|
Map of changes of consumption levels
1980-2000. Whereas the global trend shows the increase of consumption (reddish
colours), the opposite is the case
for
Africa. The green colours indicate a decrease of consumption on this
continent. As a
matter of fact, the specific condition of consumption in Africa becomes
most clear when considering the macro level. As the world map of the
growth of consumption in the period from 1980-2000 (Fig. 1) illustrates,
the African
pattern of consumption does not follow the same tendency as in the rest
of the world. Although the last twenty years are characterized by a
global increase
of consumption, Africa had to experience the reverse tendency:
Consumption did decline in most African countries. The map shown here
makes this clear;
it is a reminder that studies on consumption in Africa must also deal
with this global trend. |