Change in the economy and the environment under colonial rule : A comparative study of Namwala and Bangweulu, 1850-1964

This dissertation is about economic development within the context of a changing environment under colonial rule.It is a comparative study of Bangweulu and Namwala(which covers most of the Kafue flats) and the area immediately surrounding these two regions. In this study i argue that ecological problems in agriculture, animal husbandry, game and fishing were serious constraints in the economic development of the two regions.Colonial rulers were at first lethargic in carrying out policies to solve these problems and with their labour policies encouraged uncontrolled and accelerated exploitation of natural resources. The policies that were formulated and implemented after 1940 to deal with these problems met with partial success in Namwala and failed altogether in Bangweulu.