Evaluation Onthe African Flower Industry
The African flower industry
Introduction
In Valentine’s Day, 2009, 200 million stemmed roses were delivered and ended up being sold all over the world (Dayo, 2009). As a supportive industry in Africa, flower industry gains benefits by accounted $300 million in Kenya’s foreign exchange earnings (Dayo, 2009) and companies’ establishing infrastructures to workers (Bloomfield, 2006). While it is also detrimental as the result of misusing laborers (Majtenyi, 2002), over-producing carbon-dioxide (Whelan, 2009) and other bad influence on environment. A proposal that states itself with the goal of increasing the volume and value of flower exports by at least 30% from year 2012-2016 was assigned by USAID. (USAID, 2012)
Rationale
Supporting parties value the benefits brought by the flower industry from angles of economy and society. Economically, Flower industry makes incredible contribution in economics. It is calculated that $300 million of foreign exchange profits depends on flower industry (Dayo, 2011), being the second largest foreign exchange earner (Majtenyi, 2002) Meanwhile, African flower growers believe the industry is good to support their life. (Dayo, 2011)
Socially, Whelan (2009) listed an example of a flower company in Africa, SHER, not only providing job opportunities (40,000 positions in Kenya), but also offering housing, education, healthcare and infrastructures including water and electricity. What is more, Kenya has a organization called Kenya Flower Council where principles of flower industry were made to regulate and standardize flower companies in Kenya, which would further progress the development of society in Kenya (Majtenyi, 2002). In African countries, like Kenya, where facilities are incredibly undeveloped, flower industry plays a supporting role in its society.
Objections
While flower industry donates a lot in Africa’s economy and society, detractors are against the proposal of rising the quantity and value of flower exports in Africa
Introduction
In Valentine’s Day, 2009, 200 million stemmed roses were delivered and ended up being sold all over the world (Dayo, 2009). As a supportive industry in Africa, flower industry gains benefits by accounted $300 million in Kenya’s foreign exchange earnings (Dayo, 2009) and companies’ establishing infrastructures to workers (Bloomfield, 2006). While it is also detrimental as the result of misusing laborers (Majtenyi, 2002), over-producing carbon-dioxide (Whelan, 2009) and other bad influence on environment. A proposal that states itself with the goal of increasing the volume and value of flower exports by at least 30% from year 2012-2016 was assigned by USAID. (USAID, 2012)
Rationale
Supporting parties value the benefits brought by the flower industry from angles of economy and society. Economically, Flower industry makes incredible contribution in economics. It is calculated that $300 million of foreign exchange profits depends on flower industry (Dayo, 2011), being the second largest foreign exchange earner (Majtenyi, 2002) Meanwhile, African flower growers believe the industry is good to support their life. (Dayo, 2011)
Socially, Whelan (2009) listed an example of a flower company in Africa, SHER, not only providing job opportunities (40,000 positions in Kenya), but also offering housing, education, healthcare and infrastructures including water and electricity. What is more, Kenya has a organization called Kenya Flower Council where principles of flower industry were made to regulate and standardize flower companies in Kenya, which would further progress the development of society in Kenya (Majtenyi, 2002). In African countries, like Kenya, where facilities are incredibly undeveloped, flower industry plays a supporting role in its society.
Objections
While flower industry donates a lot in Africa’s economy and society, detractors are against the proposal of rising the quantity and value of flower exports in Africa
References: Dayo, O. (2009) From Africa, with love. Retrieved June 10, 2013 from http://thebrightcontinent.tumblr.com/page/3 Majtenyi, C.(2002) Cut flower industry accused of human right abuse. News from Africa. Retrieved June 10, 2013 from http://www.newsfromafrica.org/newsfromafrica/articles/art_882.html Bloomfield, S.(2006). Where have all the flowers gone: Thorns among the roses. (Oct 3). Retrieved June 10, 2013 from http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/africa/where-have-all-the-flowers-gone-thorns-among-the-roses-418489.html Whelan, Carolyn.(2009). Blooms Away: The Real Price of Flowers. Scientific America. (Feb 12). Retrieved June 10, 2013 from http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=environmental-price-of-flowers