Towards a community-based management of natural resources in the drylands of sub-Saharan Africa

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Periodical article

Title:	Towards a community-based management of natural resources in the drylands of sub-Saharan Africa
Author:	Darkoh, M.B.K.
Year:	1995
Periodical:	Journal of Eastern African Research and Development (ISSN 0251-0405)
Volume:	25
Pages:	29-36
Language:	English
Notes:	biblio. refs.
Geographic terms:	Subsaharan Africa Africa
Subjects:	natural resource management drylands Environment, Ecology natural resources Resources management sustainable development Arid zone Social participation
Abstract:	After decades of development planning dominated by colonial and neocolonial approaches, it is being realized today that sustainable resources management and utilization in the arid and semiarid lands of sub-Saharan Africa is critically dependent upon local communities' ability to control the resources from which they derive their livelihood. The local people not only have the deep and intimate local knowledge that is required for wise and sound management of natural resources, they also have a vested interest in conserving these resources for sustainable use. There is, therefore, a strong case for a resource management conservation strategy based upon local communities and grassroots initiatives. External assistance should reinforce local efforts, enhance local capabilities, build upon local knowledge and skills, and respect community priorities. Ref., sum.