Politics in Africa

Democracy, prosperity and self-rule, this was the vision of African independence. Across the continent, however, the 'optimism' that characterized the immediate post-independence period has largely faded. Meanwhile, ordinary Africans lurch between undemocratic, unaccountable and unresponsive governments and a decaying traditional African past.

How did things go so wrong? Why has the continent lagged behind others in economic development despite its potential natural resources? Why are so many African states prone to conflict? And why has democracy been slow to take root in a majority of the countries? Covering everything from African economies to the role of the state, rural livelihoods to issues of gender, 'Politics in Africa' offers a fresh perspective in answering these questions, making the continent's problems more understandable, less wretched and even intensely hopeful.

Up-to-date, concise and provocative, this is indispensable reading for anyone interested in African politics.

Table of Contents

Introduction
1. Colonialism, Racism and African Resistance
2. Instabilities, Adjustment and Renewal
3. Food Insecure and Vulnerable: The Politics of African Rural Livelihoods
4. Big Men & Little Women - The Politics of Gender in Africa
5. More than HIV/AIDS: the politics of health in Africa
Conclusion: An African Renaissance

About the Authors:

Nana K. Poku is the John Ferguson Professor of African Studies at the University of Bradford. He joined the University’s Peace Studies Department in 2006 from the United Nations where he held the posts of Senior Policy Advisor to the Executive Secretary of the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) and also Director of Research for the United Nation’s Secretary General’s Commission on HIV/AIDS and Governance in Africa (UN-CHGA). He currently serves as a Special Advisor to the Government of Ghana on PRSP and Health issues and has led 14 appraisal mission in 11 countries in Africa. He has also been an advisor to the European Union, the World Bank, the OECD, the World Health Organization, and the United Nations Development Program, among other international agencies.

Anna Mdee is Deputy Director of the John & Elnora Ferguson Centre for Africa Studies (JEFCAS) and also Associate Dean (Teaching & Learning) in the School of Social & International Studies at the University of Bradford. Her research has focussed on aid policy, civil society and community-driven development in East & Southern Africa. She is currently working on developing strategic partnerships with African Universities to build long-term initiatives for strengthening development research and teaching.