Chapter 343: Agricultural Expansion
In anticipation of potential conflicts, the East African government shifted its developmental focus toward Zimbabwe, diverting attention away from Zambia. This strategic shift included several key initiatives:
1. Telegraph Line: A dedicated telegraph line was constructed, connecting South Salzburg Province directly to Zimbabwe. This line provided a secure communication channel for the central government to stay informed about front-line developments.
2. North-South Road: Efforts were undertaken to organize the local Shona people in the construction of a basic north-south road. This road was crucial to ensuring the smooth transportation of food, weapons, and personnel to the front lines.
3. Fortifications: The Kingdom of East Africa initiated the construction of a series of fortifications in Zimbabwe. Notably, Bulawayo served as a pivotal military fortress responsible for safeguarding food routes.
4. Land Use and Farming: East Africa asserted its ownership of land previously held by the Ndebele people. The Shona people were reclassified as a "proletarian" class, subject to land taxes. To promote farming, East Africa declared sole ownership of all animals in Zimbabwe, prohibiting "illegal" hunting activities. This policy aimed to address the issue of Shona people relying on hunting rather than agriculture for sustenance.
5. Food Supply: Recognizing the importance of local food production to support the large number of troops stationed in Zimbabwe (expected to reach 70,000), East Africa placed a significant emphasis on obtaining the majority of its food supply from nearby sources.
6. East African Values: Ernst's understanding of the challenges involved in introducing modern farming practices to the region was rooted in his past experiences. He had witnessed that Africans were indeed capable but sometimes resistant to change, often adhering to traditional methods. However, he acknowledged that assistance from the Far East had proven effective in certain East African countries.
7. Contrasting African Regions: East Africa's unique colonial history, distinct from that of West and South Africa, had shaped its resistance to Western influences. While West Africa was heavily influenced by France and South Africa had economic ties to the United Kingdom, East Africa had a different trajectory.
8. East African Assistance: Ernst recognized that East Africa was among the countries that had received significant assistance from the Far East. This had contributed to its relative stability and independence from Western influence.
9. Africa's Division: Ernst highlighted the fact that Africa was not a homogeneous entity; different regions exhibited varying levels of autonomy and alignment with Western powers.
Ernst's nuanced perspective on East Africa and its relationship with the Far East allowed him to make strategic decisions regarding Zimbabwe's development and food production, taking into account the possibility of future conflicts.
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