Sustaining the Future: Economic, Social and Environmental Change in Sub-Saharan Africa

by Juha I. Uitto (Editor), William B. Morgan (Editor)

Sub-Saharan Africa is facing increasing pressures on its natural environments, economics, and societies. Financial burdens, difficulties with economic reform, problems of social transformation and of rapidly growing cities, combined with loss of productive topsoil, deforestation, and scarce or poor-quality fresh water, are among the major contributors. While global climatic change and other physical phenomena may play a part, the present environment is largely a result of the interactions between people, natural resources, and cultural development.This book focuses on sustainable environmental and resource management development in the Sub-Saharan Africa region in the medium-term future. The first part analyses the driving force of environmental change in the region, including persistent poverty, population growth, urbanization, industrialization, and energy production and consumption. The second part takes up issues central to sustainability, including agriculture, on which the majority of people still depend for their livelihood.Among the conclusions, the authors stress the need for policies aimed at poverty eradication and equitable economic development to counter unsustainable use of natural resources and to reduce vulnerability to environmental deterioration, economic decline, and hazards. Much greater cooperation between the North and South--and a more open system or trade in particular--are recommended for better resource management. And finally, a strengthening of environmental institutions and environmental education at all levels is advised.

365 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 1996