Natural Resource Based Development In Africa

The complex and dynamic interlinks between natural resource management (NRM) and development have long been recognized by national and international research and development organizations and have generated voluminous literature. However, much of what is available in the form of university course books, practical learning manuals and reference materials in NRM is based on experiences from outside Africa. Managing Natural Resources for Development in Africa: A Resource Book provides an understanding of the various levels at which NRM issues occur and are being addressed scientifically, economically, socially and politically. The book's nine chapters present state-of-the-art perspectives within a holistic African context. The book systematically navigates the tricky landscape of integrated NRM, with special reference to Eastern and Southern Africa, against the backdrop of prevailing local, national, regional and global social, economic and environmental challenges. The authors' wide experience, the rich references made to emerging challenges and opportunities, and the presentation of different tools, principles, approaches, case studies and processes make the book a rich and valuable one-stop resource for postgraduate students, researchers, policymakers and NRM practitioners. The book is designed to help the reader grasp in-depth NRM perspectives and presents innovative guidance for research design and problem solving, including review questions, learning activities and recommended further reading. The book was developed through a writeshop process by a multi-disciplinary team of lecturers from the University of Nairobi, Egerton University, Kenyatta University, the University of Zimbabwe, the University of Malawi, Makerere University and the University of Dar es Salam. In addition, selected NRM experts from regional and international research organizations including the World Agroforestry Center (ICRAF), the Africa Forest Forum, RUFORUM, IIRR and the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) participated in the writeshop and contributed material to the book.

This book explores the nexus between natural resources ownership and the right to development in Africa. The right to sovereignty over natural resources and the right to development are recognised and protected in an extensive framework of international, regional and domestic instruments. They guarantee people's entitlement to fully and freely utilise their natural resources as a means of subsistence and for economic, social and cultural development. Yet, despite the abundance of natural resources in Africa a majority of the people on the continent remain largely impoverished. This book articulates the central argument that to achieve the right to development in Africa requires appropriate governance of the continent’s natural resources to which the people of Africa are guaranteed sovereign ownership. With case study illustrations from Zimbabwe, Ghana, Ethiopia and the Democratic Republic of Congo, chapters explore the normative measures, specific guarantees and community entitlements to natural resources for the realisation of the right to development. The book will be an invaluable guide to scholars and postgraduate students of Natural Resources, Development and African studies as well as policymakers and practitioners in these areas.

There is no question that Africa is endowed with abundant natural resources of different magnitudes. However, more than a decade of high commodity prices and new hydrocarbon discoveries across the continent has led countless international organizations, donor agencies, and non-governmental organizations to devote considerable attention to the potential of natural resource–based development. Natural Resource–Based Development in Africa places a particular emphasis on the actors that help us understand the extent to which resources could be transformed into broader developmental outcomes. Based on a wide variety of primary sources and fieldwork, including in-person interviews and participant observations, this collection contributes to both scholarly and policy discussions around the governance and economic development roles of local entrepreneurs, transnational firms, civil society groups, local communities, and government agencies in Africa’s natural resource sectors. Natural Resource–Based Development in Africa explores the impact that these actors have on regional trends such as resource nationalism and local procurement policies as well as grassroots-related issues such as poverty, livelihoods, gender equity, development, and human security.

Bringing together some of the world’s leading thinkers and policy experts in the area of natural resource governance and management in Africa, this volume addresses the most critical policy issues affecting the continent’s ability to manage and govern its precious resources. The narrative of the book is solutions-driven, as experts weigh on specific issues within the context of Africa’s natural resource governance and offer appropriate policy recommendations on how to best manage the continent’s resources. This is a must-read for government policy makers in industrialized economies and, more importantly, in Africa and emerging economies, as well as for academic researchers working in the field, extractive companies operating on the continent, extractive industry and trade associations, and multilateral and donor aid institutions.

'This book makes a significant contribution to the literature on natural resource law and governance by engaging specifically with the issues arising in the African region. It covers a wide spectrum of issues that are key to the sustainable use of natural resources in the region, thus making it an important resource for anyone interested in natural resource governance and economic development in the African region.' – Philippe Cullet, University of London, UK This well-researched book covers a wide spectrum of important issues that are central to investment in natural resources and ultimately, economic development of Africa. Francis Botchway and the expert contributors analyse the relationships between good governance and resource management, as well as the existing commercial and financial agreements. The environmental implication of resource exploitation and the international dimensions of the industry are also explored in this insightful study. Each comprehensive and concise contribution highlights the importance of transparency and equity in investment and management of natural resources. Natural Resource Investment and Africa's Development is essential material for scholars and students of development, environmental law, international economic law and dispute resolution, as well as any international investor in natural resources.

This book examines how state actors and other stakeholders participate in natural resource governance initiatives and seek to promote natural resource-based development in Africa.

Community-based natural resource management (CBNRM) is an approach that offers multiple related benefits: securing rural livelihoods; ensuring careful conservation and management of biodiversity and other resources; and empowering communities to manage these resources sustainably. Recently, however, the CBNRM concept has attracted criticism for failing in its promise of delivering significant local improvements and conserving biodiversity in some contexts. This book identifies the flaws in its application, which often have been swept under the carpet by those involved in the initiatives. The authors analyse them, and propose remedies for specific circumstances based on the lessons learned from CBNRM experience in southern Africa over more than a decade. The result is essential reading for all researchers, observers and practitioners who have focused on CBNRM in sustainable development programmes as a means to overcome poverty and conserve ecosystems in various parts of the globe. It is a vital tool in improving their methods and performance. In addition, academics, students and policy-makers in natural resource management, resource economics, resource governance and rural development will find it a very valuable and instructive resource.

Community-based natural resource management (CBNRM) is a compelling concept - if people are allowed to be custodians of their resources, better management of the resources will result. CBNRM is much more complex and challenging than has commonly been understood, but can provide a way to achieve a more equitable and sustainable approach to the use of natural resources. This book has a focus on Southern Africa. It is aimed at students of natural resource management including undergraduates, conservation practitioners, and development-sector implementing agents. It is theoretically grounded, but has a major applied focus with respect to understanding the why, what, and how of CBNRM in order to more effectively guide natural resource management. It is not a manual with explanatory details about implementation measures; rather, it helps the reader to understand the complexity of CBNRM, and provides a guide to other resources that will assist in enhancing learning. Part I consists of ten chapters. After introducing the CBNRM concept, consideration is given to the following: History as a Determinant of Progress; Economic Foundations; Well-Being, Livelihoods and Business; Institutions and Governance; Stakeholder Analysis; Adaptive Management; Capacity Development and Learning; and Communication for Effective Implementation. Part II is devoted to eight case studies from the Southern Africa region that illustrates some of the issues considered in Part I. They are included to provide material that can be used as site-specific examples and teaching aids to complement general discussion of the issues.