Environmental justice in rural areas in Africa

Just out 14 April 2023
In Africa, certain social groups suffer as a result of differences in access to environmental resources and unequal distribution of environmental risks. This observation has prompted the emergence of the notion of environmental justice. A recent book, Justice environnementale dans les espaces ruraux en Afrique, intended for scientists, NGOs and donors, looks at the concept.
Sugarcane irrigation canal in Senegal © CIRAD, P. Marnotte

Sugarcane irrigation canal in Senegal © CIRAD, P. Marnotte

Frequently discussed in research work in the global North, the analysis of environment-related criteria of justice or injustice, such as access to water, mineral extraction or the recognition of local communities, has been studied very little in Africa. However, many African territories undergo unrestrained development to support their rapid growth and respond to development challenges that affect the environment of local populations.

The theoretical, methodological and empirical contributions presented in this book serve to identify environmental justice issues beyond traditional perspectives, demonstrating how the historical narrative of the relations of domination between different types of actors in Africa is a crucial variable in apprehending the notion of justice.

This book is aimed at researchers interested in socio-environmental justice issues in the global South, NGOs fighting against this injustice, students in social sciences and land development, as well as donors financing infrastructure and facing growing opposition from local or international actors.

 

Justice environnementale et espace ruraux africains
Editorial coordination: William's Daré, Alpha Ba
Editions Quae, 2023

See also