Water, environment and development in mountain areas and surrounding lowlands

The mountain areas of Africa are scattered throughout the continent and occupy approximately 2,960,997 Km2. Mountain areas of Africa have a high diversity in terms of ecological conditions, resource use, physical constraints to resource use, socio-economic characteristics of resources users, biodiversity and biodiversity and scenic beauty. The immediate challenge for sustainable development of mountain areas is how can we slow the process, reverse the trend and move towards sustainable development in mountain areas. This paper highlights the environmental and socio-economic importance of mountain areas, the constraints and opportunities and the way forward. Environmental benefits from mountain areas related to climate moderation, mountains as water towers and mountains as biodiversity reserves are discussed. Socio-economic benefits highlighted include settlement, food security, wood and non-wood products, water sources and hydropower, tourism and aesthetic values, cultural and spiritual values and source of livelihood to lowland communities. Threats associated with resource utilization and their causes are identified and the way forward identified.