Economic History: Growth, Stagnation and Inequality in Africa

<p>Why have some regions in Africa grown while others stagnated? This course helps you explore the long-term roots of inequality and development, with a focus on agriculture, institutions, and African agency in shaping economic change.</p><p>This course gives you a deeper understanding of Africa’s long-term economic and social development, with a particular focus on agriculture. </p><p>You’ll explore how historical challenges and responses have shaped today’s issues of poverty, inequality, and underdevelopment. The course highlights the diversity of development paths across the continent and emphasises the role of Africans in driving change. You’ll examine key themes such as colonial legacies, the tension between peasant and settler agriculture, and the role of states and markets in enabling or hindering growth. </p><p>The course also introduces different theoretical and historiographical perspectives, helping you compare development trajectories and critically reflect on the links between agricultural performance and broader economic outcomes. Whether you're interested in history, development, or global inequality, this course offers a solid foundation for understanding Africa’s complex economic landscape.</p>