This site offers a series of case studies based on the six themes identified by the Commission for Africa. The case studies provide a useful insight into Africa and the lives of Africans in their own right but are also an integral part of the classroom activities. The case studies relating to each theme can also be found through the thematic links above. Each case study provides suggested links for further information.

Below is a list of all the case studies available on this site together with the related classroom activities where relevant. They are available in pdf format.

Peace and Security
The exploitation of natural resources and war in the Democratic Republic of Congo (141KB)
An issues, fact based case study, examining the conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo and how the country’s natural resources are being plundered. Used in conjunction with the Conflict Resources activity.

Emma's Story (115KB)
Conflict in Sierra Leone forced Emma to flee her home and become a refugee. In this personal story she tells us about her long journey and how education has helped her. Used in conjunction with the Emma's Story activity.

Lona’s Story (139KB)
Civil war in Sudan forced Lona’s to flee to a refugee camp outside her country. This is her personal story.

Investing in People
Jariatu’s Story (117KB)
A personal story of how and why Jaritu, a qualified nurse in Sierra Leone, left her country to earn more money working in the UK. Used in conjunction with the Should I Stay Or Should I Go? and Should Jariatu Stay or Go? activities.

Cholera in Benvue State (57KB)
An issues, fact based case study on how dirty water and poor hygiene resulted in a cholera epidemic in Nigeria. Used in conjunction with the Water and Cholera activity.

Growth and Poverty reduction
Frank Kapopo’s Story (106KB)
A personal story of how Frank and his community benefitted from small scale investment. Used in conjunction with the Small and Large Scale Investment activity.

The Volta Dam in Ghana (75KB)
An issues, fact based case study on the impacts of the Volta Dam in Ghana. Provides further useful links. Used in conjunction with the Small and Large Scale Investment activity.

Ecotourism (217KB)
Based on examples from three countries in Africa this case study explores the positive impacts of ecotourism as well as some of the arguments against it. Used in conjunction with the Is tourism good for development? activity

Trade
Flower growing in Kenya (153KB)
An issues, fact based case study on the impacts of the flower growing industry in Kenya. Used in conjunction with the We can't live on flowers and We can't eat flowers activities.