Saving the Environment in Sub-Saharan Africa: Organizational Dynamics and Effectiveness of Ngos in Cameroon

ISBN-13: 9781137507181 / Angielski / Twarda / 2015 / 274 str.

William T. Markham; Lotsmart N. Fonjong

Opis

This book examines an important but neglected topic: environmental NGOs in sub-Saharan Africa. Although there is increasing emphasis on the potential of NGOs for solving Africa's environmental and development problems and strengthening civil society, research raises questions about NGO effectiveness. Based on a survey of research from across Africa and an intensive study of 52 Cameroonian environmental NGOs with diverse goals and social and ecological contexts, this book argues that understanding environmental NGOs' potential contributions requires both studying diverse NGO types and applying appropriate theory. In contrast to 'top down' theories of civil society or the 'environmentalism of the poor'-which assume that NGOs will fit into the niches the theories envision for them-the authors apply theories of organizations to examine how NGOs' efforts to promote sustainable development are affected by their funding, management strategies, and relationships with government, communities, and other NGOs. Research results challenge conventional wisdom about the conditions under which environmental NGOs can solve environmental problems, strengthen civil society, and participate in social movements. The authors explore the implications of this for theory and offer practical and innovative suggestions for increasing NGOs effectiveness.

Recenzje

"Focus on environmental nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) in sub-Saharan Africa, and draw upon their in-depth study of environmental NGOs in Cameroon ... . this book is geared to both inform scholars and offer practical guidance to NGOs and other development practitioners ... . This is reflected in both the structure and language of the book, and the way the authors isolate theoretical discussions into specific sections so that they can be accessed or avoided depending on the readers needs." (Hannah Keren Lee, Environment & Urbanization, environmentandurbanization.org, June, 2016)

O autorze

Author William T. Markham: William T. Markham is Professor of Sociology at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, USA, and Director of the University's interdisciplinary Environmental Studies Program. Author Lotsmart Fonjong: Lotsmart Fonjong is Associate Professor of Gender and Human Geography at the University of Buea, Cameroon.