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
Worldwide, the drawing of water is rising faster than the growth in the world's population. Between 1900 and 1990 the world's population increased from 1.7 billion to 5.5 billion, while the total... Show moreWorldwide, the drawing of water is rising faster than the growth in the world's population. Between 1900 and 1990 the world's population increased from 1.7 billion to 5.5 billion, while the total consumption of water in that time went up by a factor of 10, from 500 to 5,000 cubic km. This explosive rise is not just due to higher human consumption of water but is also the result of an increased supply as well as the expansion of existing economic activities and the introduction of new projects. By describing the water situation in the semi-arid Kajiado District in southern Kenya, this paper highlights the way specific interaction between political, juridical and economic processes has contributed to an upsurge in the pressure on natural water sources and available groundwater reserves. A history of Maasai landownership and water management initiatives in the area is followed by a comparison of efforts proposed and implemented to solve the numerous problems in water provision, focusing in particular on two types of water facilities - boreholes and shallow wells. The author argues that boreholes have contributed little to a solution for the growing water problems in Kajiado District. Instead, solutions should come from a merging of traditional and modern knowledge. [ASC Leiden abstract] Show less
