Resource information
Environmental impact assessment, or EIA
as it is known, is a procedures for evaluating the impact,
proposed activities may have on the environment. In recent
years, significant strides have been made to build a legal
foundation for EIAs in Sub-Saharan Africa. Whereas EIAs
typically used to be carried out only to meet requirements
of foreign donors, they are now mandated in twenty two
Sub-Saharan countries, as an important element of domestic
environmental law, and policy. This publication traces the
development of EIA, both in terms of national policies, and
international law, and, analyzes EIA-related laws and
regulations in those countries. The substantive components
of EIA requirements, as well as the similarities, and
differences of the various national statutes, are noted and
commented upon. Special attention is paid to the role, and
degree of public participation, for the further development
of law, and policy with respect to environmental impact
assessments in Sub-Saharan Africa.
