Imperialism And Economic Development In Sub Saharan Africa

This book examines the economic and business history of Sudan, placing Sudan into the wider context of the impact of imperialism on economic development in sub-Saharan Africa. From the 1870s onwards British interest(s) in Sudan began to intensify, a consequence of the opening of the Suez Canal in 1869 and the overseas expansion of British business activities associated with the Scramble for Africa and the renewal of imperial impulses in the second half of the nineteenth century. Mollan shows the gradual economic embrace of imperialism in the years before 1899; the impact of imperialism on the economic development of colonial Sudan to 1956; and then the post-colonial economic legacy of imperialism into the 1970s. This text highlights how state-centred economic activity was developed in cooperation with British international business. Founded on an economic model that was debt-driven, capital intensive, and cash-crop oriented–the colonial economy of Sudan was centred on cotton growing. This model locked Sudan into a particular developmental path that, in turn, contributed to the nature and timing of decolonization, and the consequent structures of dependency in the post-colonial era.

‘This is a desperately needed book. It not only surveys the field of African economic history at the level of undergraduate students, but provides several fresh perspectives, drawing on insights from the latest research on the evolution of African societies and their economic prosperity. This valuable source of teaching material will be the premier text on African economic history for at least the next decade.’ —Johan Fourie, Stellenbosch University, South Africa This upper level textbook offers a historical understanding of sub-Saharan Africa. By looking at the economic history of the African region from before the arrival of European territorial control all the way through to Africa’s integration in the current era of globalisation, readers can understand the development paths for African countries today. Organisation of production, social structures, trade, and governance are key factors in the discussion about African success stories and failures. Suitable reading for upper level undergraduates, MSc and postgraduate students, in addition to policy makers and development practitioners looking for a comprehensive overview of Africa from an economic and social perspective. Hillbom and Green also provide a starting point for the study of African economic history for those who would like to continue their own research in this area.

In what ways did economic considerations affect the decision by Britain and France to make their Black African colonies independent? Why were early expectations that independence would lead to rapid and sustained economic development in Africa for the most part disappointed? This title, originally published in 1986, seeks to tackle these two important and strongly debated issues. The main aim and value of the book is to take a broad view of this huge subject, pulling together material on most parts of Black Africa south of the Sahara and north of the Limpopo so that the problem can be seen as a whole. It takes account of a wide range of possible and actual factors which have influenced African economic development, weaving them into a single analysis, including the colonial inheritance, the impact of the fluctuating international economy, policies adopted by African governments and indigenous factors such as climate, drought and human resources. The book is written to be understood without difficulty by non-specialists and is intended to act as an introduction to its subject for university students.

This handbook constitutes a specialist single compendium that analyses African political economy in its theoretical, historical and policy dimensions. It emphasizes the uniqueness of African political economy within a global capitalist system that is ever changing and complex. Chapters in the book discuss how domestic and international political economic forces have shaped and continue to shape development outcomes on the continent. Contributors also provoke new thinking on theories and policies to better position the continent’s economy to be a critical global force. The uniqueness of the handbook lies in linking theory and praxis with the past, future, and various dimensions of the political economy of Africa.

A comprehensive study of recent African history, examining the political, social, and economic effects of colonialism.

"This new book provides analyses of capitalism versus socialism as well as case studies illuminating the latest economic developments in the shift taking place in Africa."--BOOK JACKET.