The Crises of Development and Globalization in a Multicultural Context: The Challenge for Africa Examined in The Light of Wangari Maathai

Abstract

Africa’s quest for sustainable development has been marred by the crises of identity issues and relevance. Globalization in a multicultural context has never been Africa’s problem. Globalization has it negative side, but Africa must key into this heterogenous nature of globalization in order for Africa as a continent to move forward. Globalization has a positive role to play in Africa’s quest for development in terms of technological and information transfer from developed countries. No continent can operate in isolation politically, socially, culturally, scientifically, technologically and economically. The Globalized world needs what Wangari Maathai (2009) calls “the global partnership for development”. The development crises in Africa need to evolve by a viable alternative of indigenous development oriented ideology whereby the issues of ignorance, corruption, economic woes, ineffective leadership, and political instability in Africa are strictly tackled. Africa as a continent must be committed to solve her development crises through equitable distribution of human and natural resources. Africa must engage in technological development in order to meet up with the rest of the world. This paper appropriates and appreciates the deep logical and philosophical insight offered by Wangari Maathai (2009:274) who believes that “it is fundamental that Africa’s leaders create the conditions under which their peoples gain confidence, dignity, a sense of self worth-will the citizens themselves actively participating in this effort”.