Professor Discusses 21st Century Challenges for Africa.

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Professor John Briggs will explore some of the challenges facing Africa as it enters the second decade of the 21^st Century in a talk in Glasgow on January 10th. Where are we now with the HIV/AIDS epidemic? What about the supposed failure of small-scale agriculture – is it time for radical action? Any what about the failure of aid to transform the lives of Africans – is it time for even more radical action?

John Briggs is Professor of Geography at the University of Glasgow.

This talk is part of the Royal Scottish Geographical Society’s ‘Inspiring People’ talks programme.

John's current research interests focus on the relationship between the use and management of natural resources and sustainable rural development in low income countries. A particular interest revolves around questions about indigenous environmental knowledge systems, how these are constructed and re-worked, and how these inform a better understanding of sustainable rural development. 

Current work is being undertaken among Bedouin communities in the south-east desert of Egypt and in the semi-arid areas of north-west South Africa.

John Briggs is Professor of Geography at the University of Glasgow

He also has a research interest in the impacts of structural adjustment policies in Africa on peri-urban development in the major cities. This has involved field research in Tanzania, as well as the development of a rather more theoretical view in collaboration with colleagues in West Africa.

John’s talk “21^st Century Challenges for Africa” will take place at Renfield St Stephens Church Centre, 260 Bath Street, Glasgow, G2 4JP. Tickets are £8 for adults, (redeemable if buying membership) and free for students, under 18s and for RSGS members. Tickets are available on the day from the venue. For more information about any RSGS talks this season please visit www.rsgs.org/events/