Connecting-Africa | Find publications

Advanced search

Find:


Title To fight or to farm? Agrarian dimensions of the Mano River conflicts (Liberia and Sierra Leone)
Full text http://library.wur.nl/WebQuery/wurpubs/344985
Date 2005
Author(s) Richards, P.
Abstract The wars in Liberia and Sierra Leone have been linked to the condition of urbanized youth. Recent research in southeastern Sierra Leone and northwestern Liberia suggests the rural context is of greater significance. The fighting was mainly in rural areas, involved mainly rural youth, and adapted itself to their local concerns. A model of war as the work of urban criminal gangs, reflecting local student politics in the 1970s and embraced internationally, is ripe for replacement by a model of war as agrarian revolt. This would open up the possibility of a more coherent regional analysis of recent West African conflicts. The key to conflict resolution in the region, it is suggested, is an emphasis on agrarian justice, including reform of customary land and marriage law.
Subject(s) Leerstoelgroep Technologie en agrarische ontwikkeling
Type of publication Article/Letter to editor
Format application/pdf
Source African Affairs 104 (2005) 417; ISSN: 0001-9909
Rights Wageningen UR
Repository Wageningen - University of Wageningen
Added to C-A: 2008-12-22;02:35:04