a) Mention Six countries that are members of ECOWAS. b) State three factors that hinder the achievement of ECOWAS objectives. c) List four objectives of the...

Answer Details

(a) Six member countries of ECOWAS

1. Nigeria
2. Ghana
3. Sierra Leone
4. The Gambia
5. Senegal
6. Cote d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast)

(Other members include Liberia, Guinea, Mali, Niger, Togo, Benin, Burkina Faso, Guinea-Bissau and Cape Verde.)

(b) Three factors that hinder the achievement of ECOWAS objectives

1. Language and colonial differences. The mix of English, French and Portuguese speaking states creates communication and policy barriers.
2. Political instability. Coups, wars and unstable governments in member states disrupt cooperation and agreed programmes.
3. Differences in currency and level of development. The lack of a common currency and wide gaps in economic strength make integration and free trade difficult.

(Also acceptable: smuggling and heavy dependence on similar primary exports (competition rather than complementarity), poor transport links, and inadequate funding.)

(c) Four objectives of the Niger Basin Authority (Commission)

1. To promote cooperation among member states in developing the resources of the River Niger basin.
2. To develop and control the use of the water resources of the basin for irrigation, water supply and hydro-electric power.
3. To promote and improve navigation and transport along the river.
4. To coordinate agricultural, fishery, forestry and industrial development in the basin.

(Also acceptable: to control flooding and protect the environment of the basin.)