Conflict and Poverty in Africa : A Research Companion

The contributors to this book examine the conceptual issues relating to the link between conflict and poverty as well as presenting case studies of countries often regarded as ‘hot spots’ for conflict in Africa. They also explore the roles of regional and sub-regional bodies and institutions in addressing the causes of poverty and mitigating the impacts of conflict on vulnerable and marginalized groups.

Africa is often regarded as the epicentre of conflicts worldwide. Virtually every part of the continent is currently engulfed in one form of conflict or another. Beyond the loss of life, conflicts have brought untold hardship to millions and have derailed social and economic development on the continent. Written by African academics, this book is divided into three sections, the first of which discusses the factors that fuel conflicts and the nature and impacts of conflicts on vulnerable groups. The second section comprises case studies of South Sudan, Central African Republic, Nigeria, Ethiopia, South Africa, Uganda, and Cameroon. These countries are representative of the sub-regional dynamics of Africa – west, east, central, and south – reflecting the diversity of the continent. The final section examines the role of key institutions and bodies in Africa in mitigating the impact of conflict on the socioeconomic lives of the people in the region. Bodies discussed include the African Union, Economic Community of West African States, Southern African Development Community, and the East African Community.

The book will be an invaluable resource for researchers, academics and policymakers working in the areas of law, political science, human rights, peace studies, development studies, and African studies.