Agricultural Reform in Rwanda

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Agricultural Reform in Rwanda

Authoritarianism, Markets and Zones of Governance

Development studies Politics and government Development economics and emerging economies Agricultural and rural economics

Author: Chris Huggins

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Collection: Politics and Development in Contemporary Africa

Language: English

Published by: Zed Books

Published on: 15th October 2017

Format: LCP-protected ePub

Size: 256 pages

ISBN: 9781786991232


International Recognition of Rwanda

International observers have lauded Rwanda as an example of an African country taking control of its own development trajectory, and as a market-friendly destination for investment. A key component of this narrative has been an ambitious programme of agricultural reform, involving private firms, NGOs, and international charities. The Rwandan government claims these reforms have been a resounding success, tripling crop yields and helping to combat hunger.

Critical Perspective by Chris Huggins

Chris Huggins argues, however, that Rwanda's liberal, modernising image sits poorly with the regime's continuing authoritarian tendencies. Featuring in-depth case studies of the effects of agricultural reform in three different regions, and drawing on hundreds of interviews, Huggins shows that the much-vaunted liberalization of agriculture has in fact depended on the coercion of Rwandan farmers, and in many cases has had a detrimental impact on their livelihoods.

Context and Significance

With the Kagame regime now coming under increasing international scrutiny, this work provides a timely look at the impact of market friendly authoritarianism in contemporary Africa, making essential reading for students and scholars of development in the fields of sociology, anthropology, political science, and economics.

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