Africa South of the Sahara A Geographical Interpretation

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/n-/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. Many of the 200+ maps, graphs, tables, and photographs are new or updated.

Robert Stock, PhD, is Associate Professor in the Department of Geography at the University of Winnipeg. He previously held positions at the University of Saskatchewan and at Queen's University (Canada).

Introduction: New Beginnings? Overview 1. The Map of Africa 2. Imagining Africa: Roots of Western Perceptions of the Continent 3. Thinking about Development: Development Theory and Practice in the African Context Culture and Society 4. African Culture: Diversity and Creativity 5. Societal Diversity: Language, Ethnicity, and Religion 6. Gender Dynamics: Men and Women in African Societies The Physical Environment 7. Geology and Geomorphology of Africa 8. Africa’s Climate: Regions, Dynamics, and Change 9. Biogeography and Ecology Africa in Historical Perspective 10. The African Past 11. The Colonial Legacy 12. Independent Africa: Politics and Development Dynamics of Population 13. Population Distribution 14. Population Growth 15. Population Mobility African Economies 16. Africa in the World Economy 17. National Economies: Strategies for Growth and Development 18. Prospects for Economic Integration Rural Economies 19. Indigenous Food Production Systems 20. Agrarian Development and Change 21. Food Security Urban Economies and Societies 22. The Evolution of Urban Structure 23. Urban Economies 24. Urban Living Environments Resources 25. Mineral and Energy Resources 26. Water Resources 27. Flora and Fauna as Economic Resources Social Geography 28. Living in Poverty 29. Social Policy: The Health Sector 30. Children in Africa: Prospects for the Next Generation Conclusion: Which Future? Glossary