African Anthropologies: History, Critique and Practice (Printed)
African Anthropologies: History, Critique and Practice (Printed)
This overview of the history, application and teaching of anthropology in post-colonial Africa shows how the continent’s anthropologists are redefining the historical legacy of European and American disciplinary hegemony, and developing distinctively African contributions to anthropological theory and practice. The contributors illustrate the diverse national traditions of anthropological practice that have developed in sub-Saharan Africa since decolonisation and exemplify the diversity of professional work carried out by the discipline’s practitioners. Their commitment to a common disciplinary identity demonstrates the place that exists for a critical anthropology that is reflective about both its potentials and limitations.
Kenya: The Struggle for Democracy (Printed)
Kenya: The Struggle for Democracy (Printed)
« Riveting, compelling, engaging and inspiring… Not only is Kenya : The Struggle for Democracy a book of first-rate scholarship, it is an informative and readable treatise on the everyday expressions of Kenyan citizens’ intense passion for openness, justice and responsible governance ». Lisa Aubrey, Ohio University « A very refreshing, rigorous, informative and multidisciplinary analysis of Kenya’s transition to democratic governance, Kenya : The Struggle for Democracy not only identifies the reasons behind Kenya’s failure to institutionalise democracy, but it also provides possible solutions ». John Mukum Mbaku, Willard L. Eccles Professor of Economics and John S. Hinckley Fellow, Weber State University « A moving and comprehensive analysis of institutions and actors that have shaped Kenya’s future… For Africanists, this is compulsory reading which requires a response ». Winnie Mitullah, University of Nairobi.
African Literature as Political Philosophy (Printed)
African Literature as Political Philosophy (Printed)
The politics of development in Africa have always been central concerns of the continent’s literature. Yet ideas about the best way to achieve this development, and even what development itself should look like, have been hotly contested.
African Literature as Political Philosophy looks in particular at Achebe’s Anthills of the Savannah and Petals of Blood by Ngugi wa Thiong’o, but situates these within the broader context of developments in African literature over the past half-century, discussing writers from Ayi Kwei Armah to Wole Soyinka. M.S.C. Okolo provides a thorough analysis of the authors’ differing approaches and how these emerge from the literature. She shows the roots of Achebe’s reformism and Ngugi’s insistence on revolution and how these positions take shape in their work. Okolo argues that these authors have been profoundly affected by the political situation of Africa, but have also helped to create a new African political philosophy.
Africa and Development Challenges in the New Millennium: The NEPAD Debate (Printed)
In 2001 NEPAD – the New Partnership for Africa’s Development – was launched by South African President Thabo Mbeke and Abdoulaye Wade, President of Senegal. Its founding assumption was that African governments had to take much more responsibility for their economic, political and social policy if real development were to be achieved. AFRICA & DEVELOPMENT CHALLENGES IN THE NEW MILLENNIUM is the first major attempt by African scholars and policy makers to evaluate the meaning of NEPAD in concrete terms. The authors raise key questions about NEPAD’s ability to integrate Africa with the global economy, to overcome the challenge of poverty, and to bring about regional development. The book also addresses what NEPAD means for agriculture, industrialisation, trade and the « digital divide ». This is an important contribution to our understanding of NEPAD, why it has already run into extensive criticism, and the prospects for a new, more positive chapter in Africa’s development.