Description
The Big Conservation Lie, co-authored by John Mbaria and Mordecai Ogada, is a provocative and unflinching critique of mainstream wildlife conservation in Africa. The book boldly challenges the widely accepted narrative that conservation efforts are purely altruistic, arguing instead that they often serve the interests of powerful, well-funded foreign entities at the expense of local communities. Mbaria and Ogada contend that the prevailing “fortress conservation” model, which relies on strict exclusion zones, is a neocolonial practice that has historically led to the displacement and impoverishment of indigenous populations. Through powerful case studies and sharp analysis, the authors expose a system they believe is deeply flawed and rooted in a racist ideology that values wildlife over human lives. This book is a vital and controversial read for anyone seeking a more nuanced understanding of the complex and often-unjust realities of conservation on the African continent.
