The Impact of Colonialism on West Africa’s Economy

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The British influenced the Ghanaian’s on what and what not to produce. They discouraged them from producing anything aside from cocoa, palm oil, palm kernel and other crops to ensure that Ghanaians would be more dependent on the exchange economy and that they would have the cash and the desire to buy new goods. For example “they diverted their attention to the production of cocoa and other crops in the market, Ghanaian’s started to import cloth, pots, and containers, salt and sugar all which they had previously produced on their own.”[13] Africans were discouraged from producing anything that was within the colony, which might compete with imported consumer goods. As a result of controlling the market the European industrialization drove the colonial economies to produce commodities useful in an industrial economy. Hence, the demand for products in Europe was often not considered in the trade of African commodities. “If ivory and rubber prices rose, the reason for this is only partly raising European demand.”[14]This shows that the economic policies brought into Africa were often arbitrary and in favor of European states.

Colonial rule also produced a policy of direct rule, in which they seized control of the local economy from African rulers. Taking away this power made the traditional rulers become weaker because their power base was destroyed. The French colonist immediately absorbed the Africans into the institutional hierarchy of the French government and removed their traditionally rich culture.[15]Improving their production methods and overall internal development was completely disregarded. In fact, “once an African’s contributions were seen as advantageous to growth and the development of French economic and national status, some of them were actually removed from Africa to France.”[16] Thus, Africa was deprived of intelligent people who could of potentially provided the necessary human capital and strategies to develop West Africa internally. In addition “the state did not allow developments in industrial production, did not encourage diversification of Ghanaian agriculture, and did not encourage the development of higher crop.”[17] The Europeans destabilized the existing economic power structure and made Africans reliant upon Europeans.

Colonialism fully incorporated Africa into the world economic system; however Africans were unequal partners in international trade and economics. The African states were successful in providing major profits for the capitalist world. According to Adam Smith “when unequal exchange takes places, goods which are of equal value in terms of the labor-power which enters into them are not exchanged of equal prices.”[18] The real cost in terms of labor power, might be far more for one of the goods exchanged than for the other yet the price offered could be less. For example, because of monopoly control of trade, pricing agreements, and the foreign domination of Ghana, the price offered for the hundred loads od cocoa would have equaled the price which the Ghanaians paid for the twelve bolts of clothes.[19]Africa had far less of a chance to impact economic growth through trade because trade and economic structures that existed from colonial past do not provide a solid foundation for good economic progress. Thus, colonialism is responsible for the imbalance in trade and economic growth for Africa that still occurs today.

Prior to the partition of Africa, Africa produced a wide variety of consumer goods that were forced the demise of the African industry in order for Africa to be reliant on imported goods from Europe. The most significant negative impact of colonialism was monoculture/cash crop production. “Monoculture is not a natural agricultural technology; it developed as a requirements and machinations, extending into areas that were politically independent in name.”[20] Colonialism led to the advancement of Western world goals and objectives, which were not geared toward the African growth and development. For instance, in Ghana the concentration of cocoa production raised fears of famine in regions previously famous for yams and local foodstuff.[21]Many Africans were discouraged from continuing with food cultivation for the lack of financial incentive. The result of this was African’s selling the same commodities, consequently making difficult for internal trade in Africa still to this day.

Colonialism obstructed Western Africa’s development and economic processes. Prior to the bout of colonization, West Africa had a progressing economic structure, which included a good trading system and strong commerce. European colonizing powers succeeded in exploiting the continent and their natural progress. Colonialism has left a lasting impression on the continent of Africa. Europeans aim of colonialism was to lower prices of commodities in order to maximize economic development at the lowest price. They achieved this goal by enforcing an unequal exchange for the African commodities. IN result monoculture came to be and has become Africa’s present day economic struggle. Colonial powers failed to leave Africa with a solid infrastructure that the independent nations could build on. Thus, the impact of colonialism on West Africa was significant and detrimental to their economic development.

References

Jarret, Alfred. The Under-Development of Africa . Boston: University Press of America , 1996.

Howard, Rhoda . Colonialism and Underdevelopment In Ghana . London: Croom Helm, 1978.

Guyer , David . Ghana and the Ivory Coast . New York: Exposition Press,

Hoepli, Nancy. Aftermath of Colonialism . New york: the h.w wilson company,

Turner , Victor . Colonialism in Africa 1870-1960. New York: Cambridge , 1971 .

Races, Alien . A History of Colonization Of Africa . New York: Cambridge , 1899.

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