Includes bibliographical references and index.

Part 1. Introduction and history: Are the experts on Africa part of the problem? -- Did the Trans-Atlantic slave trade underdevelop Africa? -- Have the contributions of Africans been recognized for developing New World agriculture? -- Did colonialism distort contemporary African development? -- Part 2. Development: Have structural adjustment policies worked for Africa? -- Are non-governmental organizations (NGOs) effective at facilitating community development? -- Should developed countries provide debt relief to the poorest, indebted African nations? -- Are abundant mineral and energy resources a catalyst for African development? -- Part 3. Agriculture, food and the environment.: Will biotech solve Africa's food problems? -- Is food production in Africa capable of keeping up with population growth? -- Are integrated conservation and development programs a solution to conflicts between parks and local people? -- Is Sub-Saharan Africa experiencing a deforestation crisis? -- Part 4. Social issues: Should female genital cutting be accepted as a cultural practice? -- Are women in a position to challenge male power structures in Africa? -- Should international drug companies provide HIV/AIDS drugs to Africa free of charge? -- Is sexual promiscuity a major reason for the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Africa? -- Part 5. Politics, governance, and conflict resolution: Is multi-party democracy taking hold in Africa? -- Is foreign assistance useful for fostering democracy in Africa? -- Is corruption the result of poor African leadership? -- Are international peacekeeping missions critical to resolving ethnic conflicts in African countries?