Introduction African Mountains and Highlands: Crisis in Africa-Needed Research and Action, with Special Reference to Kenya

Abstract

This introductory paper notes the importance of the African mountains and highlands in providing resources for concentrations of dense populations in lowland areas and explores how scientific information can be readily applied and adopted for effective land management and policy making. The basic environmental problem is shortage of food and the farmers need to be taught environmentally sound land-use practices in face of the present land crisis. What is needed is an integrated action plan for African mountains and highlands. Governmental ministries should encourage and coordinate environmentally sound planning policies including programs such as land-use surveys and should work in close collaboration with scholars and researchers. Examples from Kenya are given.