The Economical Environment of Senegal

The Economical Environment of Senegal Capital: Dakar Official language: French Area : 196,723 kmsq. Population: 13,711,597 (2009) approx Currency : CFA franc Prime minister: Souleymane Ndiaye President: Abdouyale Wade The area that today is Senegal once was part of the West African Empire of Mali, Ghana, and Tekrur. The country takes its name from the river that runs along its northern and eastern borders, forming the frontier with Mauritania and Mali. A poetic etymology from the Wolof people states that the name derives from the local term  Sunugal,  meaning our dugout canoe (everyone is in the same boat). The Republic of Senegal became independent in 1960 after three centuries of  French colonial rule. Dakar, the capital since independence in 1960, lies on the Cap Vert peninsula, the most westerly point in Africa. Before independence, Dakar was the capital of French West Africa , which included nine French-speaking West African states. Although predominantly Muslim, Senegal is a tolerant secular state, whose peoples have lived together peacefully for several generations and have intermingled to some extent. Islam is a potential unifying factor. Wolof is the national language. Independent f rom France in 1960, Senegal joined with The Gambia to form the nominal confederation of Senegambia in 1982. However, the envisaged integration of the two countries was never carried out, and the union was dissolved in 1989. Despite peace talks, a southern separatist group sporadically has clashed with government forces since 1982. Senegal has a long history of participating in international peacekeeping. PESTEL ANALYSIS OF SENEGAL Political environment affecting Senegal These are how and to what degree a government intervenes in the economy. Specifically, political factors include areas such as tax policy, labor law, environmental law, trade restrictions, tariffs, and political stability. It will further depict how political factors shape the labor after Senegal in market evolution in Senegal after evolution 1945? Its by Pointing out the political factors as a key element in the evolution of the labor market since 1945. The change in the labor market is been mainly shaped by political factors as illustrated by four cases: The Union franchise : 1946 to 1956 The loi-cadre :1956 to 1960 The early post independence State policy: 1960 to 1980 The post independance State policy at the adjustment structural era: 1980 to 2000 The union franchise: 1946 to 1956 This policy which affects the political factors of Senegal consists of 2 key issues- The assimilations constitution adopted in 1946. The extension of the investment policy through the adoption of the FIDES (Funds investment development economy society) The loi-cadre : 1956 to 1960 A metropolitan France response to the growing favor for decolonization in the international community. It introduced the breakdown of the French west federation and the drastic reduction of industrial investment. The major consequence was the loss of major markets i.e. guinea, Soudan and ivory coast and the increasing obsolescene of production facilities. The post independance State policy at the adjustment structural era: 1980 to 2000 The economic crisis that began in 1968, , as well as the effects of rapid population growth and accelerated urbanization deeply compounded the problem of an oversupply of unemployed and underemployed workers. The adoption of structural adjustment policies led to the withdrawl of the state from the labor market in 1980. Thus we conclude that the change in the labor market was determined by political factors as well as economic factors. Economic environment affecting Senegal- It includes economic growth, interest rates, exchange rates and the inflation rate. Economic factors includes addressing the basic problems encountered by Senegals economy: lack of diversified output, the inefficiency of investments, the role of state in economic activity, and the excessive expansion of domestic consumer demand. These problems have been partly addressed by programs focusing on food self-sufficiency, fishing, and tourism, and by strengthening high-return activities. Projects such as the Manantali irrigation project, the phosphate-to-fertilizer recovery project, and the trawler modernization program are examples of what Senegal is doing within this policy framework. In the area of manufacturing, capacity utilization improvement, equipment modernization, and low-capital production are emphasized. Since 1994, the government has made progress in privatizing state-owned enterprises, reducing labor costs to improve competitiveness in the manufacturing sector, and liberalizing trade by eliminating export subsidies and removing restrictions on certain strate gic imports. Private economic revenues accounted for roughly 82% of gross domestic product (GDP) in 1999, but trade liberalization had not progressed as much as planned. Social environment- It includes the cultural aspects and includes health consciousness, population growth rate, age distribution, career attitudes and emphasis on safety. The key issue is safe operation of the equipments. It also consists of 1) Symbol stratification: The society historically which was organized into a hierarchy of castes, a rigid structure in which descendants of royal lines and nobles ruled over artisan castes and slaves. After independence, a new set of status criteria emerged. New means for achieving wealth, power, and status were introduced through the market economy and the development of the education system. 2) Symbol of social stratification- During the colonial era, nearly all the profits generated by the largest firms went to foreigners and the local nobility. The nationalization programs led by the government after independence favored a small number of citizens who entered into a new competition for status and power. 3) Social Welfare and change programs: Poor economic management has led to the intervention of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank in State programs and policies. Two decades of structural adjustment programs have reduced government spending in all public sector activities, including social services. Urban and rural dwellers have adopted creative survival strategies, that have helped them cope with difficult times. 4) Infant rate- People value children greatly. A child is seen as neighborhood property, and so child care responsibilities are shared.  Abandonment of infants is rare, and the strength of family bonds limits the need for institutional care of orphans. 5) Child rearing and education: By the time a child is five or six years of age, he or she is taught good values and etiquette. A child should greet elders, help parents with household chores, avoid foul language, and listen to the wisdom of elders. In their early years, boys and girls play together. As they grow older, gender roles become more sharply defined, with the girls remaining more with their mothers to learn household chores. TECHNOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENT: It includes technological aspects such as RD activity, automation, technology incentives and the rate of technological change. They can determine barriers to entry, minimum efficient production level and influence outsourcing decisions. Furthermore, technological shifts can affect costs, quality and leads to innovation. The African Regional Center for Technology, with 30 member states, has its headquarters in Dakar. Most research facilities in Senegal deal with agricultural subjects. Dakar has centers for mining and medical research and a research institute on African food and nutrition problems. An institute of research for oils and oilseeds is at Bambey. The Senegalese Institute of Agricultural Research, with headquarters at Dakar, operates a national center of agronomical research at Bambey, a national laboratory of livestock and veterinary research at Dakar, an oceanographic center at Dakar, and numerous other technical facilities throughout the country. The University Cheikh Anta Diop at Dakar, founded in 1949, has faculties of medicine and pharmacy and of sciences, and research institutes in psychopathology, leprosy, pediatrics, renewable energy, applied tropical medicine, applied mathematics, health and development, environmental science, adontology and stomatology, applied nuclear technology, and the teaching of mathematics, physics, and technology. The University of Saint Louis has an applied mathematics unit. Other facilities for scientific training include a polytechnic school; an international school of sciences and veterinary medicine, representing 13 French-speaking countries, at Dakar; and an institute of nutritional technology at Dakar. In 1987-97, science and engineering students accounted for 21% of college and university enrollments. In the same period, four technicians and three scientists and engineers per million people were engaged in research and development. ECOLOGICAL/ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS- Cultures are quite diverse in moral teachings or beliefs and vary in many ecological aspects like climate, geography, population size, and social organization. The Wolof culture is an African tribe located between the northwestern areas of the Senegal and Gambia rivers. This entire area has a tropical climate and a flat landscape. The climate is usually dry and the Wolof people generally depend on wells for their water needs besides agriculture. The Wolof people are a dominant group in Senegal. The majority of the Wolof is Muslim and is very religious. They are rural villagers and each village may consist of anywhere from 50 to 150 people. Although French is the main language spoken in Senegal, the Wolof language is quite popular. The division of labor is based on social status and gender. The Wolof recognizes the patrilineage descent among villages. The Wolof organizational structure is characterized by bilateral descent. The Wolof group is ideal to study because they represent a hi gh percentage of Senegals population and there are a lot of documented sources on their culture. Identifying moral prohibitions and taboos concerning the Wolof culture is pertinent in understanding ecological and social factors and moral prohibitions by using the eHRAF database. LEGAL ENVIRONMENT- There are various legal factors which affect the environment of the country. The various laws which are being updated in wide range of areas example consumer protection legislation, environment legislation,Health, safety and employment laws etc. corruption has also been the vital factors which affects the legal environment of the country. There are a number of factors that facilitate non transparent and corrupt governance practices in Senegal. These include: Lack of sufficient regard for the law and inadequate application of existing laws The politicization of the State bureaucracy and its inability to effectively deliver basic public services. Weak accountability mechanisms Limited transparency and access to governmental information Resistance to decentralization The limited scope and capacity of civil society organizations involved in anticorruption activities Widespread public tolerance and acceptance of corruption based on cultural and social norms and traditions. Based on an analysis of Senegals political, institutional, legal and cultural context, it identifies four major, overarching problems that need to be addressed to significantly improve governance and reduce corrupt behavior: Inadequate checks on executive decision-making resulting from the pattern of extreme concentration of power in the presidency. The lack of transparency in government operations and lack of autonomy of control and regulatory institutions charged with monitoring public expenditures. Lack of service orientation in delivery of services to the public Inadequate and ineffective public opposition to corruption. COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE USING THE PORTERS DIAMOND Michael porters competitive advantage of nations will be used as the theoretical model for this study. This theory provides a framework to examine how nations gain a competitive advantage in the global marketplace based on specific determinants found within the industries within a nation. Michael porters competitive advantage of nations explores how businesses within a nation gain a competitive advantage. Porter believes that groups or clusters of interconnected firms, suppliers, related industries, and various institutions that arises in particular locations of Senegal, the government has to think about economies, assess the competitive advantage of the locations and set public policy. The 4 primary determinants of his model are: factor conditions demand conditions related and supporting industries firm strategy, structure, rivalry FACTOR CONDITIONS- are the basic inputs of production that is necessary to compete in an industry. E.gs are skilled labor, infrastructure, or capital resources. DEMAND CONDITIONS- are the quality of the home demand for a product or service in an industry. RELATED SUPPORTING INDUSTRIES- are defined by whether a nation has the supplier and related industries are competitive. FIRM STRATEGY, STRUCTURE RIVALRY- conditions within a nation that administer how companies are created, organized, and managed along with the type of domestic rivalry. According to porter these determinants individually and as a structure provide the atmosphere for nations to gain a competitive advantage. Porter positions these determinants in a diamond pattern. Senegals performance and competitive advantage in manufacturing relates to growth of manufactured exports which is often considered crucial for economic development. The reasons are: Price and income elasticities of demand, as well as price elasticities of supply are greater for manufacturing than other industries. Positive externalities and external economies are thought to be associated with manufactured exports. In Senegal, demand is for two main sectors: 1) Gold Mining 2) Infrastructure, Power Communications Gold Mining- the mining deposits consists of 2 projects: Sabodala gold operation- Strategically located at epicentre of a major new gold district. Positioned on one of the world great golds belts. Grand cote mineral sands project- development project with tier 1 pot SABODALA PROJECT A strong operating margin provides for a robust project- Volume mined : 55 Mtpa Heavy Mineral grade: 1.7%-1.8% Infrastructure, power and  communications- For a developing nation, Senegal has a well organized  infrastructure  compared to most other African countries   The World Bank estimated that in 1995 there were 507 kilometers  (315 miles) of paved road per million people. The CIA  World Fact Book  2001  notes that there are 14,576 kilometers (9,058 miles) of highway, 4,271 kilometers (2,653 miles) of which are paved. Although the railway system is somewhat antiquated, it carries more than 3 million tons of cargo per year. The railway network, which extends across 906 kilometers (563 miles), links  the major cities to Dakar and provides services between Senegal and Mali. According to the U.S. Department of State  Country Commercial Guide,  the airport at Dakar is one of the principal international airports in West  Africa, handling a variety of aircraft on its 2 runways. The airport serves  more than 24 international airlines, handling 1.5 million passengers per  year and moving more than 20,000 metric tons of international airfreight. There are direct flights to Europe and North America, along with frequent  flights to several African countries. Secondary airports are located in the  regions of Saint-Louis, Tambacounda, and Ziguinchor. In total, there were  20 airports in 1999. The competitive advantage of French firms in this sector relates, in part, to concessional funding (funds are granted in exchange for specific contracts)  given by the French government to the Senegalese government for the  modernization of the telecommunications network. The competitive advantage is also demanding in its export sector- The composition of exports Manufactured exports are heavily concentrated in three sectors: fishing and fish-processing, chemicals (the ICS) and oilseeds (mainly groundnuts). This will be clear from the following table: These three sectors represented 81 percent of manufactured exports in 1974. By 1999 this share increased to 93 percent. Within this subgroup, substantial change has taken place. In the 1970s, the groundnut oil sector dominated, with 56 percent of manufactured exports in 1974. In the 1980s, with the creation of the ICS, coupled with a decline in the groundnut harvests, the situation changed markedly. By 1999, the groundnut industrys share had plummeted to less than 12.6 percent while chemicals were up to 39.8 percent. The fishing industry also experienced a large expansion, and accounted for just over 40.6 percent of manufactured exports in 1999.

Mona Hatoum :: Artist Mona Hatoum Essays

Mona Hatoum Most art scholars and critics examine the work of Mona Hatoum in relation to her ethnic and geopolitically charged background. In her own writings and interviews, however, Hatoum cautions against this "journalistic" approach. For her, the most important element of her art is its relationship to the body. When Hatoum immigrated from the Middle East to England, she immediately felt a sense of displacement when she perceived a mind/body disjunct that contradicted her own cultural experience: †¦it became immediately apparent to me that people were quite divorced from their bodies and very caught up in their heads, like disembodied intellectuals. So I was always very insistent on the physical in my work (Hatoum/Brett, 59). We relate to the world through our senses. You first experience an artwork physically†¦Meanings, connotations and associations come after the initial physical imagination, intellect, psyche are fired off by what you've seen (Hatoum/Archer, 8). I weigh this statement against theory by performance scholar Nelly Richard: The body is the physical agent of the structures of everyday experience. It is the transmitter of cultural messages†¦a repository of memories, an actor in the theatre of power, a tissue of affects and feelings. Because the body is at the boundary between biology and society†¦in terms of power, biography and history, it is the site 'par excellence' for transgressing the constraints of meaning (Richard, 208). Focusing on four works by Hatoum, I take a position that respects the artist's own intent and uses the body as a starting point for analyzing her work. However, I argue that it is necessary to consider her background in relation to the content of her art; it is because of her background as an exile from political violence that so much of Hatoum's work evokes a sense of danger by eliciting a visceral response from the viewer. I also argue that Hatoum's work insists that the viewer recognizes a second body, the implicit body of the oppressed. That insistence comes primarily from two elements of her background: her direct experience of living in the shadow of oppression, and her experience with feminist groups as an art student in London. Thus, in Hatoum's work, two bodies-the body of the viewer and an implicit body--engage in a dialectic. Necessarily then, I offer a brief glimpse into the background of Mona Hatoum. She is a Palestinian whose parents were exiled to Lebanon before she was born.

A Study of The Two Marriage Proposals that Elizabeth Declines: Romance Versus Security Essay

Romance Versus Security. â€Å"It is universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife.† These are the words of Jane Austen, and like many people of her time, she believed very much in the importance of finding a wealthy husband for young women. Jane Austen’s novel reflects the importance of marriage to many people around 1775. Although events such as the industrial revolution were sweeping the country, these were ignored and the life of a few middle class families in a country village were depicted. Marriage at this time was a way of securing a happy livelihood and relative happiness; love was not really a factor, marriage was a source of financial security. Being more of a convenience than a romantic affair. However this was beginning to become a factor as traditions slowly changed around this period. Still many women married to their advantage; there was still a very rigid class system although a new middle class was beginning to emerge. The alternative was life as a governess, which was not one of great social status. Jane Austen believed that marriage was â€Å"The only honourable provision for well educated young woman of small fortune.† This wasn’t a romantic union; it was a contract. A character that does value the importance of marriage for her daughters is Mrs. Bennet. † The business of her life was to get her daughters married.† This is because her current home, Longbourn estate, is entailed to a cousin Mr. Collins. This means when Mr. Bennet dies Mr. Collins is heir and the Bennet sisters would either have to rely on the hospitality of their male relative or become a governess. This soon becomes apparent to Mrs. Bennet and she sees it as imperative that her daughters are married off. In Pride and Prejudice Elizabeth Bennet receives two proposals of marriage the first from her cousin the bumbling Mr. Collins. The Bennet family had received a letter prior to his arrival; the impression put across is that Mr. Collins is long winded and all over a bit of a fool. This letter prepares the family and the reader for the arrival of a pompous egotist. Mrs. Bennet is excited about his arrival, as it is clear he is passing on marital business, causing great interest among the sisters and above all Mrs. Bennet. At the Netherfield ball he makes a complete show of himself as he lacks decorum and etiquette. His inability to dance is a cause of amusement to the characters and the reader. â€Å"The first two dances, however, brought a return of distress; solemn, apologising instead of intending.† He unwittingly introduces himself to Darcy and recieves a cold reception Whilst joining in the festivities, it becomes clear that Collins greatly admires Lady Catherine De Bourgh, his groveling adorations add to his foolery. He continues to examine every inch of the house comparing it directly to Rosings, in a very rude manner. Just as Collins tedious absurdness reaches its height, Elizabeth begins to fall for Wickham’s charms and stories of hate against Darcy and Collins proposal is unexpected and very unwelcome. Mr. Collins proposal to Elizabeth is a model of comical wit, and cannot be taken seriously, the very way he approaches the matter is ridiculous. â€Å"My reasons for marrying are†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Not romantically orientated at all, it is hardly going to win any woman’s heart, least of all Elizabeth’s. He breaks down his reasons, numbering them. And although Collins is sincere, the element of comedy is never lost as he is excessively formal and at great length tries to explain his reason, which is clearly unnecessary. â€Å"†¦Made Elizabeth so near laughing.† The sheer length reflects Collins long winded nature. He even manages to mention Lady Catherine De Bourgh. As he draws to the end of his speech Collins does attempt a little romance, but all in vain: â€Å"†¦The most animated language of the violence of my affections†. Elizabeth becomes a little alarmed and rightly so, as Collins thinks it impossible for her to refuse. â€Å"†¦You are too hasty, sir.† But Collins won’t brook a refusal and continues with his stilted speech until Elizabeth has had enough and forcefully rejects him. Mr. Collins assumes this is the usual behaviour of young woman and that Elizabeth is simply being coy. His ignorance adds to the comedy. It takes 5 firm rejections before he seems to accept her answer. This refusal was very brave of Elizabeth .So much so that it may even be considered foolhardy. She cannot be guaranteed another proposal of marriage. Leaving her future hanging in the balance. Mrs. Bennet is understandably distressed when she hears of Elizabeth’s decision. Mr. Bennet is more relieved. One can hardly see Elizabeth married to a character like Collins. Her intelligence would be stifled. Elizabeth shows spirit and a fiery independence. But she does risk a lot by turning Collins down. However, someone who felt they couldn’t afford to risk no other proposal was Charlotte Lucas. She sees their marriage as a practicality, she needs her home comforts and the security Collins provides. She is already 27 years old and in need of a stable future. This is a direct example of how romance is only beginning to creep into marriage. It is obvious to Elizabeth that there was no romance in Collin’s proposal as he almost instantly moves on and his â€Å"affections† change. When Darcy proposes, it seems unlikely that Elizabeth would dare refuse a second suitor. But as much as Elizabeth couldn’t stand Collins, she despises Darcy. This prejudice is fuelled from a remark Darcy made at the Netherfield ball, â€Å"She is tolerable; but not handsome enough to tempt me.† This sparks a great dislike that continues to grow as the book progresses, by the time Darcy decides to propose, Elizabeth has been told by Wickham of his dealings with him and the interference of Bingley and Jane. Like Collins, Darcy is the last person Elizabeth would like to marry at the moment in time. Apart from the prejudice the timing is very off and she is already very agitated. Her prejudice and his pride combine to make the most incompatible two characters, however he is unaware. And in the same way that Collins lacked romance, Darcy’s opening line is hardly a compliment, â€Å"In vain I have struggled. It will not do. My feelings will not be repressed.† Darcy goes on to describe her inferiority and low connections. Despite this rather confident approach, the proposal is flawed from the start. He proceeds to insult her and her true feelings are soon revealed. † I have every reason in the world to think ill of you.† Despite Darcy’s obvious feelings, Elizabeth makes her long standing dislike quite plain. When Elizabeth confronts him about the Wickham incident he doesn’t deny involvement but replies in a sarcastic manner, â€Å"Yes, his misfortunes have been great indeed.† By the time Darcy leaves Elizabeth is reeling, she can’t believe his feelings. Astonishment leads to anger, as he showed no sign of denying his involvements with the break up of Jane and Mr. Bingley. To turn down one marriage proposal was risky but to do so again must have been foolish, most women would have thrown themselves at Darcy’s feet. He is a wealthy handsome young suitor. However Elizabeth cannot be married to some one she despises. She makes it perfectly clear to Darcy that however he had proposed she wouldn’t have accepted, â€Å"†¦You could not have made me the offer of your hand in any possible way that would have tempted me to accept it.† There is a rather ironic link that both men that propose are the only two men on earth Elizabeth wouldn’t dream of marrying. This is a great show of strength and courage. With a mother such as Mrs. Bennet it would be difficult to find any one who would be happy to take on such a family connection and Darcy makes it clear that to marry Elizabeth would be a â€Å"degradation† but nothing will deter him. The two marriage proposals are very different and very different outcomes; whether Elizabeth was foolhardy to decline two or not is debatable, but it is true to say she shows great independence considering her financial insecurity and social status. In turning down these proposals, was she ruining her chances of ever having a decent future?

Hiv / Aids A Deadly Disease - 1474 Words

Name Course Tutor Date HIV/AIDS Introduction Acquired Immune-Deficiency Syndrome, which is popularly known as AIDS is a deadly disease as it attacks and adversely destroys body’s immune system. AIDS is brought about by a virus called Human Immune-Deficiency Virus, better known as HIV. This virus is minute, even invisible to a powerful microscope and can remain in the body for years without showing any visible symptoms. AIDS is the final stage of infection of the virus. It takes a period of about 10 years between being infected with HIV developing AIDS. The first case of AIDS infection in America was detected in 1959. Later, AIDS emerged as a fatal widespread disease in the 1980s in almost all countries in the world. This started with†¦show more content†¦By 1990s, the disease had become an epidemic, killing millions of people across the whole continent, with the largest cases being reported in Zambia by 1988. According to Bell (2011), the infection of the HIV virus mainly spreads through a sexual contact or blood to blood contact with an infected person. HIV spreads mainly through sexual intercourse-whether heterosexual or homosexual- where one of the partners is infected, transfusion of blood which is infected by the HIV virus, through the blood and blood products. The sharing of infected syringes or sharp needles can lead to HIV transmission. HIV is passed on by an infected mother towards her unborn child through the placenta. HIV does not spread through biting of mosquitoes, casual embracing, holding or touching an infected person, shaking hands with an infected person, coughing, sharing of public toilets or sharing meals or eating from the same plates. HIV cannot be transmitted through sharing clothes or attending similar schools or even working together. In the early days when the concept of HIV/AIDS was little known, the number of infections was many. People had little knowledge of the disease and the ways in which the disease was transmitted. As such, the commercial sex workers were the highest infected group closely followed by long distance truck drivers who mostly engaged in unprotected sexual intercourse. However, as scientists discovered that the virus is transmitted through sexual