American International Journal of Social Science

Shattering Myths about Africa: How Geography, Diseases, and Hunger Hinder Africa’s Economic and Social Development
James R. Moore

Abstract
This article examines the influential role of geography and environmental conditions on the socioeconomic conditions that characterize much of Africa. Perhaps no other world realm has been more stigmatized by racial prejudice and discrimination, gross ignorance, stereotypes, and neglect. And while it is true that Africa is the least developed continent by a variety of socioeconomic indicators, it is not their racial or cultural inferiority (historically powerful myths) that hinders their development. Africa must confront a wide range of geographic problems and environmental challenges not faced by other geographic realms. The author will argue that while history, racism, politics, and culture play pivotal roles in explaining Africa’s woes, geographic and environmental conditions (diseases and hunger) are major barriers to developing economically viable and socially stable modern societies. Given global realities, Americans can ill afford to remain geographically illiterate and hope to prosper in a rapidly changing world.

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