Balancing Africa’s Economic Growth, Food Security, and Conservation Using a “Development by Design” Approach

Africa not only embodies a rich array of natural resources, biodiversity, ecosystem services, and diverse culture but also has some of the world’s fastest growing economies and populations. Many African leaders are grappling with how to chart a development path that blends conservation integrity and durability of ecosystems and the continent’s rich natural heritage with the means to provide food, water, shelter, and power for future generations. This presentation will describe a science-based spatial planning approach known as “Development by Design” (DbD). I will demonstrate how the DbD approach, through smart planning, is empowering governments to achieve economic growth while prioritizing sustainable use of natural resources in Zambia and Kenya.