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the overall environmental strategy of the Administration, with its focus on the 

 environment as an element of economic development 



We are well aware that emphasis on only short-term results, without identifying 

 and supporting improvements in the underlying conditions, is bound to fail. The DFA 

 encourages an emphasis on the longer-term approach and USAID programs, which will 

 lead to sustainable growth for Africa^ future. 



During the last five years, USAID has committed over $300 million to major 

 natural resource and environmental programs in 16 African countries, countries where 

 the political commitment exists for economic development. Also funds have been 

 allocated in support of specific environmental problems, such as global climate change 

 initiatives in the Congo Basin, integrated pest management in the Sahel and protection 

 of elephant habitats in lowland savannas in Africa. 



The level of funding provided by USAID over this period means that the U.S. 

 Government is one of the largest donors supporting natural resources management 

 programs in Africa. 



In previous years, USAID (like other donors) funded discrete projects that were 

 directed at helping individual farmers to improve their livelihood, for example, the 



