Bøger udgivet af Nordic Africa Institute

Although primarily set up to promote economic integration, Africa's Regional Economic Communities (RECs), have taken a prominent role in conflict resolution and peace support operations. This policy dialogue examines the performance of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD).

This study explores the historical development of the Liberian labor market with a particular focus on young men and women. It asks, what constitutes and shapes the Liberian labour market? By looking at labour mobilization and the structure of the (in)formal labour market - both in peace and war - our understanding of the contemporary Liberian labour market is substantially enhanced. The study finds that there are many recurring patterns of labor migration, labor mobilization and distribution that have existed in the Liberian pre-war, war and post-war settings. Historical structures of informality and patrimonialism continue to dominate Liberia today. In addition to this, the study's focus on youths provides an insight into how this section of society moves through the labour market. It also examines the idea of unemployed youths as particularly prone to violence.

This Current African Issues discusses the displacement and resettlement of the Sudanese Nubians into the New Halfa agricultural scheme in Eastern Sudan, the current state of this multi-ethnic community and the challenges the farmers are facing. The Nubians of Wadi Halfa in Northern Sudan (also called the Halfawi Nubians) had to be relocated to New Halfa due to the construction of the Aswan High Dam in the early 1960s. In addition to the loss of ancestral land and the alienation they experienced, the Halfawi Nubians struggled to secure a sufficient livelihood in New Halfa and found their lives irreversibly altered. Although the resettlement of the Nubians did not succeed in rooting them in their new territory and a lot of the Halfawi Nubians have since abandoned the scheme, New Halfa has also created unforeseen opportunities for internally displaced people and migrant workers and become a growing regional centre for business and commerce. Despite the fact that New Halfa failed to meet its original targets, it is an example of a resettlement scheme that, in 50 years, developed and adjusted according to the needs of its current inhabitants.

Urbanisation and long-lasting civil wars and conflict mean that the demographic pattern in Sudan is changing drastically. Nevertheless, 60%-80 % of Sudanese engage in subsistence agriculture. Agriculture remains a crucial sector in the economy as a major source of raw materials, food and foreign exchange. It employs the majority of the labour force, and serves as a potential vehicle for diversifying the economy. However, no rigorous studies have explained productivity in this sector in relation to food security. The situation has worsened because agriculture in particular has been neglected since the advent of oil production in the early 2000s. Moreover, Sudan's agricultural growth has been unbalanced, with the majority of irrigated agriculture concentrated in the Centre and a huge disparity in development indicators between the best- and worst-performing regions.Thus, studies show that the vast majority of Sudanese are reported to be food insecure, especially internally displaced persons and in conflict regions such as Darfur, Kordofan and other regions.

As Uganda comes closer to full scale commercial production of its recently discovered oil resources, the state has much work to protect its economy from possible negative effects. Although much of the literature regarding oil globally, as well as in Uganda, paints a rather pessimistic picture, Dr. Pamela Mbabazi provides a set of alternatives, looking at oil as an opportunity rather than a curse. While oil is still in its infancy, many in Uganda have already predicted how it will play out over the next 50 years. While some are quick to point out the flaws and potential problem areas, Dr. Mbabazi suggests a more balanced approach, recognizing both the issue areas as well as the opportunities presented. Uganda has just celebrated its 50th anniversary as an independent nation. What is certain is that over the next five decades, oil will play a significant role in Ugandäs development. Thus, she argues that by heeding the suggestions made in this contribution, the government and key decision makers can help set Uganda on the right path to becoming Africa's first oil success story. Dr. Pamela Mbabazi held the Claude Ake Memorial Chair in 2012-2013, working with the Department of Peace and Conflict Research, Uppsala University and the Nordic Africa Institute. She is Associate Professor of Development Studies, Mbarara University of Science & Technology, Uganda.