But as the editors, Haram and Yamba, point out, uncertainty and insecurity have a positive side, provid-ing the basis for ‘curiosity and exploration’. The case studies demonstrate both the increasing uncertainty and insecurity of life in contemporary Africa and the ways that people respond, including warding off and reaching out. Scapegoats are sought. Witch beliefs become elaborated as explanations of failures and malaise while witchfnding becomes a lucrative profession. Pentecostal or other fundamentalist churches burgeon as they assure people that life has meaning and better times are before them if only they believe. Suicide and insanity are other possible responses. All in all, a thought-provoking volume.
Elizabeth Colson, Professor Emeritus
University of California, Berkeley
LIV HARAM is Associate Professor at the Department of Social Anthropology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim.
C. BAWA YAMBA is Associate Professor at Diakonhjemmet University College, Oslo.