This authoritative, widely adopted text provides a broad introduction to the geography of Africa south of the Sahara. The book analyzes the political, economic, social, and environmental processes that shape resource use and development in this large, diverse region. Students gain a context for understanding current development debates and addressing questions about the nature and sustainability of contemporary changes. Timely topics include the rise of foreign investment in Africa, the evolving geographies of rural-urban linkages, the birth of the Republic of South Sudan, and advances in the struggle against HIV/AIDS. New to This Edition: *Fully updated to reflect the latest data and trends in development. *Chapters on development theory, cultural and societal diversity, the political geography of postindependence Africa, economic integration, and the geography of poverty. *Substantially revised coverage of gender dynamics, urban living environments, mineral and energy resources, and many other topics. Pedagogical Features *Vignettes in every chapter that provide detailed case studies from a variety of countries and elaborate on key concepts. *Recommendations for further reading on each topic, including print and online sources. *Companion website with downloadable Power Point slides of all original figures, photos, and tables. *An extensive glossary.
Table of Content
Introduction: New Beginnings?Overview1. The Map of Africa2. Imagining Africa: Roots of Western Perceptions of the Continent3. Thinking about Development: Development Theory and Practice in the African Context Culture and Society4. African Culture: Diversity and Creativity5. Societal Diversity: Language, Ethnicity, and Religion6. Gender Dynamics: Men and Women in African Societies The Physical Environment7. Geology and Geomorphology of Africa8. Africa’s Climate: Regions, Dynamics, and Change9. Biogeography and Ecology Africa in Historical Perspective10. The African Past11. The Colonial Legacy12. Independent Africa: Politics and Development Dynamics of Population13. Population Distribution14. Population Growth15. Population Mobility African Economies16. Africa in the World Economy17. National Economies: Strategies for Growth and Development18. Prospects for Economic Integration Rural Economies19. Indigenous Food Production Systems20. Agrarian Development and Change21. Food Security Urban Economies and Societies22. The Evolution of Urban Structure23. Urban Economies24. Urban Living Environments Resources25. Mineral and Energy Resources26. Water Resources27. Flora and Fauna as Economic Resources Social Geography28. Living in Poverty29. Social Policy: The Health Sector30. Children in Africa: Prospects for the Next Generation Conclusion: Which Future?Glossary
About the author
Robert Stock, Ph D, is Associate Professor in the Department of Geography at the University of Winnipeg, Manitoba. He previously held positions at the University of Saskatchewan and at Queen's University, Ontario.