Agenda Setting and Public Policy in Africa

Kelechi A. Kalu is Associate Professor of Political Science at the University of Northern Colorado and the current President of the Southwestern International Studies Association.

• Contents: Introduction: the role of ideas, theory and model of public policy process in Africa, Kelechi A. Kalu; Theoretical and Analytical Issues in Policy Making and Management in Africa: Public policy and the African environment: an examination of the theory and practice of the planning process on the continent, Valentine Udoh James; The state, macroeconomic performance and development in Africa, John Mukum Mbaku; Agenda setting: domestic and foreign policy in Africa, Kelechi A. Kalu; Public sector management policies in Sub-Saharan Africa, Robert Dibie; From the margins to the center: ICTs as tools for development, Patience Idaraesit Akpan-Obong. Case Studies and Issues of Public Policy in Africa: Social factors relating to maternal mortality in Sub-Saharan Africa, Cynthia Theresa Cook; The role of women in Africa's economic development, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and Andrea Merrick; Privatization policy, challenges and prospect(s) for sustainable development in Nigeria, Robert Dibie; Cameroon's endangered environment: economic policy and forest loss, Moses K. Tesi; The role of Non Governmetal Organizations in public policy in Africa, Andrew I. Ewoh; Reconstructing the State: constitutionalism as public policy in Africa, Julius O. Ihonvbere; Index.

'The eclectic topics, which constitute this very useful book, have been superbly addressed by some of the truly excellent scholars and experts in the field of African policy, political and historical studies. Their well-delineated and informed discussions make the publication a really worthwhile tool for interdisciplinary research and teaching. The contributors and the editor of the volume deserve unlimited praise and, indeed, a pat on their backs for this monumental work, which will firmly stand the test of rigorous as well as true scholarship.' Professor A.B. Assensoh, University of Maryland (UMES), USA. 'Ambitious in its theoretical reach, broad in its thematic coverage, and bold in its prescriptions, this volume offers a refreshing re-consideration of the challenges of policymaking in a rapidly changing continent. Students of African development and of African politics will find this volume immensely useful as it challenges old frameworks but also proposes thoughtful solutions. It is particularly forward looking in its insistence on the role of ideas - quite distinct from ideology - in policy formulation and in its critique of structural adjustment for its incomplete transformation. With chapters written by some of the foremost contemporary analysts of African economics, politics, and public policy, this volume offers a balance of critique and solutions that should be of interest to anyone interested in the challenges and innovations in policy making in Africa.' Associate Professor Stephen N. Ndegwa, The College of William & Mary, USA