Author Description

Population growth, business interests, and global connections are transforming Africa from a "lost" continent to one of "strategic opportunity" in the worldwide geopolitical sphere. A timely synthesis of current thinking on this diverse, complex, and changing region, Africa: Geographies of Change offers students the most realistic portrait of modern Africa available. Integrating material on China in Africa, the mobile-phone revolution, the Millennium Development Goals, sustainable development, "land and water grabs," food security, informal livelihoods, the "Green Revolution," and new satellite cities, this text adopts a realistically optimistic narrative that focuses on Africa's burgeoning cities. By using case studies to highlight important topics, Africa: Geographies of Change incorporates new perspectives from urban studies, public health, political geography, and sustainable development in order to provide a more nuanced understanding of African issues. Features *Integrated cutting-edge topics--such as China in Africa, the mobile-phone revolution, sustainable development, informal livelihoods, and food security--keep the text relevant and thought-provoking *Emphasis on contemporary Africa motivates students to consider alternative and more positive possibilities for African development *Historical knowledge underpins the assessment of contemporary issues and helps students to envision future development and policy outcomes *Uniquely African perspectives enhance each chapter *Carefully selected sidebars and case studies vividly illustrate the topics being discussed