Environmental Degradation in Sub-Saharan Africa

The chapter draws linkages on environmental management, development and human health. It is argued that poverty in Africa is a leading factor contributing to environmental degradation. Overexploitation of the natural environment has led to widespread deforestation and serious land degradation. In other regions, urban growth, industrialisation and mining activities have put the environment under stress, and have also led to the outbreak of diseases posing significant threats to human health. Slow and uneven progress has been made towards sustainable environmental management in Africa. Several countries have adopted environmental management tools, while some have sought ways of reclaiming degraded environments.