Theory question 107
Economic Integration(a) What is an economic grouping?
(b) State three objectives of each of the following organizations: (i) Lake Chad Basin Commission; (ii) ECOWAS; (iii) Niger Basin Commission.
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(a) An economic grouping is an association of countries, usually in the same region, that agree to cooperate economically, e.g. by removing trade barriers, to promote trade and development among themselves.
(b)(i) Lake Chad Basin Commission (any three): regulate and control use of the waters of Lake Chad; develop the basin's resources for agriculture, fishing, livestock and irrigation; settle disputes among member states; protect the lake's environment and fight desertification and pollution; promote regional cooperation.
(ii) ECOWAS (any three): promote trade and economic cooperation among West African states; remove tariffs and other trade barriers; allow free movement of people, goods and services; harmonise economic and monetary policies; develop infrastructure (transport, communication); raise living standards.
(iii) Niger Basin Commission/Authority (any three): promote cooperation in developing the resources of the River Niger; coordinate dams, irrigation and hydro-electric projects; improve navigation on the river; control floods and erosion; collect and share data on the river; protect the environment of the basin.
Give three distinct objectives for each body.