Natural Resource Sustainability - Africa

Abstract

Africa is amongst has a rich natural resource inventory but its population is engulfed in severe poverty. This paper identifies the role that has been played by natural resources in the development of African countries. Major factors impeding the economic development have been discussed along with the policy changes that need to be introduced in the region. Furthermore, the prospects of the natural resource sustainability have been discussed in greater detail. Natural Resource Sustainability - Africa

Introduction

The people living in various parts of Africa are amongst the poorest in the world, despite the rich and a vast mix of renewable and non-renewable natural resources. There is a need to focus on the sustainable use of land and other natural resource in Africa due to a large reliance of the local African economies on the wealth generated from natural resources (Simons 2012). These natural resources require a very little amount of value addition and can generate revenues for the people. If other continents along with the African people need to continuously exploit the rich natural resources of Africa, policy makers need to come up with a plan that can allow all the stakeholders meet their goals in a sustainable manner (UN 2008, p18-21).

This paper aims to present a case as to if a sustainable utilization of the natural resources can be achieved for Africa considering the various social-political complexities that are present in African environment. The African people require development that can be sustained along with political stability, and operational capacities to put those natural resources to good use.

Discussion

African countries are rich in natural resources like diamonds and oil. This has resulted in a number of political conflicts that have emerged amongst various armed groups that want to exploit these natural resources for their own use. There are a number of African countries that have gone through extended period of political and violent conflicts that have resulted in a large number of refugees within the continent (Rugumamu 2002, p3). The rich have been able to increase the wealth while the poor are dying out of hunger. The natural resources of Africa need to be managed in a sustainable manner and their benefits should be shared with the deprived in order to bring prosperity to the residents of the continent.

The world at large is facing an energy crisis. More industries are being setup which has affected the natural balance between the supply and demand of the natural resources. This has ended up affecting the quality of life that people can lead due to a lack of jobs. The current levels of consumption are depended on the availability of the primary natural resources that are responsible for polluting the environment. The African natural resource is rich in many forms of natural fossil fuels that include oil, gas and coal. Many radioactive elements like uranium are found in some parts of the continent as well as the landscape is highly suitable for renewable energy ...