Human Impact on Environment and Sustainable Development in Africa

The African environment is under stress, with land degradation problems becoming increasingly apparent. Since the twentieth century, human activities in the African environment have intensified, causing localized damage and de gradation. ln some parts of Africa like the Sahel, human impacts appear to be more sustained and far reaching. This book focuses on the economic, social and political processes that generate environmental change and processes in Africa. An attempt bas been made to analyze some of the major social, economic and politic al determinants and consequences of environmental problems in the continent. Blending knowledge and perspectives from a variety of disciplines and based on the principle that theory, research and practice are inextricably inter twined, the book contains substantial contributions on several of the manifold environmental problems facing Africa. It is anticipated that the book will be of interest and use to students who need to acquire some understanding of environmental matters in the African context. We also hope that the book will be of interest and help to supporters of conservation and environmental organizations who wish to understand more of the background to the issues which concern them and academic and professional researchers as well as policy makers and practitioners concerned with environmental problems in Africa. The Editors would like to express their sincere thanks to Dr MKhayesi formerly of Kenyatta University, Nairobi, Kenya and now with WHO, Geneva and Mr R. J. Sebego of the University of Botswana, Gaborone for valuable assistance with the preparation of the initial draft manuscript