Loyalty was with family, village, and ethnic group rather
than distant government.
Economic divisions and ethnic conflict has led to civil
war in many areas of Africa.
Many ethnic groups have tried to secede or break away from countries.
Julius Nyerere in Tanzania would hold elections
where people could choose candidates from one single
party.
In many nations the military has had to take over in
order to create order.
The military will often use harsh measures to stay in
power.
Those countries that have had the greatest success are those
with stable governments.
The government would own and control major businesses
and other parts of the economy.
A major goal of African nations is to produce goods for
their own use and to reduce dependence on foreign imports.
Governments spend time on cash crop production
rather than individual food crops.
African nations are trying to promote the export of
their own products.
African traditions still encourage large families.
Resources are becoming depleted.