Introduction Conservation strategies in Africa typically comprise a variety of approaches aimed at preserving biodiversity, safeguarding species, and conserving habitat. Such approaches are all critical measures for preserving ecosystems that benefit local communities and contributing to policies that conserve biodiversity and global environmental goals. Community-Based Approaches (CBA) offer a unique perspective by emphasising local involvement […]
Essays
Essays present critical analysis and debate on a pressing issue in African peacebuilding.
Local Dynamics of Everyday Digital Peacebuilding in Africa
by Sokfa JohnIntroduction Africa’s peacebuilding landscape is increasingly animated by the intentional exploration and strategic use of digital technologies to prevent or respond to conflict, in the aim of building sustainable peace. This is taking place alongside growing calls for localizing peacebuilding in terms of advancing local ownership, leadership, and agency.1 Both trends are an opportunity to […]
Ethiopia`s Pretoria Peace Agreement and the Fate of the ‘Contested’ Areas
by Alagaw Ababu KifleIntroduction After two years of devastating war, the Federal government of Ethiopia and the Tigray People`s Liberation Front (TPLF) signed a Permanent Cessation of Hostilities Agreement in November 2022 in Pretoria, South Africa.1 At the core of the agreement is the TPLF recognizing and submitting to the authority of the Federal Government of Ethiopia by […]
Living around Mole National Park: Grassroots Perspectives on Gendered Experiences of Protected Area Conflicts and Peacebuilding Strategies
by Ophelia SolikuIntroduction Globally, conflicts are intrinsic to protected areas (PAs), given the multiple actors, varying interests, and institutional structures connected with PA management. Some experts argue that participatory approaches to natural resources management—especially when women’s views are incorporated—reduce conflicts, promote equity, and build local capacities.[1] Despite this argument, many policies and practices concerning natural resource conflict […]
“Extractive Enchantment:” Unveiling the Dynamics of Resource Governance in Mozambique
by Anselmo MatusseIn June 2016, during an ethnographic research trip to Limbué, an administrative post in the Lugela district in Mozambique, I had an interesting conversation with the commercial motorcycle operator assigned to me by the district’s permanent secretary to take me around the area. This operator, a resident of Lugela district, shared his perspective on the […]