Development of African Canals and Inland Waterways as Solution to the Current Economic Problems in Somalia
For many years, the Southern part of Somalia has been one of the world’s poorest countries, which suffers from extreme malnutrition problem and lack of proper infrastructure. After ten years of civil war, the economic condition of Somalia has not been improved. The well being, as well as the economic conditions of the Somali communities are deteriorating; many Somali families do not have their own decent shelter, as well as many adults and children are becoming sickly and under malnourished due to excessive food shortage problem. Similarly, many children and women are being deprived of formal education, because of the worst condition in the region. The population greatly depends on the weather conditions and on the assistance extended to them by the African government and other international organizations. Approximately, 43 % of Somalia’s population lives under the poverty line. And, the prevalence of poverty is most likely in the rural areas. Poverty is the major cause of many deaths in the region.
(http://finance.mapsofworld.com/economy/somalia/poverty.html)
However, the poor economic condition of Somalia will be alleviated, if the government may think of the appropriate solutions to the problems. Africa’s canals and inland waterways may help the country to resolve most of its current problems through a better infrastructural planning and implementing of modern effective approaches and technological strategies on how to utilize the African’s canal and inland waterways to the maximum level. Furthermore, the Africa’s fisheries play a vital role in trading, economic development and food security of the entire continent. Obviously, the maritime and inland waterways are very important factors in the livelihood of more than 700 million Africans. In the same manner, member states, regions and the entire African continent should work hand in hand for the further need to find ways and means on how to fund the huge requirements to invest in their canals and inland waterways for their future alternative food resources. Therefore, the African government must exert its best effort to allocate financial resources and major influence to fund its maritime security, in order to provide alternative solution to the present economic problem in the country. In addition, due to lack of resources and comprehensive African-owned maritime security strategy; Africa is forced to outsource its many aspects of maritime security to international organizations; just in order to provide for its needs. In the contrary, there are some littoral and island states that already begun the process of investigating and developing national maritime strategies to protect their maritime assets. With all these in mind, the creation of a collaborative maritime security structural design, may definitely allow the opening of free trade in African continent, as long as there is a safe and secure trading setting in the area. All illegal acts, piracy, smuggling and illicit trade must be given a harsh ordinance that must absolutely prosecute those concerned groups of individuals. This kind of strategy will eliminate those transnational crimes, and paved the way for safe navigation of legal trading and shipping around the continent.
(http://www.thebrenthurstfoundation.org/Files/Brenthurst_Commisioned_Reports/BD1003_Maritime-Development-in-Africa.pdf)
Moreover, enhancing maritime security will certainly put Africa to the pedestal, as the larger stakeholder in the global economy. But, this vision has been hindered by many factors such as financial inefficiency, corruption, crimes, mismanagement and incompetence leaders. Despite the apparent criticism, African states are aware that having their own maritime security is the major key to release their many people from severe poverty. They know for a fact, that there are many Africans will get jobs as soon as they will have their own legal maritime security zone. As a result, the African Maritime Transport Charter, that recognized the importance of the Africa’s canals, seas and waterways; has been doing its utmost efforts to achieve of finding appropriate solutions to the Africa’s economic problems. In the same way, the impeding development of the maritime transport sector and other related challenges. In spite of many problems and challenges that the AMTC is facing nowadays, they are very optimistic that fifteen years from now, this vision will come to reality then. By that time, there will be great numbers of role players and leaders that can truly help in the complete development of the African maritime industry; at the same time will facilitate in the integration of the safety and security of African maritime transport. This structural proposal will ensure a successful management of maritime affairs. And, eventually lead to economic prosperity for its country; but most especially for the Africans. Lastly, a comprehensive and holistic approach is needed in order to come up with a coherent policy framework that will contribute to the most advantageous results to the entire African continent.
(http://www.thebrenthurstfoundation.org/Files/Brenthurst_Commisioned_Reports/BD1003_Maritime-Development-in-Africa.pdf)
References:
(http://finance.mapsofworld.com/economy/somalia/poverty.html)
(http://www.thebrenthurstfoundation.org/Files/Brenthurst_Commisioned_Reports/BD1003_Maritime-Development-in-Africa.pdf)
Credit:ivythesis.typepad.com
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