Women Wielding the Hoe: Lessons from Rural Africa for Feminist Theory and Development Practice

Description

How effective is western aid-agency intervention in Africa? What can African women do to manage the AIDS crisis? Can western feminist theory be applied to the rural African context? These vital issues, and many others, are considered in this topical book by eminent scholars and development consultants. The book aims to increase awareness of the importance of women agricultural producers to African material development and to expose the western biases that have traditionally pervaded the study of rural African women. The authors' critical analyses of conventional research methodology and key 'women and development' debates over the last three decades will stimulate new research perspectives. Students and scholars of development, development workers and policymakers will all find this book fascinating reading.

Deborah Bryceson Senior Research Fellow,African Studies Centre, Leiden

'... should be an invaluable reference for policymakers in Africa as well as for scholars involved in the search to find a scenario which would give the African woman the pride of place she has so well earned.' Mary Chinery-Hesse, Deputy Director General, International Labour Office, Geneva 'Women Wielding the Hoe is a timely book, analysing western perceptions of development, from a self-critically western perspective. It will be of interest to students and teachers looking at the role of African women in economic and political development. The experiences of twelve researchers involved in feminist analysis and development in Africa are gathered in this book, providing an excellent overview of the recent history of women in/and development thinking, and contributing to the ongoing African vs Western feminist debate.' African Studies Review & Newsletter 'Even for those knowing little about the subject this is an excellent read and is highly recommended for all workers in the field of rural development and women's studies.' Development Journal "It is a pleasure ... to report that (this volume) represent(s) excellent value for non-gender specialists seeking to familiarise themselfes with the curent state of play in gender research and theory, as it relates to rural Africa." Journal of Agricultural Economics "The authors' critical analysis of conventional research methodology and key 'women and development' debates over the last three decades will stimulate new research perspectives. ... a valuable contribution to women's studies, African studies, and international studies reading lists." Reviewer's Bookwatch "This is a rich collection which should be of utility and interest within development studies, anthropology, rural sociology, and gender studies, as well as to development practitioners. [...] The questions raised by the authors are valuable, and they are presented in a lively and engaging manner." Journal of Southern African Studies 'There is much of interest here that is presented in a subtle and nuanced way.' Africa