TOPIC: Global
Development
READING ASSIGNMENTS POSTED ON BLACK BOARD!!
(Part 1)Harrison, pages 65-66 (BB), (Part 2) http://www.globalization101.
BLOG ASSIGNMENT:
Part 1. Describe the problems facing Africans. What are some sustainable solutions to these problems? Read page 65 - starting with the paragraph "Everywhere in Africa..." through the first paragraph of page 66
READING ASSIGNMENTS POSTED ON BLACK BOARD!!
(Part 1)Harrison, pages 65-66 (BB), (Part 2) http://www.globalization101.
BLOG ASSIGNMENT:
Part 1. Describe the problems facing Africans. What are some sustainable solutions to these problems? Read page 65 - starting with the paragraph "Everywhere in Africa..." through the first paragraph of page 66
Part 2: It is impossible to address sustainability throughout the world
without running into Globalization.
Read the definition of globalization here:
http://www.globalization101.
Read the definition of globalization here:
http://www.globalization101.
3. Examine and explain the pros and cons of globalization. The most simple
solution would seem to be for wealthier countries to intervene and help with
environmental degradation, but where is the line between saving the earth and
saving culture? Read pages 278-295 from the Lexus and the Olive Tree
"Demolition Man" *These selections are saved in three seperate sections- pay
attention to page numbers
The African farmers are facing several problems. One of these is the soil quality. Due to the lack of extra land, the same land is used for farming over and over, reducing soil quality. Also, desertification is a major issue. The expansion of the Sahara Desert and semiarid Sahel region have further reduced the productivity of the land. Sustainable solutions to this include crop rotation and using different plots of land.
ReplyDeleteGlobalization is the process of interaction between countries in order to promote international trade, investment, and higher technology. There are several pros to this. This can help undeveloped countries “catch-up” to developing and developed countries. These undeveloped countries will be able to use the ideas of countries that have been developed. Globalization also increases the variety of products available to the consumer. Instead of a few local products, products from all around the world are available. Globalization also has some negative effects. It gives competition to local farms and businesses, as products from other places are available. It also has negative environmental effects, as people and products will have to move around the world frequently. Additionally, it increases industrialization, which will also negatively impact the environment.
I feel that there is not a clear line between “saving the earth” and “saving culture.” No matter what the actions that take place are, something will have to suffer negative impacts. If wealthier countries “help” poorer countries, the environment might suffer. If they do not offer help, the people and land of the poorer countries will suffer. I feel that the best solution would be to find a good balance between these two objectives.
I have seen first hand how certain development or publich health initiatives that take place in a extremley impoverished, under-developed nation have caused cultural strife (such as HIV prevention) as well as displacement of people. Its like a catch 22- one program that helps one specific issue (or two) can often have negative ramifications that were not often even considered.
ReplyDeleteSome problems facing Africans are droughts and inability of the soil being able to support crop growth. In Africa because the population is growing, the farmers are returning to the same patches of land time and time again to cultivate crops. They are not giving the soil enough time to replenish its nutrients therefore the growth is not of substance. They could solve this by plowing the soil, which would turn nutrients over making it easier and more fruitful growth. For drought issues there are not many things that can be done other than the tapping of the older wells. With this tapping, an entire water supply would be opened up.
ReplyDeleteProponents of globalization argue that it allows poor countries and their citizens to develop economically and raise their standards of living, while those who oppose globalization say that it created an unfettered international free market that has benefited multinational corporations in the Western world at the expense of local enterprises, local cultures, and common people.
I believe There is a thin line between saving the earth and saving the culture. If the wealthier countries help the poor ones then it seems as if they are a charity case, and also puts a strain on the wealthier countries, as most likely they have issues of their own to deal with too. If the poor countries accept the help then they seem desperate and will forever be in debt to the wealthier countries. To make is seem like they are saving the world the wealthier country will publicize the aid a lot. This is common in the USA. Citizens and the government make campaigns to “save the ____” and it makes citizens feel empowered like they themselves are doing the saving. If you are more focused on saving the culture then you will preserve the areas that you invade with help instead of making them assimilate to the wealthier countrys’ culture.
Part 1: Some problems facing Africans today are those having to do with crop production. The amount of resting time between each harvest has shrunk, and soils are losing their nutrients. Africans are stuck in the habit of using farming methods for a scattered population when they should be employing those for a dense one. Another major problem they face today is that of water shortage. The main rivers in the Sahel become completely dry in the dry season, and women must walk up to fifteen miles to get to the nearest water source.
ReplyDeletePart 2: Globalization is a concept that has greatly benefited the world. Trade between different countries has enabled the exchange of crops and technology that enables people to communicate worldwide. One of the advantages of globalization is that poor countries are able to receive aid that enables them to raise their standard of living by ways of improving their economies. The main disadvantage is that large Western companies are given a way to dominate over the local customs of other countries. People fear that the indigenous cultures will be eliminated and diversity will decrease as powerful countries are given the means to take over the economic sector of a good part of the world. Issues arise when global investment is thrust upon a lesser developed country that simply does not have the resources to support a new, huge influx of people and corporations.
Part 3: As larger companies start to take over, care for the environment is pushed aside. This is a pressing issue that needs to be resolved, as many locals depend on the land to live. Those who want to protect the environment find themselves stuck in a cycle. When people such as loggers realize what they are doing, they often want to carry out their job in such a way that it damages the earth in the smallest way possible. However, when they run into financial crises, they are left little choice but to carry on with their job to meet their financial needs. The issue of jobs vs. environment arises as large companies take over and less human-labor jobs exist. In many places, it is often more profitable to exploit the land rather than to try and protect it. As modern times become more homogenous, people in smaller, less developed countries find it hard to resist adapting to Western cultures. Many see that as the new, hip thing to do and are set on changing their ways to those of Americans. Culture is disappearing rapidly, and more attention must be paid to preserving the natural environment and original culture if these countries have any hope of continuing their traditions.
1. Africans, as described in the readings, are facing many severe environmental challenges. Some of the worst challenges faced by Africans include drought/lack of access to drinking water, overpopulation/continued high population growth, and soil which is quickly losing its ability to support crops due to poor farming methods and overuse. The two sustainable solutions to Africa’s environmental challenges which I would implement would be to first use long term planning to better manage resources such as farm lands, rivers, and water tables; following the better planning for resource use I would then go to the root of the problems and encourage a decrease in population growth by providing greater access to contraceptives and better family planning education for local residents.
ReplyDelete2. I think it is impossible to address sustainability throughout the world without running into globalization. I think this is impossible because globalization is the driving force behind most of the global economy and the economy/money has an impact on everything else, including sustainability efforts. I think globalization and its continued effects will be a defining issue of the 21st century.
3. Some of the pros of globalization are that it brings the people and nations of the world closer together, it brings economic opportunities to areas which hadn’t been exposed to it in the past, and it allows for innovation and progress to move much faster than in the past since it can be conducted on a global stage. Some of the cons of globalization are that individual nations/communities lose their unique cultures as we move towards a more homogenous global culture, some areas are hurt by the changing global economics while others are favored, and problems which arise in one country or region are no longer isolated to that region yet they impact the rest of the world. I think the world isn’t really sure where the line is on culture vs. the environment at this point but my guess is that as the situations continue to arise it will likely be a case by case decision that will weigh the countless factors involved with each unique situation.
All developing countries, not just those in Africa, are facing similar issues to those described in the chapter. Overpopulation is rampant because many cultures value large families as a form of security and affluence. High infant mortality rates also encourages families to have more children because they fear how many will not survive into adulthood. The unsustainable population spirals into all the other problems that are described. With more people, aquifers and fresh water resources are being drained more quickly or being contaminated because of salinization or poor sanitation conditions. Having more mouths to feed also depletes the soil because no one can afford to leave field fallow or use the technologies that would be more beneficial to the earth. The most practical way of dealing with these problems is adopting appropriate forms of modernization and NOT western forms necessarily. Western forms are inappropriate for these areas because the population is ill-equipped to handle such large scale industry. Unfortunately, these countries idolize the west and try to do so anyway. Finding the balance between a cultural imperialism and modernization is something that I frankly have no answer for, and i dont think anyone truly does. it is an issue that will haunt the coming generations as long as the earth continues its downward spiral.
ReplyDeleteGlobalization benefits countries by raising overall standard of living and diversifying the global market. Countires with the comparative advantage to produce certain goods can do so and use their resources more efficiently instead of producing what someone else can produce better. Globalization however also destroys cultures and environments. Cheerleaders of globalization insist that technology in the coming years will be our saving grace in solving our environmental woes.
DeleteOne of the problems facing many African farmers is that they do not possess the modern technology needed for food production that could potentially ease the labor required. Many rural farmers in Africa are trying to provide for way more people than their conventional agricultural methods can allow, only fueling the problem of poverty. Another problem facing Africans is the shortage of water in certain parts of the continent. In the area called Sahel, the rivers are significantly diminished during the dry season causing village women to travel great distances for water. Also, soil degradation in this area is another critical issue because it is instigating the expansion of the Sahara Desert. Globalization has contributed to the rapid modernization of many remote locations, and this has benefits as well as negative effects on a global scale. A few primary benefits of this process include the idea of international integration as well as the concept of fair trade. Allowing poorer countries access to a competitive global market, helps raise their standards of living; and access to aid if necessary. On the contrary, globalization has multiple unintended consequences that make critics analyze it just a little closer. There are many environmental issues associated with globalization and these problems are not being resolved quickly at all. Also, globalization can negatively impact local economies by offering too much competition for smaller businesses. Although one cannot be certain about whether globalization is the best option for humanity, it is our obligation to try and reduce energy use, regardless of how integrated the world is becoming. I feel the best thing we can do for humanity is to treasure our habitat (Earth) and promote sustainable practices to brighten everyone’s future. There is definitely a line between saving the earth and saving culture; Wealthy nations should emphasize that idea that without respect for our planet, we may not have a safe place to live anymore. Granted culture is very important, it can be rebuilt whereas the environment would not be as feasible.
ReplyDeletePart 1: Africans are still using the old ways of farming which causes their soil plots to become useless. They do not plow or fertilize the soil. They need to use the new way of farming, plowing and fertilizing the soil, because plowing the soil turns over deep layers and allows that plot of land to be used more. Water shortage is another problem that Africans face. Water is scarce in most villages, and the women are the ones to fetch the water. They sometimes have to walk up to five miles to and from a well to retrieve water, and this task is something that has to be done every day.
ReplyDeleteGlobalization is defined as an interaction between the governments of different nations, companies, and people. It is driven by trade and investments. It’s assisted by information technology. Globalization has an effect on culture, political systems, the well-being of humans, and economic development. A con of globalization is the Western companies dominate over the less advanced countries. The companies take away a since of pride and culture from the countries. Some say that the good part of globalization is it allows poor countries to raise their standard of living and develop economically. I think that there is a thin line between saving culture and saving earth. Either way one or the other is going to face some kind of negative consequence and there is no balance between the two.
Hallie, I really like that you said there is no way to find a balance between globalization and culture. I think this is a very true statement. Many people who are thinking mostly about the economic aspects may have good motives in trying to help another country raise their standard of living, but in doing so they may sacrifice the rich culture that is present. In order to decide whether globalization is right or wrong one must decide which values they stand for more. If they want to protect culture they may not be able to save lives and if they want to feed the nation they may have to damage some culture along the way. Great perspective on this complicated issue.
DeleteAfrica is having problems feeding its population. They are trying to support a dense population in ways that are best used for a scattered one. They don’t have the right technology to adequately farm and get the best possible results from their soil and they are using old methods without ploughs and fertilizers, thus practicing settled agriculture with the technology of shifting cultivation. There’s also the problem of not having enough water because the rivers dry up during the hot seasons. The average distance one must walk for water is 5 miles. Technology is thus being utilized by more developed countries to help solve this problem and delve into deeper natural wells. But soon, even those reserves will be gone. It is therefore impossible to address sustainability without running into environmentally destructive globalization. The pros of globalization are increased investments and international trade, allowing poor countries to develop economically and therefore raise living standards. The cons of globalization are that it mainly benefits multinational corporations in the western world who take advantage of less developed countries by getting cheap labor and homogenizing the culture. Globalization wipes out cultural and ecological diversity. It’s also extremely difficult to be an environmentalist in a growing economy. I don’t think there’s a line between saving the earth and preserving culture, but rather, I think the two go hand in hand. If we weren’t so focused on globalizing every other country, their unique culture wouldn’t be threatened, nor would so much energy be required to live up to the standards of globalization. In the end, the two work together.
ReplyDeleteAfricans have been facing many problems for centuries. A few they face in recent years take place in Upper Volta. Minimal restoration of soil fertility, farmers are aggravating overly abused soil, and farmers are using the same old fertilizing techniques that were past down for generations. These problems only fall back onto the farmers’ community in ways of feeding and tending to their families properly. I feel that an educated farmer within their culture should be forced to be taught new methods in which they can uncover richer soil for planting such as a newer plowing system that will not only benefit the farmers but the community as a whole. The drought that affects the three main rivers in Upper Volta is one of their biggest concerns because of their water supply. By having this drought take place, the women of the town must walk five, ten, or even fifteen miles just to find a simple water source to supply for their family. Not only is the distance far by the journey is agonizing because of the long hours in the day. Something must be done such as a simple irrigation system or well supply to produce a closer source of water supply for this community that is in dire need from their diseased and starving children.
ReplyDeleteGlobalization is a process of interaction and integration among specific people, companies and governments of various nations around the world. There are many pros and cons when discussing the use of globalization and should it be allowed. Expanding culture is one of the biggest arguments one can make of why practicing globalization is beneficial. Not only will other nations practice some of the same customs that you practice and share some of the same interests through food but it helps each other extremely to interact and feel more “at home” in another nation. Losing traditions passed down cultures and losing non-man made creations are all reasons why some are against globalization. One might think that if globalization takes over a country then it will never be the same of what it once was I terms of losing mountains that cannot grow back as well as preserved forests that can lose vital trees and plants. By sharing numerous forms of technology is one thing that could benefit countries and only help them grow in terms of communication. Throwing fast food restaurants in countries that don’t belong only hurts their rich customs and has a nation starting to spread something that they will not be able to control or clean up in the future easily.
1. One of the worst problems in my eyes that the Africans face is the water shortage. Droughts worsen this issue and with a population that is too high to be able to support itself, there is never even nearly enough water nearby. Another thing is that the way Africans produce food is by farming and because of this a lot of the land has been over cultivated so the soil is not suitable for growing crops in. I think a solution to this is for other countries to help get Africa started off in a good direction by providing methods to reduce further population growth and by incorporating Africa in global food trade, it increase the development of the continent.
ReplyDelete2. I think it is almost a necessity to address global sustainability through globalization. If there is trade between the more developed and less developed, it can increase the standard of living in the less developed. Also, with globalization the more developed countries can set an example for a basis on which the lesser developed can refer to while trying to develop themselves.
3. I think that the less fortunate need help from others, there is no doubt in my mind about this but I believe that these countries should establish their own cultural line that others should not impede on. Each culture is different so it is hard to draw one line. I would think that the religion aspects are the most important to preserve. However, I also personally feel that other countries intervening should be about humanity and the living standards. Those are the issues that need to be solved first. Once the population has an increase of lifestyle standards then I feel the focus can shift to sustainable development.
Part 1: African's face the issues of having the bare minimums needed to survive. For example many are unable to have clean drinking water from day to day. The water that is available is often times not safe to drink. This causes health issues for the Africans. There is also a shortage of food. The practices in place are not sustainable for the soil and the environment. The living standards have become extremely low. Many of the governments have become so corrupt that they are unable to intervene. Having a globalized food trade would help the African's to reach a decent standard of living and be able to begin to live more sustainably.
ReplyDeletePart 2: The system of globalization would provide sustainability to many countries. This would provide different areas with specified jobs. For example, many countries are unable to grow food because of the climate, however they could trade goods for food. This better utilizes their time while providing the necessities to live. It would increase the standard of living and help to inform the up and coming countries of sustainable ways to go through an industrial revolution.
Part 3: I think that countries should be careful not to become too westernized. The different cultures from around the world help to enhance the living experience of all. I think that all aspects of a culture should be preserved, however this is unrealistic because of the help that is needed by these countries. This brings in our need to help. As one of the wealthier countries the United States should be more responsible for the welfare of others. However, they must allow the countries to keep their culture which is nearly impossible.
Some of the problems facing Africans are drought, poor soil quality, and a rapidly growing population. There are also food shortages and a lot of people dont have access to clean drinking water.All these conditions have caused a lot of health problems and disease for the people of Africa. Having globalized food trade, and investment in African technology, some of these conditions might be able to improve.I dont think it is possible to achieve global sustainability without globalization, because globalization unites the world. Some benefits of globalization are trade, benefits, and techonology. Globalization can help struggling nations get on their feet and succeed with help from other countries.Globalization also give the world access to a wider variety of products. Some negatives include industralization, competition for local businesses, and negtive environmental effects. I think that nations should be responsible for helping others that are less fortunate to succeed, but it should not impede on their cultural values . Nations do need to practice some sovereignty and hold their individual characteristics as precious.
ReplyDeleteI believe all the benefits of globalization you listed are true; however, you missed some big negative effects. Globalization can destroy individual culture and force others to give up their religions to become more 'westernized'. It is true that there is no way to say whether globalization is mostly beneficial or mostly harmful - it comes out to be more like a Catch-22 situation. I really like that you said nations should "hold their individual characteristics as precious" because cultural diversity is what makes our world more beautiful and it is ignorant to say that our culture is superior and right over any other culture.
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