Objectives

FY2004
Forty years beyond 1960, when 1960 was dubbed the “Year of African Independence,” the various societies of Africa are faced with numerous issues. This research group will attempt to distinguish the various difficulties which embroil African societies between those that are the burdensome legacy of colonial rule and those that are postcolonial developments. While examining various aspects, such as society, economics, politics, industry, agriculture, religion and the arts, we seek to clarify the situation by accumulating studies of specific, regional cases. At the same time, we will examine what popular measures have been taken or are now being taken to overcome these conditions. We will also look at whether we as researchers have unconditionally accepted various concepts and analytical frameworks formed during the period of colonial rule, and if so what needs to be done to overcome these concepts and frameworks.