Sustaining the Future: Economic, Social, and Environmental Change in Sub-Saharan Africa (UNU, 1996, 365 pages): Opening address by the Hon. Minister of Environment, Science and Technology

Sustaining the Future: Economic, Social, and Environmental Change in Sub-Saharan Africa (UNU, 1996, 365 pages)

Note to the reader from the UNU

Preface

(introductory text...)

Background

Regional environmental futures

References

Opening address by the Hon. Minister of Environment, Science and Technology

Introduction

(introductory text...)

Economy and society: Development issues

Environmental issues and futures

Environment and resource management

Institutional issues

Environment and development in Ghana

Recommendations

References

Part 1: Economy and society: development issues

Poverty, vulnerability, and rural development

(introductory text...)

The nature of poverty

Rural poverty and development in Sub-Saharan Africa

Aspects of economy and society in SS Africa

Vulnerability

Poverty and economic reform

Conclusion

References

Environmental management and social equity

(introductory text...)

Introduction

The key notions

The political-economic context of contemporary environmental management

Social equity and environmental management: Some examples

The way forward

References

Introduction to population, resources, and sustainable development in Sub-Saharan Africa

(introductory text...)

Introduction

Internal and international migration

Natural resources

Human resources

Population, agricultural land, and food supply

Population, economy, and sustainable development

References

Urbanization and industrialization: What future for Sub-Saharan Africa?

(introductory text...)

Introduction

The continuing rapid rate and scale of urbanization

The urban environment

The limitations of industrialization

The impact of structural adjustment

Sub-Saharan Africa as the global periphery

Implications for urbanization and industrialization

References

Urban environmental management and issues in Africa south of the Sahara

(introductory text...)

Introduction

The process of urbanization in Sub-Saharan Africa

The nature of environmental problems

Causes of the current problems

The way forward

Concluding remarks

References

Part 2: Environmental issues and futures

Towards sustainable environmental and resource management futures in Sub-Saharan Africa

(introductory text...)

Introduction

The concept of sustainable development and its implications

Driving forces

Levels of environmental effects of human activities and sustainability concerns

Constraints on sustainable development in Sub-Saharan Africa

Recommendations

References

Drought, desertification, and water management in Sub-Saharan Africa

(introductory text...)

Introduction

Droughts in Sub-Saharan Africa and their implications for planning and development

Desertification

Land degradation and management of soil and water

Conclusion

Acknowledgements

References

Tropical deforestation and its impact on soil, environment, and agricultural productivity

(introductory text...)

Introduction

TRF and its conversion

Soils of the TRF ecosystem

Forest conversion and soil productivity

Deforestation and the emission of radiatively active gases

Deforestation and hydrological balance

Sustainable use of the TRF ecosystem

Research needs

References

The coastal zone and oceanic problems of Sub-Saharan Africa

(introductory text...)

Introduction

The value of the coastal zone and oceans

The main problems and their causes

Remedies

References

Part 3: Environment and resource management

Agricultural development in the age of sustainability: Crop production

(introductory text...)

Introduction

The ecological zones of Sub-Saharan Africa

General crop production constraints and potentials for overcoming them

Technologies with potential for sustainable resource management

Women's underexploited potential

Suggested approaches to sustainable production

Summary

Conclusions

Acknowledgements

References

Agricultural development in the age of sustainability: Livestock production

(introductory text...)

Introduction

Livestock production, productivity, and feed resources

The effect of government policy on livestock production

Opening address by the Hon. Minister of Environment, Science and Technology

Christine Amoako-Nuama

It is indeed a great honour for me to be invited to participate in this United Nations University conference on a subject area that is professionally very close to my heart and also very much in line with my new assignment as Minister of Environment, Science and Technology. I am particularly pleased to add a word of welcome to you all. I am delighted that so many of you have come from afar to participate in this conference and also to catch a glimpse of the initial phase of the workings of the 4th Republic of Ghana. I trust that you will have a pleasant stay here and enjoy the traditional hospitality and warmth of the Ghanaian people.

Mr. Chairman, the subject of this conference is most significant and timely because, for developing countries, particularly those in Sub-Saharan Africa, sustainable environmental development and the management of our natural resources are fundamental to our livelihood security.

The Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro in 1992 in many ways lifted the subject of sustainable development onto the international political agenda. The presence of so many Heads of State and Government in Rio and the general agreement reached on Agenda 21 and the Rio Declaration, which placed in perspective the balance between environment and development, are all clear testimonies of the importance of politics in environmental considerations. The Summit also acknowledged the concerns of the developing countries by bringing into sharp focus the link between poverty and environmental degradation.

Mr. Chairman, Ladies and Gentlemen, one of the messages that I would like to leave with you as you begin your deliberations is to emphasize that the attainment of sustainable development requires the concerted effort of government, the business community, the NGOs, scientific and technical organizations, and ordinary citizens in both rural and urban centres.

I am particularly concerned about the general attitude of some people who place all the responsibility for attaining sustainable environmental and resource management on the shoulders of governments. I am, however, confident that the many questions about how we are going to ensure the maintenance of our resource base and at the same time improve on our living standards through sustainable development will be answered with the total involvement and commitment of both the business community and government. It is on this premise that my new ministry, for example, will chart its course concerning the theme of this conference.

Mr. Chairman, please permit me to use this occasion to express the views of the Government of Ghana on the worldwide concerns about sustainable environmental and resource management.

Ghana, like so many other developing countries, has produced environmental strategy papers as well as various action plans within the context of our development programmes. In fact, since my own involvement in environmental protection at the technical level in Ghana, we have always felt the need to encourage the business and industrial communities to involve environmental considerations, from the very beginning, in their development plans. Unfortunately, the implementation of these strategies and national plans has been slow and limited because of other pressing financial commitments in our socio-economic development.

Although the Government has been most eager to develop the natural resources of the country, and is also fully aware and concerned about the environmental impact of rapid development in certain key sectors, it has not been easy to provide the right kinds of incentive packages to encourage the business and industrial communities to invest in environmentally sound technologies. Further, it is becoming increasingly evident that the right kinds of technology are not only environmentally friendly but also cost effective.

The Government therefore intends to work closely with industry to ensure that the most appropriate technologies are used in the conduct of their activities. In addition, my ministry will intensify its relations with each rural community by assisting to monitor constantly their local environment.

It is my hope that the donor countries and the multilateral funding agencies will work closely with us and assist us in funding a number of our environmental and technological programmes that have national, regional, and global significance.

In conclusion, Ladies and Gentlemen, it is my hope that the various papers that will be presented during the next few days will focus attention on the need for greater involvement of our people in all matters pertaining to sustainable development. Such action will hopefully result in an improved physical, social, and economic environment for the future of Sub-Saharan Africa.

Thank you.