Samuel King Published on AAG
The Department of Geography at California State University, Long Beach is proud to celebrate the accomplishments of our recent graduate, Samuel King, whose work has been featured in Just Rural Futures, the publication of the American Association of Geographers' Rural Geography Specialty Group.
In his article, "When Aid Leaves the Village: Rural Zambia, USAID Withdrawal, and the Geography of Loss," CSULB Geography graduate Samuel King examines how global development policies shape the lived experiences of rural communities. Focusing on Zambia, he explores the geographic relationships between international aid organizations, national governments, and local villages that have long depended on foreign assistance for healthcare, agriculture, education, and economic development. By situating aid within broader networks of power, place, and resource distribution, Samuel demonstrates how decisions made thousands of miles away can profoundly influence the opportunities and well-being of rural populations.
Drawing on key geographic concepts such as scale, development, and spatial inequality, the article highlights the consequences of USAID's recent withdrawal from rural Zambia. Samuel argues that the loss of aid is not simply a financial issue but a geographic one, reshaping social networks, access to essential services, and the resilience of local communities. His work reveals how uneven development is produced through global connections and underscores the importance of geography in understanding how political and economic decisions reverberate across places and landscapes. Through this analysis, Samuel offers valuable insight into the complex relationship between international aid, rural development, and the everyday realities of communities navigating change.
Samuel's publication is a testament to the critical thinking, research skills, and global perspective he developed during his time at CSULB. We are incredibly proud to see one of our graduates contributing meaningful insights to important conversations within the field of geography and rural studies.
Congratulations, Samuel, on this outstanding achievement. We look forward to following your future endeavors and cannot wait to see the impact your work will continue to make in the years ahead.
View the full article here: http://bit.ly/4eyWuIr
