Africa: the changing environment and health

Abstract

Like other developing areas of the world, Africa is undergoing social, political, and economic changes. These developmental changes have provided important benefits, but have also produced significant impacts on the environment. Industrialization and agricultural mechanization have introduced new environmental hazards to the African environment. Rapid population growth and development have produced significant impact on the environment and health. This paper reviews the literature on the impact of development on the African environment and health and suggests feasible solutions that can be initiated to decrease degradation and pollution of the environment to minimize resulting risks to health.