GGH2601 Assignment 1
Semester 2 Memo
(COMPLETE ANSWERS)
Due 18 August 2025
For assistance contact
Email:
, Diversity and Development in Africa: A Dual Perspective
The African continent is a mosaic of amazing diversity, comprising over 3,000 ethnic
groups, in excess of 2,000 languages, and a plethora of cultures and religions. While this
diversity has been the source of much cultural richness and resilience, it has
also, in some circumstances, been a powerful cause of conflict. At the same time, the continent is
experiencing a demographic transition of unprecedented scale, with a rapidly growing population
that places immense pressure on resources. Rising to this challenge requires
a concerted and strategic approach, for which the Sustainable Development Goals
(SDGs), and particularly Goals 11 and 17, offer a vital framework.
1. Diversity as a Catalyst for Conflict
The link between diversity and conflict in Africa is not causal,
but dynamic and complex and is typically exacerbated by political, economic, and historical
factors. The primary way that diversity may result in conflict is by the politicization of ethnic,
religious, or linguistic identity. African states in the post-
colonial era typically inherited boundaries that were artificially drawn by colonial
powers without regard to inherent ethnic or cultural divisions.
This generated a condition where heterogeneous groups with varying interests and histories were
forced to coexist in the same state. Under such circumstances, political elites more often than
not resort to "ethnic politics" or "tribalism," mobilizing their respective identity group to gain
power, access to resources, and control of the state. This is seen in numerous
conflicts in which power struggle becomes a zero-sum game and leads to deep-seated mistrust
and violence.
Secondly, economic inequality is also a powerful catalyst. When an ethnic or
religious minority feels systematically excluded from accessing economic opportunities, political
power, or public services, resentment can simmer and erupt into open conflict. The sensation of
an "us versus them" mentality is consolidated when one segment is perceived to
be dominating national wealth while the other is poor. Occasionally, in disputes over scarce
resources such as land or water, they are
framed in ethnic terms, transforming a battle for resources into a war of identity. The legacy of
colonial-era policies, most of which favored one group over another, continues to underpin these
economic and political inequalities, rendering it fertile ground for polarization.
Diversity does not necessarily need conflict, but the failure of institutions to govern it inclusively
and equitably is paramount. Where governance is bad, corrupt, and unrepresentative,
and where institutions for peacefully resolving conflict do not exist, identities that
are diverse can be manipulated. On the other hand, countries that have strong, democratic
institutions which protect minority rights and ensure an equitable distribution of resources are far
more likely to consider diversity as a strength and not a source of instability.
2. Solving Population and Resource Challenges with SDGs 11 and 17
Africa's rapid population growth, which will double by 2050,
Semester 2 Memo
(COMPLETE ANSWERS)
Due 18 August 2025
For assistance contact
Email:
, Diversity and Development in Africa: A Dual Perspective
The African continent is a mosaic of amazing diversity, comprising over 3,000 ethnic
groups, in excess of 2,000 languages, and a plethora of cultures and religions. While this
diversity has been the source of much cultural richness and resilience, it has
also, in some circumstances, been a powerful cause of conflict. At the same time, the continent is
experiencing a demographic transition of unprecedented scale, with a rapidly growing population
that places immense pressure on resources. Rising to this challenge requires
a concerted and strategic approach, for which the Sustainable Development Goals
(SDGs), and particularly Goals 11 and 17, offer a vital framework.
1. Diversity as a Catalyst for Conflict
The link between diversity and conflict in Africa is not causal,
but dynamic and complex and is typically exacerbated by political, economic, and historical
factors. The primary way that diversity may result in conflict is by the politicization of ethnic,
religious, or linguistic identity. African states in the post-
colonial era typically inherited boundaries that were artificially drawn by colonial
powers without regard to inherent ethnic or cultural divisions.
This generated a condition where heterogeneous groups with varying interests and histories were
forced to coexist in the same state. Under such circumstances, political elites more often than
not resort to "ethnic politics" or "tribalism," mobilizing their respective identity group to gain
power, access to resources, and control of the state. This is seen in numerous
conflicts in which power struggle becomes a zero-sum game and leads to deep-seated mistrust
and violence.
Secondly, economic inequality is also a powerful catalyst. When an ethnic or
religious minority feels systematically excluded from accessing economic opportunities, political
power, or public services, resentment can simmer and erupt into open conflict. The sensation of
an "us versus them" mentality is consolidated when one segment is perceived to
be dominating national wealth while the other is poor. Occasionally, in disputes over scarce
resources such as land or water, they are
framed in ethnic terms, transforming a battle for resources into a war of identity. The legacy of
colonial-era policies, most of which favored one group over another, continues to underpin these
economic and political inequalities, rendering it fertile ground for polarization.
Diversity does not necessarily need conflict, but the failure of institutions to govern it inclusively
and equitably is paramount. Where governance is bad, corrupt, and unrepresentative,
and where institutions for peacefully resolving conflict do not exist, identities that
are diverse can be manipulated. On the other hand, countries that have strong, democratic
institutions which protect minority rights and ensure an equitable distribution of resources are far
more likely to consider diversity as a strength and not a source of instability.
2. Solving Population and Resource Challenges with SDGs 11 and 17
Africa's rapid population growth, which will double by 2050,
