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Empowering Approaches toward Sustainable Development in Africa

Empowering Approaches toward Sustainable Development in Africa. Rudy M. Bropleh Adjunct Professor (Economics), Shepherd University Lead Pastor, Asbury Church, Shepherdstown, WV The Africa Forum: Challenges and Hope Shepherd University March 29, 2008. Breaking Down the Key Concepts… .

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Empowering Approaches toward Sustainable Development in Africa

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  1. Empowering Approaches toward Sustainable Development in Africa Rudy M. Bropleh Adjunct Professor (Economics), Shepherd University Lead Pastor, Asbury Church, Shepherdstown, WV The Africa Forum: Challenges and Hope Shepherd University March 29, 2008

  2. Breaking Down the Key Concepts… • Empowering: To invest with power, especially legal power or official authority (American Heritage Dictionary). • To equip or supply with an ability; enable: "Computers ... empower students to become intellectual explorers"(Edward B. Fiske). • Sustainable Development: is meeting today's needs of development without compromising future generations' ability to develop (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sustainable_development). • Creating and/or improving people and possibilities over a long period of time. Rudy Bropleh...Empowering Approaches

  3. Tips for the OUTSIDER (Foreign Investor) Principle of Reciprocity Invest beyond your “plant” (community investment) Education & Healthcare are priority investments in almost every African country. a) healthy community productive labor force b) If education is expensive, then ignorance is unaffordable. The Business Backlash

  4. Hints for the INSIDER (Africans) Small Business is the bedrock of most economies. Businesses are not charities; they are ‘for profit’ entities that can do charitable things. Invite and Involve local views & voices when establishing business ventures. The Firestone Fiasco [Liberia] The Niger Delta Dilemma [Nigeria]

  5. Hints for the INSIDER (Africans)…contd. Local authority and autonomy are necessary to ensure responsible investing. Taylor’s Pepper Bush problem [Liberia] Constant monitoring of business is needed; and it’s best done by local authorities/people.

  6. Sustainability: How can we ensure that? Investments must be fair and balanced. Involve locals in the negotiating, monitoring, and evaluating phases of every investment initiative (for foreign & indigenous investors) Education and “balanced” public relations are crucial. Keep folks aware by presenting your side of the story—being proactive and not merely reactive. Current and future investments should prioritize private sector expansion. a) The multiplier effect

  7. Danger of the DOWN STREAM mentality Where would you rather be…Up Stream or Down Stream?

  8. And So What? Take Action! Get involved employing an approach that is both empowering & sustainable. Have expectations for a healthy return on your investment. Be considerate, compassionate, and creative. Insist on community involvement (from the onset) with your local investment. Get a grip of the GOLDEN RULE.

  9. Educational Exit…Remember these things

  10. Bottom Line Basics (for positive involvement with people) Look Listen Learn Take Action using effective strategies and best practices. [Find Cure for Cobwebs]

  11. The End ??? Contact: rbropleh@shepherd.edu

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