Contribution to African scholarship

Grant story


Dr. Richard Grant, professor in the Department of Geography and Regional Studies, is the recipient of the 2020 Kwadwo Konadu-Agyemang Distinguished Scholar in African Geography Award. The award is given annually by the Africa Specialty Group (ASG) of the American Association of Geographers (AAG) to a distinguishing scholar on any aspect of African geography. 

"It is a great honor to be recognized for my Africa research accomplishments by US and international colleagues and members of the Association of American Geographers, an organization that also includes an active representation from universities throughout Africa," said Grant, who is also director of the International Studies and Urban Studies programs in the College of Arts & Sciences.

Grant’s research focuses on the urban transformations in metropolitan Africa and on global cities such as Miami. Past and current projects focus on the green economy in Cape Town, South Africa; electronic waste and urban planning in Ghana; the transformation of Miami’s Wynwood area; and climate gentrification and sea-level rise in South Florida.  

"This award is an important recognition for Dr. Grant,” said Dr. Jose Maria Cardoso da Silva, chair and professor in the Department of Geography and Regional Studies. “It recognizes the long-term commitment of his research and comprehensive scholarship on sustainable development of the African countries."

Grant is the author of the 2015 book, Africa: Geographies of Change (Oxford University Press). The book discusses different elements in modern Africa by incorporating material on China in Africa, the continent’s mobile-phone revolution, sustainable development, food security, informal livelihoods, the "Green Revolution," and new satellite cities. Offering numerous case studies, Africa: Geographies of Change features perspectives from urban studies, public health, political geography, and sustainable development to provide students and other academics a more nuanced understanding of African issues.

Learn more about Dr. Grant and his research here.