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Part II: A framework for action
Improving land use
Encouraging participation
Developing national institutions
Catalysing regional programmes
Coordinating international action
A framework for action
The prime responsibility for halting the continuing degradation of land in Africa rests with national governments. Only they can formulate the plans, mobilize the people and implement the projects that are so urgently needed. The following pages outline some of the steps that must be taken to put land conservation on a sound national footing. These steps are not exhaustive but indicate the range of actions required.
Some problems, particularly those requiring advanced training and research, could best be tackled regionally. Pages 34-35 give examples of successful regional cooperation in Africa.
Finally, few African governments will be able to fight land degradation without help from technical assistance agencies and the international donor community. An effective model for ensuring close cooperation between national governments, NGOs, development agencies and donors is described on pages 36-38.
NATIONAL
Three equally important issues require attention in the formulation of a national conservation and rehabilitation plan.
Improving land use
make an inventory of land resources, investigate causes of land misuse, take appropriate remedial action
Encouraging participation
help land users to organize their resources, plan their futures and implement solutions that offer short-term gains
Developing national institutions
create and strengthen the institutions that will be needed to provide land users with the back-up they require
REGIONAL
Catalysing regional programmes
regional networks can provide effective information exchange, advanced training in specialist areas and conservation research
INTERNATIONAL
Coordinating international action
long-term finance can be assured if national governments, NGOs, technical-assistance agencies and financing institutions work together to formulate policies and elaborate programmes