Issues in African Political Economies

Issues in African Political Economies draws together nineteen essays that detail local and regional political economies in Africa by describing case studies squarely situated within the global context. The varied perspectives from a range of academic fields speak to the complex layers and configurations of local, national, and global political and economic systems. These authors identify economic hardships and political uncertainties, providing insightful critiques and solutions based on grounded theory and solid documentation of current conditions. Each scholar reveals astute assessments of these modern political economies and their varied impact and results across a range of issues and contexts. Whether utilizing a case study or discussing specific aspects of the political economy such as government policy; political alliances; labor relations; natural resources; urban versus rural environments; or human factors of age, gender, socio-economic status, and ethnicity; each chapter concludes with policy recommendations and straightforward plans of action.   This book is part of the African World Series, edited by Toyin Falola, Jacob and Frances Sanger Mossiker Chair in the Humanities, University of Texas at Austin.