The purpose of this analysis is to take the author's last 15 years of experience in working on conservation and development projects in Africa, and as an advisor to the United States Agency For International Development in both the Caribbean, and East and Southern Africa, share his understanding of where we are today, both successes and failures, and what we should be emphasizing to maximize the opportunity for conservation and development projects to operate sustainably, both economically and ecologically, while serving as catalysts for rural development.
A brief review of the history of conservation in Africa is presented.


The Western World's early attempts at linking conservation to rural development are discussed. A number of examples, based upon personal involvement or in-field evaluations of projects are presented as they relate to issues that have or have not been adequately addressed.
Finally, an overview is provided as to additional steps or actions that need to be considered in designing and implementing conservation and development projects, not as a cookbook recipe for success, but as food for thought, to stimulate thinking in this area.


We are all products of our environment and life's experiences. Certainly, this analysis contains certain opinionated ideas based upon the background of the author. If nothing else, it is hoped that this analysis will stimulate discussion, debate and in some small way will contribute to the innovative and creative thinking that will be necessary to assure the increased likelihood of rural economic development in Africa based upon sustainable natural resources management.

  • Paul Andre DeGeorges