Environmental Humanities of Extraction in Africa: Poetics and Politics of Exploitation

This book explores the environmental and socio-political concerns in post-colonial Africa, focusing on the exploitation of natural resources. It highlights the issues of environmental justice, violent capitalocene, indigenous knowledge, and climate change, and is located within the fields of political ecology and environmental geopolitics. The case studies from different parts of Africa provide a compelling story of resource exploitation and environmental degradation.

Format: Hardback
Length: 192 pages
Publication date: 17 August 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This comprehensive book delves into the multifaceted issues surrounding resource exploitation in post-colonial Africa, shedding light on the persistent environmental and socio-political challenges that the continent faces. The rich diversity of natural resources, which have been historically subjected to exploitative practices, has contributed to a myriad of environmental problems, shaping the economic landscape of Africa. The legacy of colonial patterns of resource use and capital accumulation persists, perpetuating environmental and related socio-political issues as a dominant feature of African economies.

The book explores these problems through four compelling themes: environmental justice, violent capitalocene, indigenous knowledge, and climate change. By situating the book within the broad fields of political ecology and environmental geopolitics, the editors highlight the intricate geographies of resource exploitation across Africa. It uniquely focuses on the socio-political and geopolitical dynamics associated with the exploitation of Africas natural resources and its people.

The case studies presented in the book provide a rich and detailed account of resource exploitation in different regions of Africa. They showcase the devastating effects of resource extraction on the environment, including soil degradation, biodiversity loss, and water pollution. These issues are particularly poignant in a continent that is highly vulnerable to climate change, exacerbating the already existing challenges.

Furthermore, the book sheds light on the ongoing plundering of Africas natural resources, perpetuated by multinational corporations, governments, and local communities. The profits generated from resource exploitation often benefit a small elite while leaving the majority of Africans marginalized and vulnerable. This exploitation not only contributes to environmental degradation but also perpetuates social and economic inequality.

The book is of immense interest to scholars and students from various interdisciplinary fields, including environmental humanities, environmental studies, political ecology, environmental policy, and natural resources with a specific focus on Africa. It offers valuable insights into the complex relationships between resource exploitation, environmental degradation, and social justice, providing a framework for understanding and addressing these pressing issues.

In conclusion, this book is a crucial contribution to the literature on resource exploitation in post-colonial Africa. It provides a comprehensive analysis of the environmental and socio-political challenges faced by the continent, shedding light on the complex dynamics that drive resource extraction and its impact on the lives of African communities. By highlighting the need for environmental justice, promoting sustainable practices, and promoting equitable distribution of resources, the book offers a path toward a more sustainable and equitable future for Africa.

Weight: 540g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032263601