The Political Economy of Senegal under Structural Adjustment

Senegal, one of Africa's few civilian-ruled countries, provides fascinating ground for examining the process of national development. This volume addresses the interplay between economic and political forces that have shaped, and continue to influence, the destiny of this major African nation. The twelve essays, contributed by scholars and development practitioners, are built around two primary themes. First, external economic events influence Senegal's domestic economic options which in turn affect and are affected by its political structures. Second, the world facing Senegal is particularly harsh for nurturing both national unity and the development of stable political and economic institutions. This interdisciplinary approach to development provides a rapid yet in-depth look at the major economic and political issues in Senegal. The editors' comprehensive introduction, Structural Change in a Difficult World, provides both the historical and the thematic foundations for the essays that follow. Essays cover four main topic areas: The Evolution of Economic Structures, The Evolution of Political Structures, Adjustment in Agriculture, and Adjustment in the City. Authors include former Senegalese officials; the Senegalese, French, and U.S. university and research establishment; and researchers at international donor agencies.