Journal of Social Development in Africa (1999), 14,2,3-4 
Editorial 
This issue of the Journal has a common thread running through the articles - all 
authors, at least in part, tackle the serious question of poverty, its socioeconomic 
consequences, and ways in which a negative socioeconomic situation can be 
transformed. 
Dhemba examines the role of the informal sector in alleviating urban poverty 
in Zimbabwe. He points out how poverty has increased in developing countries in 
recent years, which is particularly evident within the growing cities. Poverty 
alleviation strategies are needed to help the urban poor and Dhemba considers a 
variety of suggestions to ameliorate this situation. The role of the informal sector 
is analysed in detail and several useful recommendations to enhance its role in 
poverty reduction made. 
This theme is also explored by Benda-Beekman & Kirsch who report on a GTZsponsored 
seminar held in Malawi on the subject of social security: five countries 
in the region participated in this discussion. The authors unpack the concept of 
social security in both its traditional and modern forms; they then identify policy 
measures which might contribute to the strengthening of social security systems, 
through a revitalised partnership between NGOs, governments and donors. 
Chikwanha-Dzenga continues the theme of poverty in her look at the harsh 
situation faced by the rural poor in Zimbabwe. She criticises a half-hearted attempt 
by government to achieve growth with equity and transformation in the rural areas, 
particularly with regard to the urgent need for land and water. Other recommendations 
are made, including the development of manufacturing industries and 
services to support a more genuine rural-centred growth strategy. 
Munyae & Mulinga present an interesting and in-depth historical analysis in an 
attempt to explain the persistence of social problems in sub-Saharan Africa. The 
article contends that disintegrative ethnicity which has been responsible for 
extreme social conflict in Africa is recent years can be traced back to colonialisation 
which transformed existing social relations through restructuring of boundaries 
and discriminatory socioeconomic policies. The authors also examine the concept 
of corruption and again find historical explanation for current corrupt practices, 
which have their origin in capitalistic modes of production and previous corrupt 
colonial administrative structure. While this analysis is not meant to excuse ethnic 
discrimination and corruption - which need to be exposed - it however deepens 
bur understanding of the complexity of these social problems and challenges 
simplistic and often racialist views about Africa and its social problems. 
Odumosu takes the question of poverty to a further dimension through examining 
one of its consequences - the escalation of criminal activity, using Nigeria
4 Editorial 
as a case study. Making use of anomie theory, Odumosu suggests that when 
poverty is coupled with high levels of economic and social aspiration, the stage is 
set for criminal activity as people will use any means to attain the socially-approved 
goal of economic success. Transformation of the socioeconomic situation is 
necessary in order to avert this situation and bring about a "democratisation of the 
development process" through poverty alleviation measures. 
Adejumobi provides an insight into the policy of privatisation in relation to 
social welfare services. This has both positive and negative consequences which 
the author explores. Again Nigeria is the case example. The author concludes that 
privatisation in its strictest sense is not suitable in relation to the social welfare 
sector, as it will lead to further inequality and withdrawal of services, as in the 
author's view it is "a dominant class project designed to facilitate capital 
accumulation, rather than radiating welfare to the majority of the people." 
The final article, by Ike & Twumasi-Ankrah, investigates the concept of child 
abuse and child labour within Africa. Definitions can be problematic, especially 
when cultural myopia refuses to appreciate different standards of child-rearing. 
However, even with cultural variations, the authors accept the reality of child abuse 
and child labour and suggest several policy prescriptions aimed at improving the 
situation and in particular the tackling of poverty and education on child rights. 
This is my final issue as editor of the Journal, since taking up the editorship in 
1993; I hope it has proved interesting and useful to its readers and wish the best of 
luck to the new editor for the next issue in 2000.