Somalia: Economy Without StateInternational African Institute, 2003 - 206 pages In the wake of the collapse of the Somali government in 1991, a "second" or "informal" economy based on trans-border trade and smuggling is thriving. While focusing primarily on pastoral and agricultural markets, Peter D. Little demonstrates that the Somalis are resilient and opportunistic and that they use their limited resources effectively. While it is true that many Somalis live in the shadow of brutal warlords and lack access to basic health care and education, Little focuses on those who have managed to carve out a productive means of making ends meet under difficult conditions and emphasizes the role of civic culture even when government no longer exists. Exploring questions such as, Does statelessness necessarily mean anarchy and disorder? Do money, international trade, and investment survive without a state? Do pastoralists care about development and social improvement? This book describes the complexity of the Somali situation in the light of international terrorism. |
From inside the book
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... merchants usually maintain their linkages to suppliers in Somalia . In addition to cattle , food aid , pasta , and electronics from southern Somalia find their way into Garissa's retail sector . Several merchants made it very clear to ...
... merchants often rely on social means to reinforce buying relationships . These strategies may include contributing a gift for a local ceremony , such as a wedding , or providing veterinary supplies to the herder's homestead . These prac ...
... merchants and occa- sionally bartered directly with herders for livestock . Merchants usually await word on the status of World Food Programme ( WFP ) shipments of grain to southern Somalia before making decisions about transporting ...
Contents
Introduction to a stateless economy | 2 |
A land of livestock | 22 |
The destruction of ruralurban relations | 45 |
Copyright | |
7 other sections not shown