Full Description
This volume presents an account of how people in sub-Saharan Africa have fared under changing life circumstances of the past centuries until the present. By introducing the geography of the region it traces a time line of different historical periods that have shaped livelihoods of ordinary people of the region, and addresses the major milestones in political and economic development. It focuses on social indicators pointing to significant changes that have affected the health, education and wealth of sub-Saharan Africans and their outlook on the future since the wind of change blew through the region. With case studies and vignettes the book highlights how individual citizens across the 44 different countries of sub-Saharan Africa experience well-being and express their aspirations for the future. This book provides relevant material for practitioners and policy makers, including community and development workers, in non-governmental and other organizations in sub-Saharan Africancountries.
Contents
Part I: An introduction to Africa's quest for happiness and well-being.- Chapter 1. Pinpointing Sub-Saharan Africa on the Globe.- Chapter 2. Documenting Well-Being in Sub-Saharan Africa.- Chapter 3. Looking Back in Time: Africa's Changing Landscape over the Centuries.- Chapter 4. Traditional African Ideas of Achieving the 'Good Life'.- Chapter 5. Africa at War and Peace.- Part II: Indicators and Drivers of Well-Being.- Chapter 6. Basic Needs and Well-Being.- Chapter 7. Good Governance and Well-Being.- Chapter 8. Future African Generations and Well-Being.- Chapter 9. Happiness, Life Satisfaction and Hope for the Future.- Part III: Towards the Rising Sun: Promoting Well-Being through Policy Reform and Practice.- Chapter 10. Well-Being and Policy in Sub-Saharan Africa: Exploring the Interface.- Chapter 11. Conclusion.
