The Challenges and Implications of Sustainable Development in Africa: Policy Options for Nigeria

摘要: The sustainable development debate is based on the assumption that societies need to manage three types of capital (economic, social and natural) which may be non-substitutable whose consumption might irreversible. Nonetheless, problem natural deterioration in SubSahara Africa quite alarming without sufficient response mechanisms. paper examines challenges implications with a special focus Nigeria. Using descriptive analytical approaches, posits prominent hamper achievement include; extreme poverty, rapid population growth rate, urbanization, deforestation, environmental impact extractive industries, rate economic growth, rural development, climatic variability hazard. considers these post 2015 agenda suggests plausible policy options address social, sustainability. Since it was discovered inconsistency government policies among others things have impacted adversely sustainability Nigerian furthermore recommends establishment Sustainable Development Trust Fund (SDF) saddled responsibility enforcing economic, sustainability.1. IntroductionWhile maintained positive rates during 2000, very few countries achieved necessary reduce poverty. African still face critical challenge raising GDP sustaining high over an extended period order accelerate progress towards meeting MDGs (ECA, 2007). Indeed, annual for 1990-2000 averaged only 2.1 per cent, compared 2.8 cent. continent less than 7 cent needed by half proportion Africans poverty 2001a). However, economies continued sustain momentum early 2000s recorded overall average real 5.4 percent 2007) . Moreover, despite substantial macroeconomic stabilization, deregulation, privatization, trade, exchange reform, structural constraints institutional weaknesses continue inhibit vigorous supply response, as most depend primary products, exhibiting export concentration. While 60 all exports from are agricultural (66 unprocessed); they account 8 countries' GDP.One major facing developing provide equitable standard living, adequate food, clean water, safe shelter energy, healthy secured environment, educated public, satisfying job present future generations (Iganigan & Unemhilin 2011). Of necessities, first basic human life survival enduring food security: defined situation majority populace country access domestically produced at affordable prices times (Akinboyo, 2008) Historically, there has been close correlation between degradation. As communities grow, so environment declines. Unsustained starkly malignant cancer, because eats away earth's ecosystem services its lifesupport system (Adams Jeanrenaud, 2008). There concern that, unless resource use checked, modem global civilization will follow path ancient collapsed through overexploitations their (Diamond, 1997).The crave attainment led various tools measures structuring conducting analyses. …