Africa Doesn't Matter: How the West Has Failed the Poorest Continent and What We Can Do about It

by Giles Bolton

Book Overview

What happens to the billions of aid dollars given yearly? Why do trade rules that fail African countries also cost us at the checkout line? Why don't the African people matter? In this engaging,... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1559708786
• ISBN13: 9781559708784
• Release Date: May 2008
• Publisher: Arcade Publishing
• Length: 350 Pages
• Weight: 1.05 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 5.6" x 8.5"

Customer Reviews

Great reading, amazingly clear insight

A great book on the subject. As I read the book (almost finished) I'm amazed at how clearly he exposes the issues surrounding Africa, development (or lack of), trade, corruption, aid, etc. I've always wondered why was Africa so poor and with such an apparent lack of prospects. I remember way back many, many years ago, a school trip to an exhibit on africa and poverty. There was great emphasis (almost exclusive) on corruption and western aid. As the book explains, yes: corruption is a big problem and yes: western nations do provide some aid. But both aid and corruption have a story to tell of their own. As well as many other factors. The reality is that Africa's story has a lot to do with the Western world. And to the Western world "Africa doesn't matter" even though our actions have a big effect on African people. Again: it's a great book, very well written, very clear insights into the issues surrounding Africa.

Does Africa Matter?

This book is not a self righteous tirade against developed countries not doing enough. Rather, it's a clear expose of what are the real problems facing poor African nations, why billions of dollars in public and private aid over many decades has done so little to raise standards of living in Africa, and, importantly, what you and I as citizens of the developed west can do to make a real difference. Surprisingly, his answer is not "The West must give more money." He develops his case from both personal experience and careful research. Drawing on economic data from World Bank and other sources, Bolton lays out the relief industry in easy to follow charts - where the money comes from, where it goes, how effective is it. He sketches out the African historical context, from pre-colonial times, to the century-long period of western colonization, the wars of independence, and the current political and economic struggle to ascend from poverty. View the full review at http://insidework.net/resources/readinglist/does-africa-matter

A great overview; and real solutions for a new Africa

Terrific analysis of Africa's ongoing troubles in the 21st century and the failure of modern concepts of "aid" (however well-intentioned). The book is not really an easy read; it's more of a textbook, even with the anecdotal touches. Very dense at times. However, if you want a great overview of the history of modern Africa, the history of modern aid, and how various approaches have broken down in the past, this is a great primer. Most interestingly, Bolton points the way to the "holy grail" of aid: real solutions that can work to change the face of Africa forever.