River basin projects in Africa

Abstract

While developers seek hydroelectric power to boost national economies, conservationists press for preservation of the natural resources and habitats on which riverside communities depend. Each side's arguments, the possible compromises, as well as the likeliest solutions are presented. The developers emphasize that urban-industrial development and food self-sufficiency in Africa require the construction of large dams. The conservationists emphasize the negative environmental and socioeconomic effects that have accompanied dam construction to date. Rhetoric on both sides is escalating; river basin authorities and their supporters are making unrealistic claims of benefits in their efforts to secure funding, while the criticism of conservationists, though it has proven to be important as a corrective measure, places disproportionate emphasis on costs.