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Achieving environmental sustainability and growth in Africa: the role of science, technology and innovation

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  • Christian Webersik

    (University of Agder, Centre for Development Studies, Kristiansand, Norway)

  • Clarice Wilson

    (UNEP|Division of Environmental Law and Conventions, Nairobi, Kenya)

Abstract

African economies are closely linked to natural resources and rely heavily on agriculture, largely rain fed. Agricultural development has long being considered of secondary importance in African economic development. As the current food crisis shows, it is important as this article argues to rethink not only agricultural policies, but also agricultural practices, and particularly the role science and innovation can play to address development and sustainability challenges. It is predicted that Africa will be particularly vulnerable to climate change and climate variability associated with biodiversity loss, food insecurity, water scarcity and an increase in drought frequency. This article examines pressing environmental challenges Africa is facing and discusses the role of science and technology solutions in meeting these challenges. An environmental performance country methodology is used to identify areas of best practice in achieving environmental policy targets, such as clean water or biodiversity conservation, as well as areas of action. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.

Suggested Citation

  • Christian Webersik & Clarice Wilson, 2009. "Achieving environmental sustainability and growth in Africa: the role of science, technology and innovation," Sustainable Development, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 17(6), pages 400-413.
  • Handle: RePEc:wly:sustdv:v:17:y:2009:i:6:p:400-413
    DOI: 10.1002/sd.411
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Adetutu, Morakinyo O. & Ajayi, Victor, 2020. "The impact of domestic and foreign R&D on agricultural productivity in sub-Saharan Africa," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 125(C).
    2. Hourieh Masaeli & Alireza Gohari & Marzieh Hasanzadeh Saray & Ali Torabi Haghighi, 2023. "Developing a new water–energy–food‐greenhouse gases nexus tool for sustainable agricultural landscape management," Sustainable Development, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 31(2), pages 877-892, April.
    3. Lisa Biber‐Freudenberger & Candan Ergeneman & Jan Janosch Förster & Thomas Dietz & Jan Börner, 2020. "Bioeconomy futures: Expectation patterns of scientists and practitioners on the sustainability of bio‐based transformation," Sustainable Development, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 28(5), pages 1220-1235, September.
    4. Philip Walsh, 2011. "Creating a “values” chain for sustainable development in developing nations: where Maslow meets Porter," Environment, Development and Sustainability: A Multidisciplinary Approach to the Theory and Practice of Sustainable Development, Springer, vol. 13(4), pages 789-805, August.

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