Any meaningful and relevant analysis of social policy in Africa today must start with an understanding of the twin processes of poverty and development. It must investigate both process and context in terms of the most recent experiences in countries of the region. Such an analysis must revisit the development process, its failures and, in particular, the recent epoch of persistent crisis and adjustment and recognize the significance of that crisis, not only for development in general, but also for policy-making. Such an analysis must include an understanding of "development consciousness," or the ways people perceive, think of, and are conscious of development as a process intended to transform their lives in a positive and beneficial direction and of its contribution to the improvement of material and other well-being.

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