Title: Towards sustainable environmental and resource management futures in sub-Saharan Africa.

POPLINE Document Number: 128802

Author(s):

Okigbo BN

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. :123-64.

Abstract:

Sustainable development is defined and its implications discussed. Causative factors of environmental degradation related to development and other activities include modernization; agriculture, including livestock production and fishing; rapid population growth; fuelwood and energy management and associated deforestation; industrialization; poverty and affluence; urbanization; and other varied activities and phenomena. These forces are discussed, followed by sections on the levels of environmental effects of human activities and sustainability concerns, and constraints upon sustainable development in sub-Saharan Africa. Sustainable development in Africa can be achieved only where appropriate policies, strategies, and priorities in research and development are carefully chosen and adhered to with the continuous commitment and allocation of resources and the creation of an enabling environment by governments. The elements of necessary ingredients for such sustainable development are briefly summarized.

Keywords:

Africa, Sub Saharan
Recommendations
Obstacles
Sustainable Development
Environmental Degradation
Natural Resources
Africa
Developing Countries
Organization and Administration
Economic Development
Economic Factors
Environment