This book provides a historical geographical perspective on the current development impasse (low and/or declining agricultural productivity with growing population totals) in Africa, using Machakos as a case study. In doing this the author uses three sets of factors: traditional African production systems within the ecological areas of the continent, the force of colonialism, and the role of independent governments. Contents: An Introduction; The Land and the People of the Machakos Area; The Establishment of Machakos District, Kenya Colony; The Interwar Period: 1918-1939; The Expansion of the Colonial Program; Post Independence: The First Ten Years; and The Final Amalgamation. Includes figures, tables and plates.