When discussing development issues in Africa, it is not sufficient to simply stress the ubiquity of failure, malnutrition, disease, predatory states and war, one also has to recognize that... Show moreWhen discussing development issues in Africa, it is not sufficient to simply stress the ubiquity of failure, malnutrition, disease, predatory states and war, one also has to recognize that important aspects in the lives of millions of ordinary people have been transformed over the last five decades. The contributions in this book are rooted in extensive empirical research, some at a local, regional and/or national level in different African countries (Chad, Ethiopia, Kenya, Lesotho, South Africa and Uganda), while others take a pan-African view. All, however, offer insight from different analytical perspectives into the heterogeneity of poverty and development processes in Sub-Saharan African and confront the ideas, concepts and assumptions that lie behind pro-poor policies. The volume also encourages policy makers to choose realistic policy prescriptions in an attempt to move people out of poverty. Show less
This study, which is based on field research carried out in Swaziland from October 1989 to December 1990, starts with an introductory chapter followed by three theoretical chapters on social... Show moreThis study, which is based on field research carried out in Swaziland from October 1989 to December 1990, starts with an introductory chapter followed by three theoretical chapters on social security in developing countries. The content of these chapters is illustrated with an extensive case study of Swaziland. Ch. 5 gives a brief profile of the Kingdom of Swaziland. Ch. 6 analyses the Swazi rural homestead, which is considered as one of the most important social security mechanisms in the country. In ch. 7 and 8 other important 'informal' social security mechanisms in the rural areas of Swaziland are discussed, such as kinship relations, neighbourliness, associations, and chiefdom. In ch. 9 the actual operation of these social security mechanisms is further illustrated by analysing their role for the Swazi individual, in particular in the event of three major contingencies: old age, illness and death. The final chapter summarizes the findings of the study. Show less
This paper discusses the concept of social security and criticizes the ILO definition of the concept as too limited to analyse non-Western social security systems. It develops an alternative... Show moreThis paper discusses the concept of social security and criticizes the ILO definition of the concept as too limited to analyse non-Western social security systems. It develops an alternative definition which includes, firstly, the protection by society of individuals or social groups against a fall in their standards of living as a result of temporary adversities, and, secondly, the promotion by society of the standards of living of those individuals or groups that are below an acceptable minimum level. This wider definition is justified by arguing that social security is a universal necessity. The paper further discusses principles and forms of social security systems, methods of redistribution, and determinants of social security systems. Show less
