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Series: International Library of African Studies Volume: 24

By: Chris Rowan

IB Tauris


The dilemmas of African development continue to haunt both African and western institutions and governments. Here, Christopher Rowan offers an original interpretation of the evolving concept of partnership as it operates within the current relationship between the European Union and the Africa, Caribbean and Pacific group. Framing his discussion in terms of the human right to water, Rowan presents detailed case studies of water aid from the EU to Lesotho and Mozambique, and explores the persisting inequities in the discourse and processes of development. With a close analysis of the interaction between non-governmental organisations, local elites, states and international actors, this book is a timely and insightful addition to perspectives on relations between the global North and South.

'This book provides a much-needed empirical case study of the complex relationship between the European Union and its so-called partners in Africa. Combining personal experience of living and working in Africa with expert interviews, theoretical examination and detailed analysis, Dr. Chris Rowan questions the extent to which the EU's much vaunted policy of partnership represents little more than a rhetorical shift in North-South relations.... This text will be of particular use for scholars working in Development Studies, International Relations and Policy Studies as well as to policymakers concerned.' Jason Abbott, Lecturer, Dept of Politics, International and Policy Studies, University of Surrey 'Dr Christopher Rowan offers an original interpretation of difficult dilemmas in African development which continue to haunt both African and western institutions and governments, and which remain intractable. In this book, he brings his expertise, research and experience working 'in the field' in Africa together with a strong practical sense to explore how the deadlock of conflict and development can be broken. His analysis includes detailed case study material [including] valuable in-depth interviews, and critical reflections on the current state of play in theories of African development. He makes a convincing case for looking at sub-Saharan African development separately from other developing societies, but his analysis of the interaction of non-governmental organisations, local power elites, states and international actors shows both how difficult development processes can be and how, through more effective implementation and more effective coordination between the key agencies in which local actors have a stronger voice, these difficulties can be overcome. He also shows... how a more understanding broadly liberal approach might make more sense of the persistent African development crisis.' Christopher Farrands, Senior Lecturer in International Relations, Nottingham Trent University 'This is a clearly written and accessible work which makes it a suitable introduction for both undergraduate students and non-academics. Simultaneously, it has a sophisticated analytical perspective which will satisfy more advanced readers.... The discourse analysis of the term 'partnership' raises important questions regarding perceptions, attitudes and policies between the so-called 'developed' and 'developing' states.... The Politics of Water in Africa will be of use in the fields of Politics, International Relations and Development Studies. Moreover it has direct policy relevance and, as such, will be of interest to policymakers, associated non-governmental institutions and a wider readership of concerned individuals.' Roy Smith, Principal Lecturer in International Relations, Nottingham Trent University


Acknowledgements; Acronyms; 1. What of Water?; 2. Friends or Foes?; 3. Development or Dictatorship?; 4. The partnerships between Lesotho and Brussels and Mozambique and Brussels: a study; 5. Reflections; 6. The Next Step; 7. The Current Position: After the Midterm Review; Conclusion; Bibliography; Appendices.




Christopher Rowan was awarded a PhD in International Relations from Nottingham Trent University. Prior to his academic research, he spent ten years living and working in different parts of the 'developing world'. During his time in Africa he witnessed first hand the problems associated with drought, which spurred this study of EU aid to water projects in the Southern African Development Community of the Africa, Caribbean and Pacific group.
