Change in colonial transport and communication

Colonial transport and communication

Refers to all transport and communication established by colonialists in African continent during colonial period in order to meet their interests (demand). These infrastructures include colonial railway, ports, airports and harbors and telecommunication networks.

Changes in colonial infrastructure

During the colonial period, significant changes were made to infrastructure in African colonies to serve the economic and administrative interests of the colonial powers. These infrastructure projects were primarily aimed at facilitating the extraction and transportation of resources, maintaining control over colonies, and ensuring the smooth functioning of the colonial system.

Key infrastructure developments

1. Introduction and Expansion of Roads: Colonial powers focused on developing road networks to connect production areas to ports and urban centers. Feeder roads were introduced, and tarmac roads were constructed to ensure efficient transportation of raw materials and labor. These roads played a crucial role in the export-oriented agricultural economy.
2. Expansion of Ports and Harbors: New ports and harbors were constructed, and existing ones were rehabilitated to meet the increasing demands of European trade. These ports facilitated the transportation of raw materials from African colonies to European markets, where they would be processed into manufactured goods.
3. Expansion of Railways: The development and expansion of railways were essential for transporting both raw materials and labourers to colonial plantations and mines. Post-World War II, railway systems were further extended and rehabilitated to meet the growing needs of the colonial economy. Railways connected production areas with coastal ports and facilitated the movement of colonial administrators and military personnel.
4. Expansion of Telecommunication Networks: Telecommunication networks were established and expanded across African colonies to enable efficient communication between colonial administrative centers. These networks were vital for coordinating raw material production and managing administrative tasks across vast distances.
5. Introduction of Airports: Airports were constructed to facilitate the movement of administrators, military personnel, and information between African colonies and metropolitan countries. The airports played a significant role in maintaining the colonial administration and ensuring the flow of resources between colonies and European centers of power.

Objectives of changes in colonial infrastructure

The changes made to colonial infrastructure served several key objectives designed to support the colonial economic system and maintain control over African territories:

1. Transportation of Raw Materials: One of the primary objectives was to transport raw materials from production areas (such as mines and plantations) to harbors, where they could be shipped to European industries. This facilitated the extraction of resources necessary for industrial production in the metropole.
2. Movement of Colonial Administrators: The colonial powers needed to efficiently transport colonial officers and administrators between urban centers and production areas to supervise and control the extraction of resources. This ensured the smooth functioning of the colonial system.
3. Transportation of African Labourers: The development of infrastructure also facilitated the movement of African laborers, especially migrant workers from labour reserve areas to productive areas like plantations and mines. This system was designed to provide a steady supply of cheap labor for colonial economic activities.
4. Transport of Coercive Forces: The colonial powers needed to ensure that coercive forces (such as the police and military) could be rapidly deployed to suppress resistance movements in productive areas. For instance, during the Mau Mau resistance in Kenya, the rapid deployment of military personnel helped prevent disruptions in production.
5. Transport of Manufactured Goods: Manufactured goods produced in European countries were transported to African colonies to supply European settlers and facilitate economic activities. These goods were often of low value and were exchanged for African resources in the context of unequal trade.
6. Facilitation of Communication: The expansion of communication networks, including railways, roads, and telecommunications, was aimed at facilitating the smooth governance and administration of the colonies. This infrastructure ensured that colonial authorities could maintain control and manage the economic exploitation of the colonies.