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You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/2013/jun/22/ask-grownup-why-african-people-poor

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Ask a grown-up: why are so many African people poor? Ask a grown-up: why are so many African people poor?
(3 months later)
One of the main reasons is that, for a long time, small farmers in Africa weren't helped to grow food. That has changed now, but there is still a lot to do, such as building roads so the food can get to markets where people can buy it.One of the main reasons is that, for a long time, small farmers in Africa weren't helped to grow food. That has changed now, but there is still a lot to do, such as building roads so the food can get to markets where people can buy it.
Another reason is to do with the way Africa was colonised by Europe. Countries such as Britain, France and Belgium would put the most cooperative African tribes in power. This made other tribes jealous and caused lots of trouble. Corrupt leaders would sell Africa's minerals, for instance gold and copper, and keep the money for themselves.Another reason is to do with the way Africa was colonised by Europe. Countries such as Britain, France and Belgium would put the most cooperative African tribes in power. This made other tribes jealous and caused lots of trouble. Corrupt leaders would sell Africa's minerals, for instance gold and copper, and keep the money for themselves.
But it is getting better. There are lots of countries, such as Ghana and Malawi, where rulers care for everyone and make sure children go to school and get vaccinated. We could make sure there are only a few poor people in Africa by the time you are grown up, but we need our government to have good policies that allow African countries to grow, as well as supporting them with aid.But it is getting better. There are lots of countries, such as Ghana and Malawi, where rulers care for everyone and make sure children go to school and get vaccinated. We could make sure there are only a few poor people in Africa by the time you are grown up, but we need our government to have good policies that allow African countries to grow, as well as supporting them with aid.
• If you're 10 or under and have a question that needs answering, email ask.a.grownup@guardian.co.uk and we'll ask an expert for you.• If you're 10 or under and have a question that needs answering, email ask.a.grownup@guardian.co.uk and we'll ask an expert for you.
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