Crisis and Decline in Bunyoro

Colonial rule triggered rapid population growth in most of Africa. Why then did Bunyoro suffer exceptionally low levels of fertility and high levels of mortality right through the colonial period? The crucial event was the invasion of Bunyoro by British forces in 1893. By 1899, when her resistance was finally broken, much of Bunyoro's best rangeland had been transferred to her neighbours, and what remained of the kingdom was largely depopulated and overrun by disease-bearing insects and game.
As a consequence of this ecological disaster Bunyoro had the lowest livestock levels in colonial East Africa. The lack of livestock lay at the heart of the problems of malnutrition, low marriage rates, poverty and emigration that, in combination with high rates of sexually transmitted diseases, obstructed Bunyoro's demographic recovery for half a century.
This book addresses a number of issues of contemporary relevance. It considers the conflict between traditional African rulers and the modern state, the relationship between demography and environmental change, the history of the STDs, and the impact of cash-cropping on rural inequality.

SHANE DOYLE is a Lecturer in History at Leeds University

Published in association with The British Institute in Eastern Africa
North America: Ohio U Press; Uganda: Fountain Publishers; Kenya: EAEP



No US rights

Reviews

This work is a welcome and salutary history of colonial loss and decline that incorporates colonial politics and policy, but goes beyond to focus on demographics, disease andenvironment. ...Highly recommended. - R. R. Atkins in 'CHOICE
Makes a significant contribution to understanding health and population issues in one portion of Uganda. THE HISTORIAN
...In essence, this is a comprehensive study which makes important arguments regarding African historical demography, political ecology, colonial gender relations and political and economic change in Bunyoro. - Holly Hanson in JOURNAL OF AFRICAN HISTORY
Environmental and East African historians will appreciate the challenges inherent in the reconstruction of Africa's demographic past. Doyle furthers our understanding of complexities of demographic transitions in African societies by offering a clearly written and well-researched case study of an important East African kingdom. Crisis & Decline in Bunyoro successfully illustrates how demography is influenced by politics, economics, disease, environmental conditions and, ultimately, personal choice. - Heather Hoag in the INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF AFRICAN HISTORICAL STUDIES

Details

First Published: 18 May 2006
13 Digit ISBN: 9780852554319
Pages: 288
Size: 21.6 x 13.8
Binding: Paperback
Imprint: James Currey
Series: Eastern African Studies
Subject: African Studies
BIC Class: GTB

Details updated on 24 May 2013