ABSTRACT
This chapter explains the basis for the rapidly evolving relationships among African natural resources, Arab petrofunds, and foreign technology and expertise: in other words, the rationale for triangular cooperation. The idea of triangular cooperation among African, Arab, and member countries of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development is based on several assumptions. The enormous resources of raw materials in sub-Saharan Africa were well known prior to, and in fact prompted, European colonization. Development assistance from the Organization of Arab Oil Producing and Exporting Countries could focus on increasing production of rice, sugar, maize, wheat, millet, and sorghum-all traditional subsistence crops. Africa needs capital, technology, and skilled manpower for economic development. Its development goals should take into account the felt needs of the people in the rural areas but should not neglect other productive sectors of the economy. The chapter also presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in this book.
