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Natural Resource Management in Africa

Who We Are

Created in Fall 2005, the Natural Resource Management in Africa Working Group is interested in the consequences of rapid change to ecosystems and human institutions.  We study how communities interact with their environment and identify means to achieve their social and ecological goals. 

We are graduate students and faculty with interests in natural resource management issues relevant to Africa. We are a diverse group with members with expertise in geography, food and resource economics, botany, agricultural and biological engineering, ecology, forestry, wildlife conservation, anthropology, political science, sustainable development, zoology, tourism, and others.

What We Do

The Natural Resource Management in Africa Working Group provides an interdisciplinary platform for graduate students and faculty to share ideas and experiences. Participants in NRMAWG came from at least 8 departments, demonstrating the extensive reach of Africanist interests at the University of Florida.

We hold brown bag lunch sessions every other Thursday from 12:45 – 1:45 P.M. Invited speakers typically give short presentations and then lead a discussion on the topics addressed. Past discussions have addressed current issues in modeling, governance, community-based natural resource management, and social inequity. We invite speakers including leading faculty at UF, other academic institutions and professionals from outside organizations. Members of the UF community and the general public are welcome to attend.

We also expect to hold irregular social events and symposia so group members can meet other people with interests in natural resources management issues in Africa. These meetings are intended to facilitate trans-disciplinary cooperation and improve the impact of members’ research products.

Where We Work

Current members of the working group have projects throughout Africa, as shown in this interactive map.

Upcoming Events

Every other Thursday from 12:45 p.m. – 1:45 p.m., the Natural Resource Management in Africa Working Group invites speakers to give short presentations and then lead a discussion on the topics addressed. The WG also hosts irregular social and academic events throughout the semester.

Contact Information

Faculty advisors:

Dr. Brian Child
Geography Department
Center for African Studies
bchild@ufl.edu

Dr. Robert McCleery
Wildlife Ecology and Conservation
ramccleery@ufl.edu

To read recaps of recent Natural Resource Management in Africa Working Group events, please click here.