ABSTRACT
More than two decades have passed since most of the colonies in Sub-Saharan Africa achieved their independence. During this period these young states have undergone rapid change. Accelerated population growth, coupled with increasing urbanization; the expansion and densification of physical infrastructures; improved communication; a growing number of industries in the fields of import-substitution, food processing and export valorization; rising levels of health and education; and further penetration of the money and market economy into the rural areas – these are some of the important changes that have taken place. In other words, a series of phenomena which have often been mentioned as factors favourable for agricultural development. Yet, the growth and diversification of most national economies have left much to be desired. Until now no fundamental transformation of the inherited political economy has been brought about that might open for the countries of the subcontinent the way to self-propelled and self-sustained development. On the contrary, problems have increased to such an extent that it is common nowadays to speak of the crisis of Africa.
