Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #2254761 in Books
• Published on: 1991-09-26
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 160 pages

Review
It makes a refreshing change to read a book which not only takes a longer than usual view of African development but is also ultimately optimistic.

Customer Reviews

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This book is the result of a project carried out in 1987 with the aim of drawing up possible futures for Africa based on different sets of assumption. The objective was to envision the state of Africa in 2057. Two major sets of assumptions were used to provide five alternative futures. The first set of assumptions is termed the "conventional" model. It majors on the assumption that the African future would be a simple, suprise-free, extra-polation of present trends. The second set of assumptions is termed the "African vision". It's major assumption is a "Big Lift" occasioned by suprising, but plausible, positive developments in Africa. Four alternative futures are drawn up within this model.

This research prides itself on providing an African persepective on Africa's future. It involved a network of African scholars and organizations. While the discourse is a bit dry, the book represents a different approach to discussions on Africa. There's not just the usual obsession with micro-analysing poverty and other features of present Africa but a refreshing look at a possible future. In this way, the book offers a different type of inspiration.