COMMUNICATING THE FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT (EIA) REPORTS IN AFRICA: SOME OBSERVATIONS

Abstract

For African countries to make the environmental impact assessment (EIA) process effective, the findings and recommendations of EIA reports must be communicated horizontally and vertically to the stakeholders. This article proposes that for this communication to be successful, several challenges must be addressed. They include insensitivity to cultural and language barriers, lack of accessibility of EIA reports and overreliance on foreign experts. Use of mass media, increased training of media journalists and reporters as well as other professionals, public inquiries by local leaders, and increased awareness of environmental matters on the part of communities can improve the EIA process.