Effective and Sustainable Management of Natural Resources in Africa: The Roles of Environmental Tax and Public Participation

The challenges faced by several African countries in the twenty-first century is closely linked to the management of their natural resources and the need to balance socio-economic development with environmental sustainability. Activities of the extractive sector and related industries have often had negative impacts on the environment, exacerbating the effects of climate change evident in the extent of deforestation, heightened pollution, poor waste management, oil drilling, and industrialization. Addressing these environmental damages and negative externalities is crucial, and environmental taxation can play a vital role in ameliorating the excesses of the extractive sector. Additionally, public participation could also be essential for enhancing public policies related to natural resource management and environmental conservation. This chapter specifically explores the extent to which environmental taxation and public participation can help to achieve the objective of improving natural resource management in Africa. It further explores the implications of environmental tax and public participation systems for policy, research, and practice related to the management of natural resources in the region. By analyzing these implications, the chapter aims to shed light on how environmental taxation and public participation can contribute to more effective and sustainable natural resource management in Africa. This analysis considers the importance of policy frameworks, research initiatives, and practical implementation in achieving these goals.