article

Population decline and delayed recovery in Bunyoro: 1860-1960

Journal of African history • 41 (3) • Published In 2000 • Pages: 429-459

By: Doyle, Shane.

Abstract

In this paper, Doyle examines four demographic transitions that have marked modern Bunyoro history. The first transtion (1860-1890) was one of low fertility and rising mortality which began before contact with the outside world and was based on local conflicts. This mortality increased in intensity in the second period (1890-1925) due to the violence of colonial conquest and the famine and epidemics it spawned. The third period (1925-1955) was one of delayed recovery as malnutrition, endemic disease, and marital instability continued to plague Bunyoro. The last period beginning in the late 1950s was one of slow growth in population due to improved healthcare, education, and incomes. Doyle attributes the lag in population recovery in Bunyoro compared to other East African peoples the rest of Africa to the severity of colonial conquest and subsequent neglect, which undermined the local system of social reproduction.

HRAF PubDate

2003

Region

Africa

Sub Region

Eastern Africa

Document Type

article

Evaluation

Creator Type

Historian

Document Rating

4: Excellent Secondary Data

Analyst

Ian Skoggard ; 2002

Field Date

no date

Coverage Date

1860-1940

Coverage Place

Western Province, Uganda

Notes

By Shane Doyle

Includes bibliographical references

LCCN

63005723

LCSH

Nyoro (African people)