Environmental and habitat management: the case of Ethiopia and Ghana |
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Authors: | Kidane-Mariam Tadesse |
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Institution: | (1) Edinboro University of Pennsylvania, Department of Geosciences, Edinboro, Pennsylvania, USA, US |
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Abstract: | This article examines the environment and habitat management experiences of Ethiopia and Ghana in the postindependence period
(1960–2000). Based on extensive archival research, semistructured focused interviews of environment and habitat officers of
the World Bank, the United Nations System and the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and personal professional
field experiences, the paper argues that the uncritical adoption of externally generated discourses, narratives, policy guidelines,
and strategies of environmental and habitat management has structured thought and action in both countries. The experience
of both countries in defining and responding to environmental and human settlement management is explored from a political
ecology perspective. The analysis indicates that both countries have essentially adopted a technocratic, state-centered, and
unsustainable management strategy framework based on population control, poverty reduction, sustainable development, and capacity-building.
It also suggests that international organizations such as the World Bank, INCN, and the United Nations system have been important
sources of thought and action in both countries. Conversely, regional international organizations such as the Economic Commission
for Africa, the Organization of African Unity and the African Development Bank have largely served as conduits for the diffusion
of global discourses, narratives, policies and strategies. The need for adopting management policies and strategies that are
based on principles of multiple engagement, decentralization, incentives, public education, and participation is underscored. |
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Keywords: | : Ethiopia Ghana Environment and habitat management Sustainable development Political ecology |
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