FALSE START IN AFRICA Paperback by René Dumont (Author)

Summary and Description:

False Start in Africa is a critical examination of post-colonial Africa's development challenges, written by René Dumont, a renowned French agronomist, economist, and environmentalist. The book highlights the failures of economic and agricultural policies in Africa after independence, emphasizing the mismanagement of resources, poor governance, and the negative impact of foreign interventions. Dumont argues that Africa's development was derailed by a combination of internal and external factors, including corruption, lack of education, and the imposition of unsuitable Western models of development.

Key Points:

1. Post-Colonial Challenges:

   • Dumont critiques the unpreparedness of African nations for independence and the lack of effective leadership.

   • He discusses how colonial legacies, such as poorly designed borders and economic systems, hindered progress.

2. Agricultural Failures:

   • The book emphasizes the neglect of agriculture, which was the backbone of most African economies.

   • Dumont argues that misguided policies led to food shortages and dependence on foreign aid.

3. Critique of Foreign Aid:

   • Dumont criticizes the role of Western countries and international organizations in promoting ineffective and sometimes harmful development strategies.

   • He highlights how aid often served the interests of donor countries rather than benefiting African nations.

4. Environmental Concerns:

   • The author warns about the environmental degradation caused by poor land management and unsustainable practices.

   • He advocates for ecological conservation and sustainable development.

5. Call for Self-Reliance:

   • Dumont urges African nations to take control of their development by focusing on education, local industries, and agricultural self-sufficiency.

   • He emphasizes the importance of grassroots initiatives and community involvement.

6. Political and Economic Reforms:

   • The book calls for political accountability, reduced corruption, and the establishment of fair economic systems.

   • Dumont stresses the need for African leaders to prioritize the well-being of their citizens over personal gain.

Book Details:

• Format: Paperback

• Dimensions: Approximately 13.97 cm (height) x 21.59 cm (width) x 1.5 cm (depth) [Standard paperback size]

• Weight: Approximately 0.3 kg (varies slightly depending on the edition)

• Price: Typically ranges from $15to$25 USD, depending on the seller and edition.

  Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B000P8V0ZQ
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Best Sellers Rank: #9,528,140 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
    • #3,353 in Microeconomics (Books)
  • Customer Reviews: 
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