Synopses & Reviews
The tragedy of poverty is that it happens in a wealthy world. Despite global prosperity unrivalled in human history, a new wave of dramatic crises at the turn of the millennium is evident in armed conflict, civil unrest, ethnic violence, disease and economic jeopardy. Hardest hit are developing regions like sub-Saharan Africa, which are the focus of this book. This edited volume deals with conflict and the safety of entire communities in Africa as a whole, and Kenya in particular. The authors spell out the meaning and nuances of human security in todays global economy and discuss policy options and alternative approaches to enhance the well-being and protection of communities affected by conflict.
Review
“Development is not all about money. Reducing conflict and increasing human security are among the greatest challenges of humankind. In this important book, the authors provide detailed accounts of community life in Northern Kenya, including the historical context, organization of property and work, cultural practices, human rights, and problem solving. The research is intensive and examples are illuminating. Insights and lessons apply broadly. This book is valuable as an educational resource, and it informs practices and policies on the ground.”—Michael Sherraden, Youngdahl Professor of Social Development and Director, Center for Social Development, Washington University in St. Louis
Synopsis
This edited volume looks at human security and conflict in northern Kenya and nearby areas within Sudan, Somalia, Ethiopia, and Uganda. It spells out the precise meaning and nuances of human security in today's global economy and examines the causes and effects of conflict in the region within the context of human security.
About the Author
Asfaw Kumssa is the coordinator of the United Nations Centre for Regional Development (UNCRD) Africa Office, Nairobi, Kenya. He has published extensively on urban and regional development, human security and conflict. His co-edited books include Globalization and the New Regional Development; The Cost of Reform: the Social Aspect of Transitional Economies; and Climate Change and Sustainable Urban Development in Africa and Asia.
James Herbert Williams is Dean and Milton Morris Endowed Chair at the Graduate School of Social Work at the University of Denver. His scholarship has been published in several prominent health and social science journals.
John F. Jones is Research Professor at the University of Denver, Graduate School of Social Work where he was formerly Dean. He has published a dozen books and many articles on social development and human security in Asia and Africa.
Table of Contents
Preface--
Kazunobu Onogawa * Foreword--
David L. Gies * Human Security and Conflict in Northern Kenya --
Asfaw Kumssa and James Herbert Williams * Research Methodology --
Isaac K. Mwangi and John M. Njoka * Local Communities, Social Systems, and Human Security --
Patrick O. Alila * Human Security and Conflict Resolution: Idea and Action --
John F. Jones * Conflict Management Strategies in Northern Kenya
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Isaac K. Mwangi * Politics and Ethnicity: The Search for a Solution --
John M. Njoka * Culture and Conflict in Northern Kenya --
Enos H. N. Njeru * Conflict in Northern Kenya from a Regional Perspective --
Asfaw Kumssa * Capacity Building and Livelihood Creation for Sustainable Development --
Isaac K. Mwangi * A View from the Bridge --
John. F. Jones and James Herbert Williams