An evaluation of the role of eastern Africa environmental impact assessment (EIA) expertise database in promoting its practice in eastern Africa region
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Date
2010
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Dar es Salaam
Abstract
This is a case study of Eastern Africa EIA Expertise Database at the Institute of Resource Assessment (IRA), University of Dar es salaam (UDSM) that sought to evaluate the major role of database in promoting EIA practice in Eastern Africa region. That was due to importance of EIA practice that is now considered globally to be among major environmental management tools used for guiding environmental protection as well as providing means for achieving sustainable developments. In providing suggestions for database management improvement, the study assessed the relevance and adequacy of EIA information in the database system as well as its role in promoting EIA practice in the region; achievement level in performing database activities; management approach planned and practiced in implementing database work, and respondent's opinions for enabling sustainability and better performance of EIA database work. Research methodology used questionnaires, interviews and review of literatures. Results show that EIA database framework was effectively designed to put EIA information but the database lacks sufficient data for experts to undertake EIA studies effectively. Similarly, results revealed low achievement level in implementing EIA database activities. Furthermore, management approach used reported that planning of EIA database activities was successfully done; a fair number of administrative staff were engaged to manage the database work; leadership for staff guidance attained a fair degree of success; and most database activities were not effectively controlled in implementing database work. It was concluded that the database needs to input more EIA information to facilitate regional EIA practice; more resources are needed for implementing database work accordingly; media coverage should be included as part of EIA information management and dissemination; and sustainability plans (short and long term) have to be developed and for effective management of database work. Also, a forum for EIA discussion need to be established earlier in the database to allow experts in establishing networks; a section on EIA activity areas should be developed in the EIA database to help in identification and recording of EIA activities undertaken; and monitoring and evaluation frameworks have to be developed in the database.
Description
Available in print form, East Africana Collection, Dr. Wilbert Chagula Library, Class mark (THS EAF TD171.5.A354S84)
Keywords
Database, Environmental, Eastern Africa environmental impact assessment
Citation
Suleiman, J.S (2010) An evaluation of the role of eastern Africa environmental impact assessment (EIA) expertise database in promoting its practice in eastern Africa region, Master dissertation, University of Dar es Salaam. Dar es Salaam.