Droughts in West Africa from the 8th to the 19th century

Drought is one of the most serious threats to development in West Africa. Its consequences are significant on the economy of developing nations and the livelihoods of the weaker populations. The studies undertaken so far have not yet taken into account the mentalities, perceptions and attitudes of the populations towards droughts. In other words, the understanding that Sudanese populations had of drought periods and the approaches they adopt to get out of the disaster situation they represent, are not yet well known at the level of school knowledge. This book sheds light on this phenomenon by evoking popular beliefs to explain the causes of droughts and the importance of certain incantations to stop the plague. The book makes this scholarly knowledge accessible as taught knowledge.

Autorentext

Maurice Archer é actualmente professor-pesquisador no departamento de história-geografia da Ecole Normale (ENS) em Abidjan. Ele ensina a didáctica da história. Está interessado nas instruções escolares, na avaliação da aprendizagem e em documentos didácticos na construção dos conhecimentos escolares.