting in climate change. However, the focus of sustainable development is more encompassing than just the environment; it is also about ensuring the strong, healthy and just society. This invariably involves meeting the diverse needs of all people in existing and future communities since we cannot afford to exploit our environment in such a way that would endanger our common future. The contemporary Nigerian society has not shown much effort in this regard. The period between 1989 when the Nigerian policy on sustainable development was formulated and today, has marked a period of intensive political, administrative and to a lesser extent, judicial actions against man’s activities that are delirious to the environment. The ambition of the federal government of Nigeria towards sustainable development after the Koko incidence of 1999 has been great, but her achievement remarkably small. The reason is simply and squarely due to lack of implementation of policies. This paper is basically an assessment of the challenges of sustainable development in Nigeria; the author warns that humans are transforming the planet in ways that could undermine any developmental gains. Hence, he suggests among other things that global principles of sustainable development drawn from the existing United Nations agreements be combined with some recommended proposals to achieve new sustainable developmental goals for Nigeria and other developing nations. The paper employs the philosophical tools of critical analysis and rational justification. It is also prescriptive in the sense that it recommends ways to achieve sustainable development.
    Keywords: Sustainable Development, Environment, Philosophy, Nigeria.
    JEL: A13
    URL: http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:sek:iacpro:1004054&r=afr

This nep-afr issue is ©2015 by Sam Sarpong. It is provided as is without any express or implied warranty. It may be freely redistributed in whole or in part for any purpose. If distributed in part, please include this notice.
General information on the NEP project can be found at http://nep.repec.org. For comments please write to the director of NEP, Marco Novarese at <director@nep.repec.org>. Put “NEP” in the subject, otherwise your mail may be rejected.
NEP’s infrastructure is sponsored by the School of Economics and Finance of Massey University in New Zealand.