The paradox of African poverty: The role of indigenous knowledge, traditional practices and local institutions - the case of Ethiopia

Abstract

This study challenges the prevailing pessimistic view concerning Africa's future performance. It argues that the current situation can be reversed by attacking the root causes of poverty provided these have been properly understood. Two major schools of though on the causes of African poverty are discussed. The first holds slave trade, colonialism and neo-colonialism responsible. The second argues that Africa's poverty would have been inevitable even if the continent has been spared these historical processes. Both schools have a contribution to make towards explaining Africa's poverty. However, this study holds that the cause lies partly, but significantly, in the neglect of its indigenous knowledge, traditional practices and local institutions, brought about either by external factors or set in motion by indigenous forces. Ethiopia - a country that has largely been spared the colonial experience is taken as an example of the latter case. Ethiopia's dismal economic performance...