African Studies Centre Research Associate Maryam Aslany Publishes New Book

Peasants: Makers of the Modern World, a new book by African Studies Centre Research Associate Maryam Aslany, has been published by Bloomsbury.

The book examines the continuing role of 'peasants' in the modern world. Drawing on research and reporting across three continents, Aslany follows four crops – sugarcane, rice, coca and cocoa – to explore the lives and livelihoods of rural communities at the beginnings of global supply chains.

Combining personal stories with historical analysis and research, Peasants considers the importance of these communities to global economies and food systems, as well as the pressures they face from migration, food insecurity and environmental change.