The making of a periphery : economic development and cultural encounters in southern Tanzania

What makes a periphery? The south-eastern corner of Tanzania is officially one of the poorest corners of the world and is always presented as a peripheral area. This volume presents a lively discussion on the making of a periphery. The contributors show the interaction between the perceptions of outsiders, the views of local people, and the actual development efforts. The authors perceive development as a negotiated and contested field. Culture is not considered a factor constraining development but is seen rather as an engine which, due to the plurality of local and outsider cultures, sets the parameters for the battle.