The impact of crime on the economic and social development of African countries

Abstract

The interlink age between crime and development in African countries has not been adequately analyzed empirically to allow firm conclusions to be made. However, in developing countries in general, such factors as population growth, urbanization, industrialization, modernization and poverty are deemed to be among the major factors influencing crime rates. This position has been consequently expressed by several United Nations congresses on the prevention of crime and the treatment of offenders. As early as 1955, the second UN congress, observed that in developing regions of the world, including Africa, ‘’ from observations of experts an from limited statistical data in such areas, it can be said that juvenile delinquency became a problem of concern in these countries, when industrialization has increased and where urban centers have been established.’’