Entrenching Nature-Oriented Sustainability in Africa: Lessons for Today and the Future from the Green Belt Movement of Wangari Maathai of Kenya

Abstract

This chapter discusses and explains nature-oriented sustainable environments in Africa using the examples imported from Wangari Maathai of Kenya. It explores the creation of green belts in the whole of Africa taking lessons from the Green Belt Movement (GBM) of Wangari Maathai. This is to amend the natural environment that has been destructed due to human activities. Africa’s settlements rely on natural resources for their energy consumption hence the rate of deforestation remains high as there is little investment in renewable sources of energy. The study seeks to digest adoption and the path for the implementation and ways in which progress can be met without any interference. Data has been collected from several sources such as articles, journals, books, and other academic writings. Secondary data was used to add value and justify the issues discussed in this chapter. A qualitative route has been used in compiling the chapter. Quantitative techniques were also applied in this chapter. Results indicate that, nature-oriented environments are the key to the restoration of Africa’s natural look. The adaptation of this measure will create a balanced ecosystem and also develop room for biodiversity. The measure will also reduce the impacts of climate change and land degradation. Though the Wangari Maathai’s GBM is a signpost to sustainability in Africa, it should be noted that most countries are still in transition and underdeveloped to invest in new technologies that reduce the use of firewood and trees for construction and other purposes.