(Peeters 1992)

This volume brings together selected papers presented and discussed at the Conference on Conservation of West and Central African Rainforests, held in Abidjan, November 5-9, 1990.

Originally published in 1975, the studies in this volume examine the range of factors which mediate the development of social processes in both town and country: as well as migration there is the ebb and flow of beliefs, ideologies and educational and occupational opportunities. It considers the fundamental economic and political bases of migrations in the form of colonialism or multi-national controls of various kinds, international commodity markets of supply and demand, and the distinct development policies adopted by independent governments. The editor’s introduction discusses old and new models of migration; the origins of rural inequalities in development; the degree of continuity of language and belief systems between town and country and the persistence of rural links in urban settlements.

Living in and from the forests of Central Africa is intended first and foremost as a full-scale extension tool concerning NWFPs in Central Africa. It is a work on the groups who have always lived in these forests, forests that contribute to every aspect of their daily lives, both material and spiritual, and enable them to survive even in periods of extreme crisis.

A small, poor, little-known nation, the Central African Republic has had a troubled history, from the days of slave raids by Arab-speaking peoples from the north, through the bizarre rule of Jean-Bedel Bokassa, to the present military regime. Landlocked and possessing few resources beyond its famed diamonds, it is one of the least developed nations in Africa. Since its independence from France in 1959, it has of necessity continued to depend on its former colonial ruler. In this introduction to the Central African Republic, Dr. O'Toole examines the country's tumultuous past and current difficulties, the nature of the present political situation, and the roots of that situation in the colonial and precolonial periods. He also focuses on the roles of ethnicity, emerging urban problems, class formation, education, and religion in the social and cultural changes that the nation is currently undergoing. Finally, he realistically assesses the viability of the present government as a vehicle for economic development, stability, and reform.

The Historical Dictionary of International Organizations in Africa and the Middle East focuses on international organizations in Africa. And the Middle East. This makes sense for political, cultural, and geographical reasons. North African countries, and many located in the Sahel region, are members of not only African but also Middle Eastern international organizations due to their cultural and religious heritage as well as geographic location between Sub-Saharan Africa and the Middle East. A limited number of global organizations are also included in this book when they have major programs focusing on Africa and/or the Middle East. This volume emphasizes intergovernmental organizations but many non-governmental organizations are also included. This is done through a chronology, an introductory essay, appendixes, and an extensive bibliography. The dictionary section has over 700 cross-referenced entries on important personalities, thematic topics, and major international issues affecting the region. This book is an excellent access point for students, researchers, and anyone wanting to know more about this subject.