Weak States and Regional Integration in the Inter Governmental Authority on Development ( IGAD Region)

Abstract

This study addresses the ―weak states and regional integration in the Inter - Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD ) region‖ . The major p ostulation is that regional integration leads to economic growth and development. It focuses on the main aspects of the integration that is Infrastructure (Transport and Communication) Development, Conflict Prevention, Management and Resolution and Humanit arian Affairs , Food Security and Environment of the IGAD countries . It gives an overview of regional integration, provides an assessment of integration in the inter - governmental authority on development (IGAD) region and presents the key recommendations on how obstacles to the integration process can be overcome. This is generally applicable to other regional integration schemes particularly in Africa. From the findings, Regional integration attempt in the IGAD sub - region is far from success. There are a n u mber of challenges that hinder effective integration in the sub - region of IGAD. The economic dependency status of IGAD countries, the poor performance of infrastructure and communications development, lack of political commitment on the part of the partici pating governments, the mistrust, suspicion and lack of confidence among the member states, among other things, are the major ones. The study concludes that regional blocs in most of the developing countries consist of weak states with limited size of nati onal and sub - regional markets. Their low level of development may not allow much market expansion through regionalism. The dynamic gains from regional groupings - the enlarged size of the market and economies of scale - are unlikely to occur if the countries involved are very poor (having small market size and low per - capita income). However, larger regional integration arrangement membership will lead to a stronger international negotiating position in the world affairs. Regional arrangements that consist of larger members and 'big brother' are important for successful integration scheme. These assist them to extract economies of scale at a regional level and to enhance the strength of the regional groupings in international status and global bargaining pow er in the new trade system. The issues of economic dependency status of IGAD countries , the need to address the weak production structures and harmonization of national efforts to improve agricultural productivity and restructure industrial production are addressed