Economic Development in Senegal

Question 1

Communication and Transport

Answer 1

1. Construction of railway occurred between 1882-1906
2. The railway connected St. Louis to Dakar, major trading centers

Question 2

Agricultural Development

Answer 2

1.Main crop planted: Groundnuts
2. Revenue came from groundnuts and further developed transport

Question 3

Grants and colonial borrowing

Answer 3

1. Direct grants from mother country were given to help in development
2. in 1900, self-sufficiency was propagated within the colonies
3. Sujets were expected to work ten days annually without income
4. In 1940, France underwrote loans to the colonies

Question 4

Currency exchange

Answer 4

Cowries were substituted by coinage and the introduction of paper currency led to the construction of banks

Question 5

What were the positive and negative impacts of agricultural development ?

Answer 5

• Introduction of Cash Crops: Similar to other colonial territories, Senegal saw the introduction of cash crops like peanuts (groundnuts) and cotton. This led to the commercialization of agriculture and provided new income opportunities for local farmers.
  Negative Impacts:
• Monoculture and Dependency: The focus on cash crops led to a monoculture economy, making Senegal heavily dependent on these crops for export revenue. This dependency made the economy vulnerable to fluctuations in global market prices, affecting rural livelihoods.

Question 6

What were the positive and negative impacts of transport and communication ?

Answer 6

• infrastructure Development: Colonial powers invested in infrastructure such as railways, roads, and ports in Senegal to facilitate the transportation of goods, including agricultural produce. These developments improved connectivity and trade within the region.
  Negative Impacts:
• Controlled for Colonial Interests: The infrastructure development was primarily aimed at serving colonial interests, such as efficient extraction and export of resources. Local communities often did not fully benefit from these developments, and infrastructure planning was skewed towards colonial needs rather than local development priorities.

Question 7

What were the positive and negative impacts of grants and colonial borrowing?

Answer 7

• Investment in Public Services: Some grants and colonial borrowing were directed towards investments in public services such as education, healthcare, and sanitation. This led to the establishment of schools, hospitals, and other essential facilities that benefited the local population.
  Negative Impacts:
• Debt Burden: Colonial borrowing often resulted in a significant debt burden for Senegal, which had long-term repercussions even after independence. Repayment obligations constrained the government’s ability to invest in critical sectors and contributed to economic challenges post-independence.