Original Research

Is green economy achievable through championing green growth? A local government experience from Zambia

Phiri Rodgers
Jàmbá: Journal of Disaster Risk Studies | Vol 8, No 3 | a253 | DOI: https://doi.org/10.4102/jamba.v8i3.253 | © 2016 Phiri Rodgers | This work is licensed under CC Attribution 4.0
Submitted: 30 September 2015 | Published: 11 March 2016

About the author(s)

Phiri Rodgers, Department of Language and Social Sciences, University of Zambia, Zambia; Zambia Network for Environmental Educators and Practitioners, Lusaka, Zambia; Department of Language and Social Sciences, University of Zambia Environmental Education Students, Zambia

Abstract

The need to enhance environmental sustainability, sustainable development and growth that takes into account the well-being of the people and nature because of the increased production and consumption of goods and services is the major driver to the introduction of green economy in Zambia and countries in southern Africa. This article examines the extent to which local government in Zambia has embraced green growth and green economy and critically analyses the concept of green economy and green growth. This study is based on a review of planning and policy documents, a household questionnaire survey and interviews with various institutions, planners and rural development organisations. A number of policies implemented at the local government level were analysed and reflected upon irrespective of whether they contain the components of green growth and green economy and the extent to which they contribute to attaining green economy. The article argues that the need for economic diversification is important as far as green economy is concerned. The article recommends the need to invest in research and development in order to find more carbon-free economic activities. The conclusion is that local government is key to achieving green growth and green economy, because it is involved at all levels, from policy formulation to implementation.

Keywords

Green Economy, Green Growth, Local Government, Environment.

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