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Africa Doesn't Matter: How The West Has Failed The Poorest Continent And What We Can Do About It (2008)

by Giles Bolton(Favorite Author)
3.68 of 5 Votes: 4
ISBN
1559708654 (ISBN13: 9781559708654)
languge
English
genre
publisher
Arcade Publishing
review 1: This book was very intense but really informative. The author, who lived and worked closely with aid groups and governments in African countries, gives his perspectives and conclusions on why the current work in Africa isn't working. He talks about the limits of aid and relief work, especially with so many small ones that have a small reach. He also gets into international trade laws and "dumping" of under-priced goods at prices that the locals can't compete with realistically. The content was dense and upsetting but very important so I put it aside a few times and picked it back up. The author leaves the reader with some tangible "calls to action" to try to make change and leaves us inspired to do good and make progress despite the overwhelming nature of the project ... moreat hand--to make Africa matter to the West and in turn help the people in Africa help themselves.
review 2: It's an eye-opening book. In the midst of the financial crisis, we tend to get caught up with our own concerns here in the States, but in Africa people live in incredible poverty--even when the rest of the world is prospering. And now, during financial crisis, we worry about losing jobs, while they worry about eating.Ireland, China, and India have shown us how a country can lift itself out of poverty, given the chance. It would take very little, comparitively, of the world's resources to give the African nations their chance. less
Reviews (see all)
pavi
One of the greatest and most practical books I have ever read about the "issue" of Africa
Kay
Great, accessible explanation on how aid in Africa works. I want to learn more.
mclenev
Didn't finish. Had to move on to another topic. Looks worth coming back to.
Tiffy12
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