Nea Presidential Address,1990: Africa,The Development Challenge of the 1990s

Abstract

Much of Africa has been excluded from the considerable social and economic progress made in most regions of the world over the past several decades. Disheartening trends in Africa include budget and trade deficits, debt accumulation, inflation, overvalued currency and foreign exchange shortages. However, about half of African nations have courageously implemented structural adjustment programs since the early 1980s. The author examines the economic problems facing Africa and builds a case for responding to the crisis, proposing efforts to increase donor support and coordination and encouraging sustainable adjustment. She strongly advocates research leading to a more productive dialogue with policymakers.