I have worked extensively in other countries than my own (UK). I have learned many valuable lessons – but perhaps the most important is that local solutions (to productivity problems) MUST be informed by local factors, local priorities, local policies.
Take agricultural productivity as an example. Generally agricultural productivity (in terms of yield per acre) is much lower than in most other parts of the world – and (perhaps surprisingly) is reducing in many places.
Does this mean we should import agricultural practices from Europe or America where productivity is much higher.
Perhaps but first we need to assess:
- the degree to which a different climate affects productivity (the availability of water to irrigate crops, etc)
- the knowledge and skill levels of farmers
- The reasons for different practices.
Many African farms are very, very small – a lot of them are 1-man small-holdings. Thought this does not maximise productivity, it does mean that lots of people scrape a living through farming. If Africa was to mechanise like Western farms, most of these people would lose their livelihood – and a few individuals (probably Westerners) would become rich.
Would this be helpful to the countries involved?
Probably not. They need to move at their own pace, moving labour from agriculture only when there are other industries to absorb – and benefit from – it.
So, when being a consultant ‘expert’, be careful about decisions you take. You might improve productivity – but destroy lives