Introduction: Promise and Peril in Africa—Growth Narratives vs. Local Environmental Problems

Abstract

While Africa is going through a remarkable economic development trajectory, including educational and agrarian and industrial uptake, there are major tensions emerging in the domain of environmental-demographic realities. The continent’s image today is predominantly one of economic (GDP) growth and opportunity, that both tune in to the continent’s existing potential as well as to its full insertion into the global economy. Environmental concerns, however, are serious and may subvert long-term development and well-being. In the dominant growth discourse they seem to be secondary. Although environmental management and sustainability features of African rural societies should not be idealized, state regimes and donors often bypass ‘traditional’ economies, interests, and management practices, seen as inefficient and inhibiting ‘growth.’ In many agrarian, as well as urban, regions, the seeds are now sown for lasting environmental crises that will affect local societies that as yet have little opportunity to claim accountability from the state or investors. Likely, the ground for future environmentally based conflict and contestation movements is thus being laid. (170)