Title
Environmental Planning in Sub-Saharan Africa: Environmental Impact Assessment at the Crossroads
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
1-2006
Volume
Working Paper 9
Abstract
This paper argues that sub-Saharan African countries are at a crossroads in terms of fully adapting and benefiting from the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process. It identifies a variety of issues that have hindered full utilization of the EIA process. These include limited public participation; lack of national expertise and experience in EIA; unreliable and inadequate data; limited impact coverage; defective environmental legislation; and weak enforcement. The paper concludes by highlighting various measures required to address these constraints and to reinforce the EIA process more generally. Key measures include expanding “ownership” of EIA; ensuring compliance with international agreements; improving funding of EIA studies for government funded-projects; encouraging public sensitization to demystify the EIA process; reducing corruption; and enhancing good governance. Greater efforts and more resources are required to further integrate EIA at all levels of the development planning process, so that full benefits can be realized.
Recommended Citation
Kakonge, John O., "Environmental Planning in Sub-Saharan Africa: Environmental Impact Assessment at the Crossroads" (2006). Yale School of the Environment Publications Series. 13.
https://elischolar.library.yale.edu/fes-pubs/13