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When my family moved to Accra, Ghana, in 1990 just as I was about to start high school, we landed in a country whose G.D.P. was less than one-quarter the size of Delaware's, despite its plentiful deposits of gold and other precious minerals. A military dictator had ruled it for almost a dozen years. Poverty, hunger and disease stalked the countryside. It felt like a place cut off from the rest of the world. If we wanted to call my grandparents in Wisconsin or Addis Ababa, all five of us would squeeze into a phone booth at the post office. We didn't have a home phone, and the waiting list to get one was decades long.

When I returned to Ghana as a correspondent for The New York Times in 2005, I found a thriving democracy that had peacefully handed power between rival political parties. Everyone seemed to have a chirping cellphone. Ghanaians who had made it in the West as software developers, bankers and doctors were flocking home to set up businesses, building beach houses on the Atlantic coastline and launching Afrocentric clothing companies. Today Ghana is on the cusp of becoming a middle-income country - not too shabby a leap in less than a quarter of a century.

Despite what we read in the news about war, famine and corruption on the continent, anyone who looks beyond the headlines knows that this trajectory - from brutal misrule and abysmal poverty toward democracy and prosperity - has been the lived experience of most ­Africans.

And so Dayo Olopade's 'Bright Continent,' as its title suggests, is a corrective to Africa's image as a dark, hopeless place. In fact, it is home to several of the world's fastest-growing economies and more than a billion would-be consumers, an increasing number of whom are reaching toward middle-class status. It is also home to a huge chunk of the world's natural wealth, though that accounts for a smaller sliver of the continent's overall growth than most people think.

Africa's gains have come not because of Western largess or painful structural adjustment programs set out by the likes of the International Monetary Fund, Olopade argues, nor are they the work of governments. They are largely the fruit of Africans' efforts to help themselves, through creative means that sometimes involve breaking the rules.

'It turns out we have been throwing a party in an empty ballroom,' Olopade, a Nigerian-American journalist, writes of Western-led efforts to aid Africa. 'One of the biggest problems with the world's longtime orientation toward Africa is a preference for interactions between governments, or between formal institutions, when the most vibrant, authentic and economically significant interactions are between individuals and decentralized groups.'

She excavates a hopeful narrative about a continent on the rise, 'a libertarian celebration of hustling, hacking and free-form development.'

The best solutions, according to Olopade, are local, developed by people closest to the problem, not bureaucrats in Washington or Brussels: the South African gynecologist who operates out of two shipping containers stacked together, the Kenyan family who take over an abandoned plot of land to grow vegetables to eat and sell.

Central to Olopade's thesis is the concept of kanju, a term that describes 'the specific creativity born from African difficulty.' It is the rule-bending ethos that makes it possible to get things done in the face of headaches like crumbling infrastructure, corrupt bureaucracy and tightfisted banks unwilling to make loans to people without political connections.

Many countries have these kinds of hacks and workarounds. In India, the term is jugaad, and it has had its moment in the sun as a business school concept. India runs on this informal hacking of the system that makes life and business ­possible.

But the problems India is facing after a decade of spectacular growth reveal the limits of jugaad, and contribute to my unease with the premise of this book. Basic problems like educating millions of people, giving them safe drinking water and making sure they have food cannot be solved by hacking the system; change on that scale requires changing the system.

'The Bright Continent' resists broad-brush solutions when imposed from outside, and is largely dismissive of the role of governments in transforming the continent. But transformation tends to come when people push powerful institutions to change.

Take the example of Kayode Fayemi, the governor of Ekiti, the home state of Olopade's family. Fayemi is one of her story's heroes for his efforts to stamp out corruption and make government more effective and accountable.

He ran for governor in 2007, but the election was flagrantly rigged. For three and a half years he fought in the courts to get that false result overturned. He didn't try to work around a corrupt system; he forced the system to do its job properly. Eventually he prevailed and was sworn in, and his example has given hope to other would-be politicians that they can fight and win.

The book is full of TED-talk-ready phrases. Countries are not rich or poor, developed or underdeveloped, they are 'fat' and 'lean.' With their shoddy infrastructures, lumbering bureaucracies and corrupt politicians, many African countries are not failed states but 'fail' states that do not provide the basics to their citizens, with 'the basic understanding that you are on your own.'

These insights start out sounding clever, but by the time kanju is referred to as a 'killer app' they have begun to grate. This is neither wholly a reporter's book (its tone is too boosterish) nor a business book (it is too well reported).

Indeed, it is something in between. Things like close family ties, necessity-driven innovation and ingenuity are a source of strength, Olopade writes, and gives countless examples. But in each case, the opposite can also be true.

Family ties are a tremendous source of strength in many African societies, but family ties can also hold people back. In places where so few people have jobs, one earner must support many mouths, making it impossible to save anything. A journalist I know in the Central African Republic once told me that he hasn't been able to save any money, send his children to university or start a business because every spare bit of cash goes to a needy relative. For my friend, family was a drag on his upward mobility, not a boost.

In the end, Olopade endorses NGOs, but chooses ones that are more closely connected to the needs of people. These are small-bore efforts, aimed at solving a particular problem. The African Leadership Academy, started by a Ghanaian named Fred Swaniker, is praised, but it takes only 100 students a year.

This book doesn't really address the question that nags many scholars and analysts. Rapid growth in Africa has not been accompanied by rapid expansion of employment opportunities, which means that many people, especially the young and least educated, are left to hope that a rising tide will lift their boats.

Precarious employment in what is known as the informal sector is what most young Africans can expect. The textile factories and steel mills that built middle classes from Europe to the United States to China and beyond are nowhere on the horizon in most African economies.

More broadly, as Fayemi's experience shows, the most thoroughgoing change in any society is almost always political. Giving people a voice through their elected officials to transform their societies is the most empowering change of all, but in Olopade's world, government is a millstone to progress, not its engine.

THE BRIGHT CONTINENT

By Dayo Olopade

SPANISH FORK -- Whether you are looking for ways to improve your home, family entertainment, find a new dentist or to purchase books for your children, Spanish Fork Fairgrounds is the the place to be Saturday. The Spring Good Life Expo allows local vendors to come together to offer a variety of services to the community.

'This is a wonderful thing for Utah County,' said Chairman Ron Payne. 'We sent out 30,000 mailers making everyone aware of the expo and are confident we will have a great turnout.'

This is the expo's 20th year. Ron and Karen Payne of Spanish Fork took on this journey from the beginning and each year it has become bigger now offering more than 70 local vendors that offer services around Utah County.

'Our vendors make contact with more people in the two days that we are here than they would working months at their businesses,' Payne said. 'We have such a variety of businesses here and such a variety of things to offer the people of the community.'

The expo provided exhibits and demonstrations related to home and garden improvement, family health, nutrition products and favorite hobbies. There was something to offer for everyone.

During a visit to the expo, patrons learned more about home alarm systems, satellite systems, home and auto insurance and could even purchase an AirForce Blowgun.

'This is our first year at the expo,' said Becky Poulter. 'We are so excited about our new blowguns and we hope that they will bring as much fun and entertainment into the home of others.'

Angela Barney of USBorne books and more is at the expo for her third year. Her booth displayed many books and other fun activities for children of all ages.

'As a stay at home and a mother of four I love doing this part-time and the plus is I also can get books for my children,' Barney said. 'Our number one goal is to spread literacy in schools.'

Barney said she feels like having a booth at the expo opens up opportunities for families locally to see the things USBorne books has to offer and lets people book parties if that is an interest to them.

The expo takes place twice a year, once in October and again in April. 'This has turned into a big family thing for my family,' Payne said. 'It started with my wife and I, our children joined in to help and now we have our grandchildren helping.'

Randy Chipman who owns and operates Custom Security and Sound was one of the vendors at the expo Friday promoting his business. This business, rated A+ with the Better Business Bureau, has been up and operating for eight years with zero complaints.

'Being at the expo, I feel like I have a better chance to get to know new customers more personally,' Chipman said. 'We treat everyone like they are family and our systems are worth every penny spent.'

For new customers at the expo, Chipman included an extra perk that included their choice of a garage door opener, numeric door lock, a single smoke detector or a carbon monoxide detector.

'We are a local business in Spanish Fork but travel within Utah and some surrounding states to install our systems,' Chipman said.

For more information on the Spring Good Life Expo, visit www.goodlifeexpo.org.

This time of year, homeowners are eager to spring into action and get started on home improvement projects.

But in order to increase your home's value, there are three home improvement blunders you should avoid.

Shortly after moving in to her new home, Heidi Birkey and her husband discovered a plumbing problem that cost her more than $500 to fix.

' The plumbing under the sink is really old, and it was all metal plumbing so when he took it apart it fell apart in his hands,' Birkey said.

There are countless home improvement projects you can spend your money on.

But our partners at the consumer guide Angie's List say be careful: Not every project will add value to your home.

Angie's List founder Angie Hicks says mistake No. 1 is spending money on home cosmetics -- when your home has bigger needs inside its walls.

'Maybe you want a new deck, but you need a new furnace and only have money for one,' Hicks said. 'Be sure you invest in those needs first because it will be a better return on your money.'

Mistake No. 2: Over-investing in your home, compared with the rest of the neighborhood.

You wont get your money back at resale.

'But don't overinvest here,' Hicks said. 'The goal is to keep up with the Jones, but don't be the leader in your neighborhood. If your neighbors all have two bathrooms, don't put three in your house.'

Mistake No. 3: Going cheap to save money.

A project installed poorly won't add value to your home.

Hicks says hire a reputable contractor, even if it costs a bit more.

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Written by Nanette LoBiondo Galloway

VENTNOR - The Board of Commissioners is considering naming the entire city an area in need of rehabilitation, which would provide homeowners with tax incentives to improve their homes.

'This is a way to stimulate growth in the city,' Mayor Michael Bagnell said.

Residents who make substantial improvements to their home, including raising it to the new minimum flood elevation level, would receive a tax abatement on the assessed valuation of the improvements.

The first step in the process is to hire a planner to prepare a report that shows the city meets at least one of the criteria set forth in the New Jersey Local Redevelopment and Housing Law. To qualify, the city must show that more than half its housing stock is more than 50 years old, a majority of structures are deteriorated or substandard, or that the designation could prevent further deterioration and improve the community.

The rehabilitation designation differs from the redevelopment designation in that the city would not have the powers of eminent domain.

'The good thing about this is it has nothing to do with eminent domain,' Commissioner Theresa Kelly said.

The commission will decide at its next meeting if it will issue a request for proposals from professional planners to prepare the report, or amend James Rutala's $15,000 grant writing contract to include writing the rehabilitation report. Rutala's contract amount would not increase, city attorney Amy R. Weintraub said.

Homeowners could see taxes on the assessed value of the improvement abated for five years. In the first year, the homeowner would pay the full tax on the property before the improvement is assessed. In the second year, the homeowner would pay full tax on the pre-improved property assessment and 20 percent of the assessed value of the improvement. In subsequent years, the tax on the improvement would increase an additional 20 percent until the full tax on the new assessment is due in the sixth year.

'This allows people to fix up their homes with a discounted rate on their taxes,' Weintraub said.

Although taxpayers will be getting a break, the city could realize increased revenue from demolition and construction fees, Bagnell said.

Once the report is complete, it will be reviewed by the Planning Board, which can accept, reject or ament it, and make a recommendation that the board of commissioners adopt it. The report would also have to meet the muster of the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs.

Attorney General Kathleen G. Kane today warned property owners to beware of 'traveling' or 'transient' home improvement contractors who move from community to community performing shoddy or incomplete work, scamming consumers out of thousands of dollars.

'After this year's long and seemingly never-ending winter, homeowners will be anxious to begin improvement projects,' Attorney General Kane said. 'Our message to consumers is one of caution. Be careful with whom you do business this spring.'

The Office of Attorney General typically begins to see an influx of 'transient' contractors offering to paint homes or pave driveways each spring. These traveling contractors claim to be in the area with excess paving or sealing material and offer to repair or protect a homeowner's driveway. In many cases, the materials are inferior and the work performed is shoddy, forcing consumers to pay someone else to correct the job.

Complaints involving home improvement or repairs are among the top subjects of calls to the Office of Attorney General's Bureau of Consumer Protection. The Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act (HICPA), which went into effect in July 2009, establishes a mandatory registration program for contractors who offer or perform home improvements in Pennsylvania.

The statute also establishes minimum insurance requirements for contractors; requires contractors to provide their registration number in their ads and contracts; establishes required contract terms for home improvement contracts; and creates a criminal penalty for home improvement fraud.

Homeowners are encouraged to check with the Office of Attorney General to verify contractor registration. In addition, consumers should also contact the Better Business Bureau, check the contractors' references and obtain multiple estimates.

'Be particularly wary of anyone who knocks on your door and offers to make unsolicited home repairs,' Attorney General Kane said.

The Office of Attorney General's Bureau of Consumer Protection offers the following tips for consumers:

* Do not let anybody rush you into a home improvement project.

* Do not do business with contractors who appear at your door unexpectedly and point out problems with your home or offer a 'good deal' on repair work.

* Do not allow any contractor, utility company or 'inspector' in your home without confirming their identity.

* Homeowners, especially senior citizens, should rely on family, friends or neighbors for assistance in hiring a home improvement contractor.

* Make sure you have a written contract explaining guarantees, warranties, the price of labor/materials and the contractor's registration number and contact information.

All home improvement contracts must contain the Office of Attorney General's toll-free HICPA number, 1-888-520-6680, which consumers can call to verify whether a contractor is registered.

When yet another storm brings distress into your yard in the form of large branches and even entire trees that have broken and fallen into your world view, it's best to think before your dig out your brother's old chain saw.

The first question should be, 'Am I capable of removing this large tree/limb myself or should I seek professional help?'

Major tree-damage cleanup will undoubtedly require the use of a chain saw and climbing equipment. Unless you are experienced in the use of such equipment and comfortable working off the ground, it would be best to have the work performed by a competent professional.

Wind places loads on trees, including trunks, branches and roots, leading to higher stress. The varying lengths and sizes of tree branches tend to dampen the overall effects of wind; however, as wind speeds increase, the loads placed on stress points within the tree increase exponentially. When the loads exceed trunk, branch or root strength, various types of failures occur.

It might be tempting to get out there with your brother's old chain saw and do the work yourself. And this is where many homeowners get into trouble. Run an Internet search for videos of 'tree cutting gone wrong' to see just what can happen.

Professionally trained tree workers know what to look out for. There could be overhead and/or nearby electrical wires that create potential hazards and limit the options for tree cutting. Torn, hanging limbs overhead could make it extremely dangerous to cut downed limbs underneath them.

Most chain saw work on large limbs or trees requires the experience of a trained operator to prevent injuries. Wood under tension (one or both ends of the fallen tree or branch pinned under other branches or debris) can have different types of binds at different places. Releasing that tension with chain saw cuts is extremely dangerous and can seriously or fatally, harm the chain saw operator.

Uprooted root plates or root balls are unpredictable. Cutting the trunk of a fallen tree from an uprooted plate releases the pressure holding the root plate. The roots are still anchored and may have enough tension that they will pull the stump and root ball back into the hole. It could suddenly sit back into the root hole, trapping anything nearby underneath it.

Slope and uneven footing surfaces are also dangerous while operating a chain saw.

Cutting branches on the ground can cause you to bury the saw bar in the dirt or hit hidden obstacles, causing chain saw kickback.

Many homeowners injured doing their own tree work were working alone at the time, significantly lengthening emergency response time and hospital stays. If you do choose to do tree work, always have at least one other person work with you. In case you get trapped or injured, there's someone to call for help.

Removing large, fallen trees should always be done by an experienced professional. A professional arborist can determine the best way to accomplish the task at hand, and has the experience and proper equipment to do the job. And in doing so, they just may prevent an injury or even save a life. Contact the Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA), a public and professional resource on trees and arboriculture since 1938. It has more than 2,000 member companies who recognize stringent safety and performance standards and who are required to carry liability insurance.

TCIA has the nation's only Accreditation program that helps consumers find tree care companies that have been inspected and accredited based on: adherence to industry standards for quality and safety; maintenance of trained, professional staff; and dedication to ethics and quality in business practices. An easy way to find a tree care service provider in your area is to use the 'Locate Your Local TCIA Member Companies' program. You can use this service by calling 1-800-733-2622 or by doing a ZIP Code search online at www.treecaretips.org .

Home ownership can be an unending series of adventures, especially for those homeowners who love good home improvement projects. Some projects are fun and improve the value of a home instantly, while others are undertaken to address a potentially serious issue.

Discovering that termites are taking up residence where you live can be disconcerting, but termites are a very common occurrence. Understanding termites and recognizing the signs of termite damage early on can help homeowners reduce the havoc that such critters can wreak on their homes.

Termites are social insects that live together in colonies. These colonies eat nonstop, dining on wood and other cellulose plant matter. They also eat materials made from plants, like fabric and paper.

According to the National Pest Management Association, termites cause more than $5 billion in property damage a year. Studies show that queen termites can live for decades under ideal climate conditions while workers and soldiers live approximately one to two years.

While there are many varieties of termites, all are silent destroyers capable of chewing undetected through housing structures. To eradicate termites, homeowners must first identify the insects and then contact a termite management specialist to address the pest problem.

Spotting termites

Termites may not always be visible. Subterranean termite homes are usually formed in soil, where the termites build elaborate tunnel systems that channel through to above-ground food sources. Drywood and dampwood termites may live within the wood they consume and be undetectable until the wood collapses or rots away.

Homeowners often realize they have a termite problem when they witness swarming termites. At this point there already may be a mature colony at work damaging a home. Swarming, winged termites form in a mature, established colony.

Winged termites emerge and fly off looking for mates. Afterward they will locate a new breeding site and form another colony, potentially spreading infestations through multiple locations. Winged termites are attracted to light and can be seen by windows and doors in spring.

Other signs of termites include accumulation of soil or dirt at the base of wood structures or the foundation of a home. There also may be fissures or cracks near wood surfaces. Sometimes 'frass' or termite droppings can be seen. They appear as rough, granulated sawdust.

Covered mud tubes, or channels of mud leading from the soil up the foundation of a home, are indicative of the presence of termites. Even if termites are no longer present in these tubes, that does not mean the termites have moved on. They simply may have chosen a new path to your home.

Keeping termites away

Once termites have been identified, it is time to eliminate them. This means getting rid of water and food sources that are close to a home.

Repair leaky faucets and other water drips in and around the house.

Keep gutters and downspouts clean.

Seal entry points around water and utility lines or pipes.

Divert water away from the foundation.

Keep lumber, firewood or paper away from the foundation of the home.

Clear away stumps and tree debris.

Prevent untreated wood from contacting the soil.

Treating termites

It is very difficult for homeowners to get rid of termites by themselves. Very often they require the work of professionals. A termite exterminator will conduct a visual inspection of a home and property and may do extensive testing involving expensive acoustic or infrared equipment to probe the soil beneath the house.

Depending on the species of termite, the exterminator will suggest various treatments. These may include the application of pesticides and making areas around the home less hospitable to termites. Severely damaged wood may need to be removed and replaced.

Termites are problematic in many areas of the world. These insects often stay hidden and do serious damage that can cost homeowners a fortune. Treating termites promptly is essential.

Learn more at www.pestworld.org .