Different definitions have been offered in regards to what a developing country is. Generally, they are those countries characterized by a low economic, industrial base, and agricultural development with a low Human Development Index compared to other countries. These countries fall either under the low or middle-income states. These countries are faced with numerous challenges in their aim to improve their GDP and create better lives for all its citizens. Although some of these countries have managed to redeem and improve their economic and social state, most of them still face numerous challenges as a result of their doing as discussed in this essay.
The first problem most of these countries face is poor leadership (Vale). Most of these states have never held a free and fair election in many years which results in conflicts between the residents, a move that scares not only foreign investors but also discourages local investors. In most cases, leadership in these countries banks on the popularity of an individual which is mostly based on their origin regarding tribal or regional ethnicity. In other instances, some of these countries still believe in the Great Man leadership theory where they choose leaders based on their family names a move that has seen them elect poor leaders (Cherry). In other cases, they elect wealthy people into power whose gains are based on their selfish interests instead of the country’s interest. These bad leaders when they take up offices loot public funds and only make themselves wealthier while ordinary citizens end up suffering in silence. In other instances, some of the leaders mostly in Africa refuse to step down in case they lose in elections a move which sees these countries state continue to diminish.
Corruption is another vice that continues to affect these states (Aladwani 106). These countries have a culture that supports selfish gains from both the citizens and their leaders. In most cases, these citizens look for venues where they can enrich themselves without considering the impact on their nations. In most cases, unlike in developed countries, these nations lack clear laws aimed at dealing with those individuals involved in corruption and other vices. Their rules seem to favor the wealthy class and forgetting the low and middle class a move that encourages corruption in the countries (Boynton). It is clear that corruption is the root of poverty and with increased cases of corruption, these countries lack the capital to enhance infrastructure development, create employment opportunities, and also translates to increased national debts resulting into a weak currency and reduced independence (Cooray et al. 122). Some developed countries have taken these misfortunes to their advantage by exploiting these countries mostly those with essential raw materials such as oil.
Lastly, insecurity and chaos are other problems facing these nations. Due to increased poverty and unemployment rates, most of the citizens are forced to engage in criminal activities with the hope of finding cash a strategy that negatively affects their economy (Hendrix and Haggard 145). Most chaotic scenes are experienced in these countries. Additionally, poor governance reduced the countries’ ability to deal with violence, terrorism, and criminal activities resulting from poor laws and infrastructures that can curb these vices. The increased chaos also ensues from post-election violence, tribal clashes, and political interferences. The conflicts make the country unsafe for manufacturing decreasing investment and increasing unemployment translating to low per capita income for the citizens and GDP.
In conclusion, it is evident that the above explanation shows that these countries are their agents of misfortune. With better leadership, reduced instances of corruption and misappropriation of funds would be experiences in these countries. The money would then be used to enhance infrastructure development. Security and peaceful coexistence in these states would encourage investors to invest and create employment opportunities. Citizens of such counties need to take up actions, and they should start by electing good leaders into public offices. Lastly, citizens of these countries should reduce their level of illiteracy a goal that can be achieved by the introduction of better education systems. This move will enhance creativity, innovation, better decision making, and development of positive culture (McEwan 390).
Works Cited
Aladwani, Adel M. "Corruption as a source of e-Government projects failure in developing countries: A theoretical exposition." International Journal of Information Management, vol. 36, no. 1, 2016, pp. 105-112.
Boynton, Graham. "Bad Leaders, Not Lack of Aid, Cause African Poverty." Telegraph.co.uk, 14 May 2002, www.telegraph.co.uk/comment/personal-view/3576563/Bad-leaders-not-lack-of-aid-cause-African-poverty.html. Accessed 30 May 2018.
Cherry, Kendra. "Why Do Some People Become Great Leaders?" Verywell Mind, 9 Oct. 2017, www.verywellmind.com/leadership-theories-2795323. Accessed 30 May 2018.
Cooray, Arusha, et al. "How Does Corruption Affect Public Debt? An Empirical Analysis." World Development, vol. 90, 2017, pp. 115-127.
Hendrix, Cullen S., and Stephan Haggard. "Global food prices, regime type, and urban unrest in the developing world." Journal of Peace Research, vol. 52, no. 2, 2015, pp. 143-157.
McEwan, Patrick J. "Improving Learning in Primary Schools of Developing Countries." Review of Educational Research, vol. 85, no. 3, 2015, pp. 353-394.
Vale, Richmond. "Causes of Poverty: Let's Check the Roots of the Problem - Richmond Vale." Richmond Vale Academy, 18 May 2017, richmondvale.org/causes-of-poverty/. Accessed 30 May 2018.
