The Impoverished Generation
By Demas Nwoko
Published by New Culture Publications
1990
The Impoverished Generation: The Poorman's Clean Rags is a thought-provoking work by renowned Nigerian artist, architect, and cultural thinker Demas Nwoko. In this publication, Nwoko examines the social, political, economic, and cultural challenges facing postcolonial Africa, offering a distinctive vision for development rooted in indigenous knowledge, self-reliance, and African democratic principles.
Drawing on decades of experience as an artist, designer, and intellectual, Nwoko critiques the continued dependence on imported systems and ideas while advocating for development models grounded in African realities. The book presents an alternative philosophy that emphasizes cultural confidence, appropriate technology, local expertise, and the responsible stewardship of Africa's human and material resources.
Published by New Culture Publications
Language: English
152 Pages
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Overview of The Impoverished Generation
In this influential work, Demas Nwoko explores the causes and consequences of economic, cultural, and intellectual dependency in Africa. He argues that meaningful development must be built on indigenous knowledge, local production, cultural authenticity, and educational systems that reflect African realities rather than imported models.
The publication offers a wide-ranging critique of governance, education, technology, economic policy, and leadership while proposing practical and philosophical foundations for a more self-sustaining African future. Through these reflections, Nwoko challenges readers to reconsider prevailing assumptions about progress, modernization, and national development.
Key themes include:
• African democracy and indigenous systems of governance.
• Economic development and self-reliance.
• Cultural identity and postcolonial transformation.
• Education, science, and technological development.
• The role of leadership in nation-building.
• The relationship between culture, creativity, and sustainable development.
Contents & Highlights
Combining political philosophy, social commentary, and cultural criticism, the publication provides a compelling perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing contemporary Africa. Nwoko's interdisciplinary approach reflects the breadth of his work as both a creative practitioner and public intellectual.
The book includes:
• Analysis of the causes of social and economic impoverishment.
• Discussions of indigenous knowledge and development strategies.
• Perspectives on governance and democratic institutions.
• Reflections on education, technology, and cultural policy.
• Critiques of dependency on imported systems and expertise.
• A vision for sustainable African-led development.
