Nachituti's Gift: Economy, Society, and Environment in Central Africa (Africa and the Diaspora: History, Politics, Culture) (Paperback)
Nachituti’s Gift challenges conventional theories of economic development with a compelling comparative case study of inland fisheries in Zambia and Congo from pre- to postcolonial times. Neoclassical development models conjure a simple, abstract progression from wealth held in people to money or commodities; instead, Gordon argues, primary social networks and oral charters like “Nachituti’s Gift” remained decisive long after the rise of intensive trade and market activities. Interweaving oral traditions, songs, and interviews as well as extensive archival research, Gordon’s lively tale is at once a subtle analysis of economic and social transformations, an insightful exercise in environmental history, and a revealing study of comparative politics.
“A powerful portrayal of the complexity, fluidity, and subtlety of Lake Mweru fishers’ production strategies . . . . Natchituti’s Gift adds nuance and evidence to some of the most important and sophisticated conversations going on in African studies today.”—Kirk Arden Hoppe, International Journal of African Historical Studies
“A lively and intelligent book, which offers a solid contribution to ongoing debates about the interplay of the politics of environment, history and economy.”—Joost Fontein, Africa
“Well researched and referenced . . . . [Natchituti’s Gift] will be of interest to those in a wide variety of disciplines including anthropology, African Studies, history, geography, and environmental studies.”—Heidi G. Frontani, H-SAfrica
“A sophisticated, accessible, and graceful analysis of economic and social transformations from the pre- to the post-colonial era in Zambia and Congo. Makes a significant contribution to African, economic, environmental, colonial, and postcolonial history.”—Thomas Spear, series editor and author of Mountain Farmers: Moral Economies of Land and Agricultural Development in Arusha and Meru
“A remarkable work.”—Giacomo Macola, Journal of Southern African Studies