Africa and the Development of Geography

Abstract

The study of African geography is seen as occupying an important position in the development of the discipline since the founding of the African Association at the end of the eighteenth century and its subsequent absorption into the Royal Geographical Society. After the period of exploration and the partition of the continent between the European powers, Africa was studied and described by European officials from a variety of backgrounds, and several learned journals were founded in various territories, particularly those where European settlement had occurred. Subsequently the founding of universities in Britishand French-controlled territories after the Second World War accelerated the process of geographical investigation and publishing, and by now African graduates are continuing the task in ever-increasing numbers. One of these, Professor A. L. Mabogunje of Nigeria, has recently been elected President of the International Geographical Union. In South Africa political conditions have discouraged objective regional analysis by black and white citizens alike, while in Arabic-speaking countries of Africa authoritarian regimes and opportunities of lucrative employment elsewhere have discouraged academic productivity.

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