Assesses the effects of the structural adjustment programmes and economic liberalization in Africa. The editors conclude that little development has actually occurred during the era of structural adjustment, with a general contraction in per capita economic growth. There has also been a deterioration in the position of the worst-off economic groups, especially women. Other findings of the study include: population increases at levels ahead of growth, which have increased pressures on resources, from land and water to state-provided services and human labour; increased vulnerability to recession, famine and disease; and the claim by some critics that the programmes themselves have contributed to the growing crisis.