Namibia, anticipation of economic and humanitarian needs : Zimbabwe and Namibia

Major attention is directed toward those factors which are of crucial importance for development. The analysis is divided into two parts. Part One includes: the general characteristics of Namibia society as a functional whole; the analysis of economic, political and social organizations or sectors; and the major issues emerging from the analysis which indicate the key areas for development aid. Part Two explores the contemporary political situation, focusing on transition issues, group views, and the possible implications for development. Namibia is a sparsely populated, desert-like country. Foodstuffs have to be imported to a large extent, mainly from South Africa. Historically, Namibia was not one nation, but the European nations arbitrarily turned it into a country when they set out the boundaries for "South West Africa." It is characterized by a dual economy in which whites control and use the major resources of the cash economy for their own benefit, and most indigenous groups eke out a living in the subsistence agricultural economy. Where the land cannot support the people, they are forced into the white economy in a subsidiary role. There is a great lack of trained, educated, and skilled Namibians to take over control of the infrastructure and the government and economic organizations when the country becomes independent. Few Namibians have been trained outside the country. Although South African policy has been aimed at splintering the diverse groups within Namibia, there is a growing sense of national identity and a desire for independence. However, numerous divisive factors are present that could prompt serious problems and political instability within an independent Namibia. A new government must establish its legitimacy, credibility, and efficacy in the eyes of the people. Zimbabwe and Namibia can draw upon and learn from the experiences of other African countries undergoing development, despite the deeply engrained conditions of underdevelopment, inequality, and dependency.