Title: Introduction.

POPLINE Document Number: 128796

Author(s):

Morgan WB

Source citation:

In: Sustaining the future: economic, social, and environmental change in sub-Saharan Africa, edited by George Benneh, William B. Morgan, and Juha I. Uitto. Tokyo, Japan, United Nations University Press, 1996. :1-14.

Abstract:

Most of sub-Saharan Africa experienced serious economic decline or stagnation during the 1980s and early 1990s. Agriculture is sub-Saharan Africa's most important industry. However, agricultural productivity has not kept pace with the growth of population. That productivity has especially been hurt by falling productivity in the export sector and from declining markets and prices. Most sub-Saharan African countries still need to import food. Debt has accumulated, resources are pressured, and evidence exists of environmental deterioration. In this context, efforts to stop economic decline are being questioned with regard to the potential for environmental damage and the consequent inability to sustain either the economy or the resource base upon which it depends. Problems facing sub-Saharan Africa include severe environmental difficulties relating to climatic change, drought, starvation, a deteriorating world market and world financial system, pressures upon international loan capital from non-African sources, declining international investment interest, changes in African societies and political relationships, civil wars, population growth, and rapid urbanization. Environmental issues, resource management, institutional issues, and environment and development in Ghana are discussed. Furthermore, recommendations are presented upon the sustainability of environmental and resource management futures in sub-Saharan Africa.

Keywords:

Ghana
Recommendations
Environment
Economic Development
Sustainable Development
Resources
Obstacles
Developing Countries
Africa, Western
Africa, Sub Saharan
Africa
Economic Factors
Organization and Administration