1st Edition

The NGO Factor in Africa The Case of Arrested Development in Kenya

By Maurice N. Amutabi Copyright 2006
    276 Pages 1 B/W Illustrations
    by Routledge

    276 Pages 1 B/W Illustrations
    by Routledge

    The book breaks new ground in understanding the role of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) in Africa. The book historicizes NGOs using the Rockefeller Foundation as a case study, looking at its tripartite paradoxical roles as an agent of colonialism, globalization and development/underdevelopment. It deploys interdisciplinary devices to show how the RF projects have engaged in marginalization, patronage and ‘othering’ of African values and customs and the ensuing controversies. Using globalization, postmodern and postcolonial theories the book deconstructs the long-held myths about NGO inviolability, and opens ground for understanding their strengths. It interrogates sites of contestation, apprehension and possibilities that the RF has produced. Using RF projects, it looks at structures of hegemony, race, power, class and gender that the RF has created. The book illustrates the extent to which the RF has been instrumental in spreading capitalism, imperialism in economic, political, cultural and social realms through globalization. It desists from the grand narrative approach that has dominated African history in the past but instead gives agency and voice to those that have previously been marginalized.

    List of Tables

    Map of Kenya

    Preface/Foreword by Prof. Paul Tiyambe Zeleza

    Acknowledgments

    Introduction

    Chapter One: The Paradox of NGOs in Africa’s Development: Unraveling their Inconsistency

    Chapter Two: NGOs, Capitalism and Globalization

    Chapter Three: The Genesis of NGOs: The Idea, the Movement and Implications for Kenya

    Chapter Four: The Colonial State and Development in Kenya: Background to the NGO Work in the Country

    Chapter Five: The Role of the Rockefeller Foundation (RF) in Medical Research and Health in Kenya

    Chapter Six: The Role of the Rockefeller Foundation (RF) in Agriculture and Education in Kenya

    Conclusion

    Endnotes

    Bibliography

    Index

    Biography

    Maurice N. Amutabi