The myth of wild Africa: conservation without illusion

Western explorers and hunters created and perpetuated the myth of Africa as the world's last great wilderness, a sparsely populated land of spectacular beauty and savage mystery. The conservationists built national parks upon this myth, ignoring the fact that this continent was filled with ancient cultures that have lived with wildlife for countless generations. They took away rural Africans' land and livelihood, squeezing them into smaller areas that could not support their farming methods. The authors describe new conservation programmes that include more Africans in the planning, execution and financial benefits of the business. For where programmes have been set up that improve farming and other ways of making a living, Africans have helped government and conservation authorities in preserving wildlife.