technology transfer to senegal essays

technology transfer to senegal essays Senegal, the former capital of French West Africa, is located on the westernmost point of Africa. This country is considered to be one of the worlds least developed countries due to a low gross domestic product (GDP) and a high population growth. Senegal is ruled under a republic with a strong presidency, weak legislature, reasonably independent judiciary and multiple political parties. The main political party, the Socialist party, promotes a moderate form of socialism based on traditional African concepts, but increasingly has sought to encourage private enterprise. The economy in Senegal is mainly agricultural. The principal source of income, for about 60% of Senegals population, is from agricultural products. Senegals population growth was 2.7% and GDP per capita was $532 in 1999. Also, the country has currently accumulated an external debt of approximately $3.1 billion. For Senegal to maintain its stability and move towards democracy, it must be able to sustain economic growth. While economic growth has been positive the past three years it is not yet strong enough... to have a substantial impact on per capita incomes. The country must find different and efficient ways of creating additional employment and high er incomes to boost the stagnant economy. A current problem that Senegal faces is a fuelwood crisis. Fuelwood and charcoal fulfill 57% of Senegals energy need. They are the main source of heating and cooking in homes. About 40% of their income goes towards purchasing fuelwood. A high demand for these natural resources creates environmental problems such as deforestation and erosion. When sources of fuelwood are low, the people resort to burning dried animal dung and crop residues. These resources, which should be used as fertilizer, are being misused. When this occurs, the land becomes degraded and cropland productivity is reduce ...