Environment & Natural Resources

Achieving sustainable natural resource management in Africa requires navigating strategically the benefits and problems of using the environment. Two thirds of Africa's population live in rural areas, and majority of these are subsistence farmers. Natural resource management should be part of a broader rural development strategy. Use of land affects wildlife, forest biodiversity, soil quality, water quality, mineral resources, and food security. In other words, the very essence of life. Improving the quality of life in the rural areas without negatively affecting the environment will require understanding of the people and their way of life.

Other considerations to natural resource management in Africa include globalization and climate change, mining and other extractive industry, and the complexity that comes with environmental management.

The Center works to foster collaborations that promote improved land use practices including agriculture and responsible resource extraction activities. This involves partnering with communities, state and non-governmental entities, and working to address resource management challenges including clean water supply, irrigation, biodiversity conservation, and resource extraction. Attention should be paid to opportunities and constraints inherent in co-management and conflict resolution efforts, while emphasizing the interconnections between sustainable natural resource management and human well-being.