Includes bibliographical references (pages [129]-143) and
index

Colonialism, racism and African resistance --
Instabilities, adjustment and renewal -- Food - insecure
and vulnerable : the politics of African rural livelihoods
-- Big men and little women : the politics of gender in
Africa -- More than HIV/AIDS : the politics of health in
Africa -- Conclusion : an African renaissance

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."--P. [4] of cover