This volume in honour of Stephen Ellis is a follow-up to the public presentation of his book on the history of organised crime in Nigeria This Present Darkness (Hurst, 2016) at the University of... Show moreThis volume in honour of Stephen Ellis is a follow-up to the public presentation of his book on the history of organised crime in Nigeria This Present Darkness (Hurst, 2016) at the University of Lagos, Nigeria on 28 October 2016. In addition to four papers, and a book review presented at this colloquium, other contributions about crime in Nigeria have been added, written by Nigerian authors. In July 2015 Stephen died, and he has worked on This Present Darkness almost to his last moments, as a senior researcher of the African Studies Centre in Leiden. This book also contains a tribute to his life and work written by his wife and scholar Gerrie ter Haar. Show less
Akinyoade, A.; Damen, J.C.M.; Dietz, A.J.; Kilama, B.B.; Omme, G. van 2011
De bevolking van het Afrikaanse continent is de laatste vijftig jaar extreem snel gegroeid, van 289 miljoen inwoners in 1961 tot meer dan 1 miljard op dit moment. Dat is een groei van 350% in een... Show moreDe bevolking van het Afrikaanse continent is de laatste vijftig jaar extreem snel gegroeid, van 289 miljoen inwoners in 1961 tot meer dan 1 miljard op dit moment. Dat is een groei van 350% in een halve eeuw. Het aantal stedelingen is nog veel sneller gegroeid: van 65 miljoen (20%) in 1960 tot 460 miljoen (46%) nu, en spoedig, zo is de verwachting van demografen, zal meer dan 50% van alle Afrikanen in een stad wonen. De gemiddelde levensverwachting in Afrika, de alfabetisatiegraad en de deelname aan het lager onderwijs zijn ook allemaal spectaculair gestegen. En er zijn nu relatief heel veel gezonde, redelijk goed opgeleide jongeren met een sterk toegenomen 'blik naar buiten'.De veranderingen in de bevolkingsopbouw van Afrika beginnen zichtbaar te worden in de bevolkingspiramides. Voor zuidelijk Afrika is al een echte 'jongerenbult' (youth bulge) te zien, waarbij de leeftijdsgroepen van 10 tot 30 jaar groter zijn dan die van de 0-10 jarigen en van de groepen boven de 30. Voor de andere delen van Afrika en voor Afrika als geheel is het nog steeds zo dat de grafiek nog de vorm heeft van een piramide en nog niet die van een ui, maar de verwachting van demografen is dat in de komende decennia ook voor overig Afrika sprake zal zijn van een afnemend geboorteaantal en dus van een structuurverandering in de bevolking. Ook voor die delen van Afrika geldt overigens al dat er relatief erg veel 10-30-jarigen zijn, vergeleken bij alle andere delen van de huidige wereldbevolking. Het feit dat er relatief zo veel 10-30-jarigen zijn en dat zovelen van hen nu aanzienlijk beter opgeleid zijn dan hun ouders geeft een grote druk op de arbeidsmarkt, waarbij veel jongeren teleurgesteld constateren dat ze ondanks hun onderwijsniveau geen toegang lijken te krijgen tot een grotere welvaart en tot een beter leven. Show less
Historically, entrepreneurs have always played a central role in the development of nation states. Aside from rentier states, which depend extensively on the availability of mineral resource rents,... Show moreHistorically, entrepreneurs have always played a central role in the development of nation states. Aside from rentier states, which depend extensively on the availability of mineral resource rents, most economically prosperous nations in the world have strong, innovative and competitive business enterprises and entrepreneurs as the bedrock of their economic development and prosperity. It was arguably because of the above historical fact that the World Bank in 1989 declared that entrepreneurs will play a central role in transforming African economies. This collective volume deals with theory, structure and practice of entrepreneurship in diverse African countries, including Angola, Cameroon, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda and Zimbabwe. Contributions: Introduction (Akinyinka Akinyoade, Ton Dietz and Chibuike Uche). Part 1: Examination of related theories and innovations. Methodological challenges of entrepreneurship research in the least developed East African Countries (Emiel L. Eijdenberg); Africapitalism: a management idea for business in Africa? (Kenneth Amaeshi and Uwafiokun Idemudia); Inclusive business in Africa: priorities, strategies and challenges (Addisu A. Lashitew and Rob van Tulder); Innovation as a key to success? Case studies of innovative start-ups in Kenya and Nigeria (Miguel Heilbron, André Leliveld and Peter Knorringa); Innovation in manufacturing SMEs in Kenya, Ghana and Tanzania: a grounded view on the research and policy issues (Jaap Voeten). Part 2: Entrepreneurship development, country studies. An institutional analysis of entrepreneurship development in Nigeria (Abel Ezeoha and Afam Ituma); Entrepreneurship development in Africa: insights from Nigeria's and Zimbabwe's telecoms (Nnamdi O. Madichie, Knowledge Mpofu and Jerry Kolo); The development of entrepreneurship in Sudan (Yagoub Ali Gangi and Hesham E. Mohammed); Challenges to entrepreneurship development in Tanzania (Nsubili Isaga and Albogast Musabila); Institutional and contextual factors effects on entrepreneurship in Cameroon: the case of the transport sector (Françoise Okah-Efogo and Crescence Marie-France Okah-Atenga). Part 3: Entrepreneurship and sectoral considerations or determinants. Dangote cement: the challenges of pan-African expansion (Akinyinka Akinyoade and Chibuike Uche); Culture as a facilitator and a barrier to entrepreneurship development in Uganda (Jane N.O. Khayesi, Arthur Sserwanga and Rebecca Kiconco); African women large-scale entrepreneurs: cases from Angola, Nigeria and Ghana (Miriam Siun, Akinyinka Akinyoade and Ewurabena Quaye); Financial barriers and how to overcome them: the case of women entrepreneurs in Tanzania (Marta Lindvert); Gentlemanly capitalism and entrepreneurial management: formation and rise of Nigeria's Guaranty Trust Bank, 19902002 (Ayodeji Olukoju); Indigenous banking enterprises: the rise of Nigerian multinational banks (Chibuike Uche). [ASC Leiden abstract] Show less
Akinyoade, A.; Damen, J.C.M.; Dietz, A.J.; Kilama, B.B.; Omme, G. van 2014
Africa's population has grown extremely rapidly over the last fifty years from 289 million inhabitants in 1961 to more than 1 billion today. This is a growth rate of 350% in just half a century... Show moreAfrica's population has grown extremely rapidly over the last fifty years from 289 million inhabitants in 1961 to more than 1 billion today. This is a growth rate of 350% in just half a century and the number of urban residents has increased even more quickly: from 65 million in 1960 to 460 million today, or from 20% to 46% of the population as a whole. Demographers predict that soon more than 50% of all Africans will be living in cities. The average life expectancy, literacy rates and primary-school attendance figures in Africa have also all increased spectacularly. And today there are large numbers of relatively healthy, well-educated young people with a more international view of the world. Changes in the structure of Africa's population are evident in the continent's population pyramid. A 'youth bulge' can be seen in Southern Africa's population statistics, with those aged between 10 and 30 far outnumbering those in the 0-10 age group and those over 30 years of age. In other parts of Africa, and for Africa as a whole, the population statistics still have a pyramid structure and have not yet created the sort of onion shape seen in Southern Africa. The expectation is, however, that a declining birth rate across Africa over the next few decades will lead to a change in the continent's population structure and there will be a relatively high number of 10-30 year olds compared to other parts of the world. The fact that there are so many youth in Africa today and that they are much better educated than their parents ever were is having a big impact on the labour market. The youth are starting to feel disillusioned about the lack of job opportunities and are realizing that their (reasonably good) level of education is not going to allow them direct or easy access to greater prosperity and a better life. Show less
This paper focuses on the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the education system in Kenya with reference to vocational training institutions. The paper analyses how the provision of vocational... Show moreThis paper focuses on the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the education system in Kenya with reference to vocational training institutions. The paper analyses how the provision of vocational training was impacted after Covid-19 from the perspective of principals of colleges, tutors, and students. The paper collected qualitative experiences of the above-mentioned stakeholders to understand to which degree vocational education has been affected by Covid-19. This was accomplished through the use of interviews, questionnaires, and document analysis. The study has found that the Covid-19 pandemic completely disrupted learning in six public VTCs as institutions were closed and students and tutors did not meet or interact for more than eight months. It was impossible for a work-based learning model to be used by students after institutions were closed because even the industries and businesses where they were supposed to undertake their practicum and internship programmes downscaled their operations, while others closed down completely. After reopening of VTCs in January 2021, close to 34.8% of their former students did not report back because some of them dropped out, some could not pay fees, some engaged in alcoholism, drugs, and substance abuse, some emigrated to other areas to look for opportunities while some settled down in marriage. It is recommended that guidance and counselling should be continuously provided to tutors and students as a way of addressing the psychological and behavioural challenges brought about by Covid-19, tutors need to be trained on remote learning methodologies (digital skills) and county governments need to invest in setting up infrastructure to support online learning in VTCs. This research provides a realistic picture of the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on vocational education and training in public institutions in West Pokot County which is considered to be a marginalised and arid and semi-arid region in the North-western part of Kenya. Show less
Asian Tigers, African Lions is an anthology of contributions by scholars and (former) diplomats related to the 'Tracking Development' research project, funded by the Netherlands Ministry of... Show moreAsian Tigers, African Lions is an anthology of contributions by scholars and (former) diplomats related to the 'Tracking Development' research project, funded by the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and coordinated by the African Studies Centre and KITLV, both in Leiden, in collaboration with scholars based in Africa and Asia. The project compared the performance of growth and development of four pairs of countries in Southeast Asia and Sub-Sahara Africa during the last sixty years. It tried to answer the question how two regions with comparable levels of income per capita in the 1950s could diverge so rapidly. Why are there so many Asian tigers and not yet so many African lions? What could Africa learn from Southeast Asian development trajectories? Show less
Berg, M. van den; Boere, A.; Dietz, A.J.; Dijksterhuis, R.; Dunselman, A.; Nijzink, L.; Veul, J. 2012
Samenvatting: Veel Europese trekvogelpopulaties laten een (sterk) negatieve trend zien. De oorzaken zijn divers en te vinden in broedgebieden, langs trekroutes en in - veelal Afrikaanse -... Show moreSamenvatting: Veel Europese trekvogelpopulaties laten een (sterk) negatieve trend zien. De oorzaken zijn divers en te vinden in broedgebieden, langs trekroutes en in - veelal Afrikaanse - overwinteringsgebieden. In de Sahel vormen met name veranderingen in het landschap een serieuze bedreiging voor veel trekvogelpopulaties. Deze veranderingen zijn zowel een gevolg van, als ook een risico voor de mensen die in deze regio in grote mate afhankelijk zijn van het landschap voor hun levensonderhoud. De door trekvogels en mensen gedeelde afhankelijkheid creëert echter ook mogelijkheden voor oplossingen; duurzaam landgebruik leidt tot behoud van natuurlijke hulpbronnen én tot herstel van biodiversiteit. Naast ecologisch inzicht is daarom ook sociaalgeografische kennis onontbeerlijk voor beschermingswerk. In dit artikel brengen we deze onderzoeksvelden dichter bij elkaar.Summary: Many European migratory bird populations show a (strong) negative trend. The causes are diverse and can be found scattered throughout their breeding grounds, along their migratory routes and in their - mostly African - wintering areas. In the latter category, landscape changes in the Sahel are a serious threat to many migratory bird populations. These landscape changes are both a consequence of, and a risk to, the people that depend to a large extent on the landscape for their livelihood in this region. This dependence shared by migratory birds and people also creates opportunities for solutions; sustainable land use leads to the conservation of natural resources and to the restoration of biodiversity. This appears to be an important strategy for the protection of migratory landbirds, as these species are widespread in the largely cultivated Sahel landscape. So, in addition to ecological insight, socio-geographical knowledge is also essential for this type of conservation work. In this article we strive to bring these fields of expertise closer together.Knowing what our migratory birds do when they are not in the Netherlands’ is usually the strongest drive for researching migratory routes and wintering areas of migratory birds among European researchers. In recent years an enormous amount of knowledge and insight has been generated in that area; insights that are necessary for shaping and prioritizing protection: where and when do which limiting factors occur? But just as important is the insight into the wider context of those limiting factors, for which socioeconomic knowledge is essential. After all, conservation starts with understanding. Show less
The Blue Bird-of-paradise Paradisaea rudolphi (BBOP) is a globally threatened species restricted to the montane rainforest of Papua New Guinea (PNG). Local inhabitants hunt the BBOP for its... Show moreThe Blue Bird-of-paradise Paradisaea rudolphi (BBOP) is a globally threatened species restricted to the montane rainforest of Papua New Guinea (PNG). Local inhabitants hunt the BBOP for its feathers, which is one of the main reasons for its population decline. The feathers are used for both traditional and commercial purposes. So far virtually nothing is known about which factors enhance or decrease hunting pressure, and how this is influenced by ongoing market integration of local communities. Field research in PNG suggests that the demand for BBOP feathers and, with that, the collection intensity, primarily stem from traditional uses, such as head decoration. Interest in the traditional use of the feathers is particularly high in remote villages, while the value attributed to living birds is higher in less remote villages, suggesting a decrease of BBOP collection intensity with increased market integration. However, increased access to 'outside influences' (namely tourism and Christianity) may both decrease as well as increase hunting pressures. Finally, we argue that awareness-raising among local people, government officials and tourists may well be the most sensible conservation measure. Show less
The Dutch government has been supporting higher education in developing countries through cooperation between Dutch higher education and training institutes and partner organizations in the... Show moreThe Dutch government has been supporting higher education in developing countries through cooperation between Dutch higher education and training institutes and partner organizations in the developing countries since the late 1960s.Various programmes have been implemented but the aim in all of them has been to build and strengthen the education and training capacity of organizations/institutes.The map depicts Dutch cooperation programmes to strenghten post-secondary education and training in Africa (1996-2013). Show less
Many African countries have experienced sustained economic growth, but few have achieved the type of structural change, driven by rising productivity, that has transformed mass living standards in... Show moreMany African countries have experienced sustained economic growth, but few have achieved the type of structural change, driven by rising productivity, that has transformed mass living standards in parts of Asia. In the Developmental Regimes in Africa Synthesis Report, editor David Booth examines how DRA research has shed new light on how developmental regimes might emerge and be sustained in Africa in the 21st century. He outlines a concept with defining features at three levels: policy content, especially regarding agriculture; policy process, especially the ability to arrive at appropriate policies through iterative and adaptive problem-solving; and a type of political settlement that frees policy-making from the usual constraints. Among the other authors are the ASC's Ton Dietz and André Leliveld, with a contribution on the Agricultural 'pockets of effectiveness' in Kenya, Nigeria, Tanzania and Uganda since 2000. Show less
