How did settler economies develop under colonialism in Kenya and Rhodesia?

Settler economies in Kenya and Rhodesia developed under colonialism through the exploitation of local resources and labour.

In both Kenya and Rhodesia, the colonial powers, Britain and Germany respectively, established settler economies that were primarily based on agriculture. The fertile lands of these regions were seized and redistributed to European settlers, who then established large-scale farms. These farms were primarily focused on cash crops such as coffee, tea, and tobacco, which were exported back to Europe for profit.

The development of these settler economies was heavily reliant on the exploitation of local resources. The fertile lands of Kenya and Rhodesia were ideal for the cultivation of these cash crops, and the colonial powers took full advantage of this. In addition to the land, the settlers also exploited local labour. The indigenous populations were often forced to work on these farms under harsh conditions, and for very little pay. This exploitation of local resources and labour was a key factor in the development of the settler economies.

The colonial powers also implemented policies that further facilitated the development of these economies. In Kenya, for example, the British introduced the Hut and Poll Tax in the early 20th century. This tax forced the indigenous population to earn cash, which in turn forced them into wage labour on the settler farms. In Rhodesia, the Land Apportionment Act of 1930 restricted the amount of land that could be owned by the indigenous population, thereby ensuring that the majority of the fertile land remained in the hands of the European settlers.

The development of infrastructure also played a significant role in the development of these economies. Roads and railways were built to transport the cash crops from the farms to the ports for export. This not only facilitated the export of the crops, but also the import of goods and machinery that were necessary for the operation of the farms.

In conclusion, the development of settler economies in Kenya and Rhodesia under colonialism was a complex process that involved the exploitation of local resources and labour, the implementation of policies that favoured the settlers, and the development of infrastructure.