Viol
JF-Expert Member
- Dec 15, 2009
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Few life experiences can match the wonder of visiting some of the world's greatest nature preserves, including the Serengeti National Park, in the equatorial eastern African country of Tanzania. My wife and I indulged in that great adventure on a photo safari through three of Tanzania's wondrous wildlife parks, reveling in close-up sightings of lounging lions, elephants wandering in our path, and partially submerged hippos whose backs double as perches for birds. I'll always treasure those six days staring out the pop-top of a Toyota Land Cruiser, observing and photographing this masterstroke of nature.
But being a business journalist, my fascination extended to the human world outside the parks. Everywhere we went, we observed roadside markets that seemed more confounding than the natural environment, where lumber, bunches of bananas, and cellphones were offered for sale in worn-out buildings or makeshift stands. Some of the markets were crowded. Others were forlorn, with idle people simply watching the cars go by.
I was struck by the sheer number of vendors trying to eke out a living from these endless roadside stands. It was hard for my Western eyes to make much sense of it all, and it seems futile to even try. Somehow, the markets must be providing enough income to keep the vendors coming day after day.
Largely poor nation
We were able to visit with old and new friends in Tanzania and to learn a bit about that nation's history and economy. It's a nation of almost 50 million people that has enjoyed enviable political stability since winning independence from England in 1964. It is rich in natural beauty, from the Serengeti to Mount Kilimanjaro to the beaches of the island of Zanzibar. It's the only place in the world where the beautiful gemstone Tanzanite can be found.
Yet it remains a largely poor country, with much of its wealth landing in a few native and foreign hands. Mining companies are based elsewhere. The nation's great potential for tourism is largely undeveloped. Most Tanzanians don't drink the gourmet coffees their country produces - instant is the local standard. Most certainly can't afford the high fees to visit their national parks.
Countless other nations around the world look like this one, and many have far worse problems of violence, corruption, tribalism and poor education.
I could only admire those who are struggling for some level of security and comfort against such large odds. Here at home, opportunities exist for entrepreneurs to launch an idea or expand a small business. Clark County, like most communities, is filled with volunteer and professional business coaches who can advise on creating business plans. We are awash with money to finance the right idea at the right time. Opportunity is not equal in our society, but it's within reach of many.
That's not the case in Tanzania and other places like it, where history has been unkind and where hard work too often leads only to more of the same. We have much to be thankful for heading into 2015, not the least of which is a chance for success that is sadly denied to many of the deserving around the world.
Strictly Business: Tanzania trip shows disparity | The Columbian
