Technological Innovation and Capital Accumulation in Sub..Saharan Africa: Implications for Rural Development

Abstract

Development policy and the role of technology in the capital accumula tion process has been a subject of controversy since the 1960s. This paper reviews the divergent opinions on this issue, critiques development policy in sub-Saharan Africa, and analyzes how its connection to the global economy affects Africa's ability to accumulate capital and realize long term growth. The paper demonstrates that the urban-oriented modemiza tionist policies of the 1960s and 1970s have hampered sub-Saharan Africa's ability to feed its expanding population. The analysis suggests that inter nally directed agricultural development must proceed externally-oriented urban-industrial development.