Economic Developments in Northern Rhodesia

Question 1

Provide examples of agricultural development in Northern Rhodesia

Answer 1

• Introduction of large scale commercial farming with production of crops such as coffee, cotton and groundnuts
• Northern Province: Parts of the Northern Province, including areas around Kasama, had coffee plantations. Coffee cultivation was introduced to Northern Rhodesia during the colonial period, and some plantations were established to meet the demand for Arabica coffee beans.

Question 2

Positive impacts of development in agriculture.

Answer 2

• Increased export revenues from cash crops like cocoa, coffee, and rubber.
• Introduction of modern farming techniques, leading to higher agricultural productivity.
• Establishment of agricultural markets and networks, facilitating trade and economic growth.
• Diversification of rural economies, reducing dependence on subsistence farming.
• Creation of employment opportunities in agricultural production and processing sectors.

Question 3

Negative impacts of development made in agriculture.

Answer 3

• Land dispossession and displacement of indigenous communities for large-scale plantations.
• Dependence on cash crops, leading to vulnerability to global market fluctuations.
• Environmental degradation due to monoculture farming practices and deforestation.
• Social inequalities and conflicts over land ownership and access to resources.
• Reduction in food security and self-sufficiency due to the focus on cash crops over food crops.

Question 4

Provide examples of development made in transport.

Answer 4

• The Benguela railway connected Lobito in Angola to the copper- belt region in Northern Rhodesia. The railway was built by the Portuguese colonial authorities in Angola and was operational between 1929 to 1975

Question 5

Positive impact of development made in transport.

Answer 5

• Improved connectivity through the construction of railways, roads, and ports.
• Facilitation of trade and economic activities within African countries and with global markets.
• Introduction of telecommunication systems, improving administrative efficiency and communication networks.
• Integration of regional economies into global trade networks, stimulating economic development.
• Creation of job opportunities in transportation, logistics, and communication sectors.

Question 6

Negative impact of development made in transport.

Answer 6

• Unequal distribution of infrastructure, with urban areas and economically strategic regions receiving more development.
• Limited local control over transportation and communication networks, hindering autonomy.
• Disruption of traditional trade routes and local economies, leading to economic dislocation in some areas.
• Environmental degradation from infrastructure projects, such as deforestation and habitat destruction.
• Dependence on foreign investments and loans for infrastructure development, leading to debt burdens.

Question 7

Provide examples of developments made in mining.

Answer 7

• Copperbelt: The Copperbelt region in Northern Rhodesia was one of the most important mining areas in Africa. It was known for its vast deposits of copper and cobalt. Cities like Ndola, Kitwe, Chingola, and Mufulira were major centers of copper mining and processing.

Question 8

What were the positive impacts of development made in mining.

Answer 8

• By 1950s, Northern Rhodesia was one of the world’s leading copper producers accounting for 12% of global copper output
• It employed tens of thousands of people, both Europeans and Africans, and it was a major contributor to the colony’s economy

Question 9

What were the negative impacts of development made in mining.

Answer 9

• Benefits of the mining industry were largely enjoyed by foreign companies and their shareholders
• While the local population faced low wages, poor working conditions and limited opportunities for social and economic advancement