Nachituti's gift : economy, society, and environment in central Africa / David M. Gordon.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Gordon, David M., 1970-

Series:

Africa and the diaspora.

Africa and the diaspora

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Fisheries--Economic aspects--Luapula River Valley (Zambia and Congo).

Fisheries.

Fish trade--Luapula River Valley (Zambia and Congo).

Fish trade.

Bemba (African people)--Economic conditions.

Bemba (African people).

Luapula River Valley (Zambia and Congo)--Social life and customs.

Luapula River Valley (Zambia and Congo).

Luapula River Valley (Zambia and Congo)--Economic conditions.

Luapula River Valley (Zambia and Congo)--Environmental conditions.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (320 p.)

Edition:

1st ed.

Place of Publication:

Madison : University of Wisconsin Press, c2006.

Language Note:

English

Summary:

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. Honorable Mention, Melville J. Herskovits Award, African Studies Association "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

Contents:

Intro

Contents

Illustrations

Preface and Acknowledgments

Translation and Orthography

Introduction: Tenure, Wealth, and Environment

Part 1: Stories of conquest

1 Nachituti's Gift: The Kazembe Kingdom and Owners of the Land

2 The Colonial Net: Chiefs on a Colonial Border

3 The Meanings of Wealth: People and Things

Part 2: The Fishery

4 Mpumbu: Colonialism and Conservation

5 Pale: States and Patrons

6 Chisense: Wealth and Family

Conclusion: Tragic Assumptions

Appendix

Abbreviations

Notes

Glossary

Bibliography

Index.

Notes:

Bibliographic Level Mode of Issuance: Monograph

Includes bibliographical references (p. 261-290) and index.

ISBN:

9786612269981

9781282269989

1282269984

9780299213633

0299213633

OCLC:

226968934