17 research outputs found
Comparative Harambee: history and theory of voluntary collective behaviour
This paper explores some case studies of Harambee activity in
pre-Independence America (pre-1776) to illustrate some interesting
parallels with Kenyan self-help. An attempt is then made to distill
from the examples a socio-economic theory of the basis for voluntary
provision of collective consumption goods, contrasting greatly with
traditional theories of "free rider" motivation. Finally conclusions
are drawn concerning the nature of Harambee in Kenya and possibilities
for more rational channelling of Harambee energies. This paper was
originally prepared for the East African Universities Social Science
Council Conference, Dar es Salaam, December 1973