Political Science

Approaches to improve quality of life in poor nations
Third world countries are mired in abject poverty, hunger, disease and gross abuse of human rights. History has witnessed a break down of social order in lawless Somalia, human sufferance in war torn Darfur and political instability in Eastern Congo. As Europe, America and the rest of the developed nations make progress in social and economic life, Africa, some parts of Asia and eastern Europe are overburdened with these vices. Floods in Asia, humanitarian crises and displacement of people in Africa have become frequent sources of news headlines all over the world. More often than not, these problems are a result of human action such as wars and poor leadership, or inaction in the cases of floods, disease and hunger. It is possible, then, that the situation can be reversed if appropriate measures are taken. The paper aims to explore possible ways through which development can be achieved in poor nations, and improve the quality of life in the next twenty-five years.
Objectives and goals
    To end poverty, hunger, disease and abuse of human rights in poor countries, there is need for stakeholders to
Initiate agricultural development to increase food production
Formulate international trade rules which enable poor countries to reduce foreign exchange deficits
Increase donor aid for development projects
Foster democracy in leadership to avoid election related violence
Fund research projects in medicine, science and technology to fight disease and open new opportunities
Reduce the effects of global warming in poor nations
Africa, particularly, is not considered to have undergone any major phase of historical development. Europe has been through the agricultural and industrial revolutions from as early as the 12th century. The problems of food crises were solved in Europe centuries ago. Africa has got a potential for food production that exceeds Europe by far it boasts the best climate and most fertile soils in the world. Yet, her people die of hunger each year, as millions depend on food donations. It is what Europe did many years ago that will enable poor nations to feed their people. There is need to revolutionize agricultural practices to meet the food demand of their populations. Agriculture should be mechanized to increase food production, and utilize otherwise huge junks of idle land. The jungles of Congo and Southern Sudan alone can feed millions of people currently wallowing in hunger. To this end, irrigation schemes should be initiated to avoid over-reliance on unpredictable rains. Egypt, it should be noted, is almost hundred percent bare rock and desert land. Yet, with the waters of the River Nile, she is able to produce enough food for her people. Just across the Suez Canal to the North is another stretch of dry land, which the Israelis have turned into green fields. Irrigation, therefore, will go a long way towards improving food security in poor nations.
    Trading patterns in the international market are tilted in favor of the rich nations. The third world mostly relies on agricultural produce, whose prices often fluctuate from time to time. In addition, they compare dismally with the machinery and electronics which they import. Consequently, they end up in debt after trading with rich countries. The long term effects of this scenario are that poor nations find themselves in a vicious circle of debts, to which they commit subsequent earnings. The situation is made complex by the fact that even if all their international debts were to be forgone, the pattern will repeat itself. If any meaningful solutions are to be effected, then there is an urgent necessity to balance trade relations. Perhaps the starting point is to liberate and democratize the market itself since the Cold War years, the international market has been polarized such that nations deal with only particular trade partners. Countries that leaned to communism still do much of their business dealings with the East, while capitalists look to the West. This trend has narrowed market choices, forcing nations to sell their good at throw away prices, since they cant get market elsewhere. The day American manufactured toys and clothes will find their place in the streets of Beijing and Pyongyang is yet to come. It is unfortunate, again, that efforts to liberalize the market are aimed to square out differences among the big players. In this regard, Obamas agenda in his recent visit to China is not about getting market for coffee from Africa, but more of getting General Motors a share of Chinas a billion pockets market. Developed nations should seek to open up for products from poor nations, by way of lifting tariffs and import duties.
So it is official poor nations live by the mercies of charitable projects. When non governmental organizations take out their begging bowls for food, it is easy to guess their destination. Every year, Amref, Red Cross and other humanitarian groups pitch tent in Africa to supply food and medicine to displaced families. After that, they sigh in anticipation of another outbreak of war, floods or famine. From the time they were formed, it seems these organizations have only been giving out food aids to hunger and war victims. There is an old saying that it is better to give a man a net than a fish, for then he will fish for himself. My point is this donor aid to poor nations should be directed towards funding projects that will lead to long term benefits. Thus, instead of waiting to ship tones of food when hunger hits, it would be better to donate farming equipment and offer technical assistance in farming methods. Self sustenance is the only way that will bring about long term changes. To this, all donor and humanitarian efforts ought to be directed. Teach the hands how to get the bread that they receive.
Poor leadership, it is very clear, is to a large extent the cause of economic stagnation in poor countries. Zimbabwe is wallowing in hunger because of one silly move by one man. Darfur is a theatre of massacres because of a racist regime. Kenya almost collapsed because a power hungry elite intent to hang on to leadership. Congo can not benefit from its diamond resources because of a power struggle. These and many other nations suffer because of a failed leadership. It is necessary, therefore, to use international forums like the UN to promote democratic leadership in such states. Until such measures are taken, the world will never again hear of a Somalia state. Governments control and regulate business practices, either discouraging or encouraging investments. In politically volatile regions like Somalia and southern Sudan, it is impossible to initiate development projects. As such, democracy is necessary to create a conducive environment for economical growth.
In conclusion, it is to be noted that most of these initiatives are to be triggered by the developed nations. The US, Britain, Germany and other big economies should extend help to poor nations as they cant make any progress on their own. Let them aid agricultural projects, create a balance in trade relations and promote democracy in the third world. Only then will long term development be achieved.