Most work on African economic history in the modern period
addresses relations with the West on one level or another. The
two main recent surveys are:
Paul Tiyambe Zeleza, *A Modern Economic History of Africa*,
published by CODESRIA
Ralph Austen, *African Economic History*, James Currey
Monographic studies address the question in ways that may be more
satisfactory than general surveys. Here are a few for West Africa:
Gerald Helleiner, *Peasant Agriculture, Government, and
Economic Development in Nigeria, 1900-1960*
Sara S. Berry, *Fathers Work for their Sons*
Stephen Baier, *An Economic History of Central Niger*
Patrick Manning, *Slavery, Colonialism and Economic Growth
in Dahomey, 1640-1960*