Season 4, Episode 8: Our apologies to the yam farmers

In this episode, Dave and Gavin talk to old friend of the pod, Stuart Bolus, about the state of West Africa and how it got to where it is today. In this wide ranging conversation, we talk about the economic crisis underpinning the jihadi violence tearing the Sahel apart, the colonial problems that lead to this, and how that economic crisis coincides with larger social and demographic problems that will continue to make West Africa a region to watch for a long, long time. We also make light of the plight of the humble yam farmer, for which we apologize.Stuart’s insight was featured on Season 2, Episode 39: The man of the hour in West Africa. The map of Africa in the corner of the cover art was made by Sannita and is available here on Wikimedia. No changes were made. The giant yam in the cover art was made by Muktee1494 and is available here on Wikimedia. No changes were made. If you enjoyed the podcast, help us out and leave a comment or restack it. Thank you! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit onthefringepodcast.substack.com/subscribe