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Uppsala : Nordiska Afrikainstitutet

Science, ideology and development : three essays on development theory

Upphovsperson: Mafeje, Archie
Utgivare: Nordiska Afrikainstitutet | Uppsala : Nordiska Afrikainstitutet
År: 1978
Ämnesord: Africa, Economics, Development theory, Agricultural economy, Capitalism, Economic systems, Economic growth, Development, Business and economics, Ekonomi
In these essays the author starts from two basic assumptions. First, he believes that science is as social and as subject to perversion as all other forms of knowledge in society. This being the case, there is no absolute way of separating science from the pervading ideologies of the day. In development theory it is only logical that the socially desirable goals should be strated before the instruments for realising them can be forged. But in the process of forging instruments for solving current problems new truths are often revealed which become subversive of the prevailing set-up. Nor should this be surprising in Professor Mafeje's view, for it is implicit in the concept of "critique" in Marxian dialects. According to the latter, there is no affirmation without a negation. "Development" as an evocative and affirmative concept can scarcely avoid the connotation of "destruction" of existing structures and theories. For those who are dissatisfied with orthodox theory, there is a great deal to recommend in these essays.

Why is agriculture so important to reducing poverty?

Upphovsperson: Hårsmar, Mats
Utgivare: Nordiska Afrikainstitutet, Globalization, Trade and Regional Integration | Uppsala : Nordiska Afrikainstitutet
År: 2010
Ämnesord: Agricultural sector, Agricultural economy, Poverty alleviation, Economic growth, Development theory, Africa South of Sahara, Asia, Business and economics, Ekonomi
Over the last few years, there has been both talk about and action regarding the long-term neglect of agriculture in development. An agricultural revival has occurred, with African governments committing themselves to spending at least 10 per cent of their budgets on agriculture. Donors such as the World Bank and many bilateral organizations are refocusing on the sector. This is partly due to the prevalence of rural poverty in sub-Saharan Africa as well as in South Asia. Despite this, the debate on the appropriate role of agriculture in economic growth lingers on among academics and policymakers. In particular, agriculture’s contribution to broader economic growth is questioned. Should growth be driven by agriculture or by something else? Recent empirical studies and earlier theoretical work demonstrate that growth in the agricultural sector has contributed more to poverty reduction than growth in non-agricultural sectors. This paper discusses this issue and highlights some of the preconditions for the achievement of this outcome.

The changing forms of identity politics in Nigeria under economic adjustment : the case of the oil minorities movement of the Niger Delta

Upphovsperson: Obi, Cyril
Utgivare: Nordiska Afrikainstitutet | Uppsala : Nordiska Afrikainstitutet
År: 2001
Ämnesord: Structural adjustment, Ethnic groups, Minority groups, Petroleum industry, Nigeria, Niger Delta, SOCIAL SCIENCES, SAMHÄLLSVETENSKAP
This study attempts to capture the transformations in ethnic minority identity politics in the oil-producing areas of the Niger delta. In doing this, attention is simultaneously drawn to the factors informing the shift from peaceful agitation to violent protest as well as the dynamic of decay and renewal in the various ethnic minority movements that are active in the delta. It is suggested that part of the solution to the crisis in the delta will involve not only a thorough-going restructuring of the Nigerian state but also the re-orientation of the mode of operation of the giant oil multinationals in order to make them both more sensitive and accountable to the local communities.

Creating a Conducive International Environment for Africa’s Development : China’s role in Global Governance Reform!

Upphovsperson: Cheru, Fantu
Utgivare: Nordiska Afrikainstitutet, Globalization, Trade and Regional Integration | Uppsala : Nordiska Afrikainstitutet
År: 2010
Ämnesord: Africa, India, international economic relations, South-south relations, Globalization, Governance, democracy, Social justice, Development theory, Business and economics, Ekonomi
The world is at a critical juncture: there is the opportunity to come together to pursue a common agenda, or it can break into opposing groups based on differences in income, interests, religion or race. Globalisation exacerbates this tension between opportunity and threats. The most keenly felt tension is the sense that globalisation creates greater inequality in an already unequal world. If the world is unequal, then it must be undemocratic as well. As a result, globalisation and democracy come togetheras simultaneous challenges. As far as Africa is concerned, the challenge is how to gain voice in global governance.

India, Brazil and South Africa Dialogue Forum: A Bridge between Three Continents : Challenges, achievements and policy options

Upphovsperson: Arkhangelskaya, Alexandra A.
Utgivare: Nordiska Afrikainstitutet, Globalization, Trade and Regional Integration | Uppsala : Nordiska Afrikainstitutet
År: 2010
Ämnesord: South-south relations, International cooperation, Partnership, Institutional framework, India-Brazil-South Africa, Dialogue Forum, Business and economics, Ekonomi
The India, Brazil and South Africa (IBSA) Dialogue Forum is a trilateral development initiative to promote South-South cooperation and exchange. The forum was launched with the adoptionof the Brasília Declaration in June 2003. Each of the three countries has ambitions to play a leading role in regional and global affairs. The role of the Group of Twenty (G20) in respondingto the global financial crisis reflects growing acceptance of IBSA’s emerging position by the world’s established powers. An analysis of IBSA as a rising global power bloc is therefore critical to understanding the new dimensions of South-South relations, particularly in a post-Cold War world. This policy note addresses IBSA’s framework, principles, achievements and challenges in Africa’s development perspective.

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