Constructing Meanings of a Green Economy:
Investigation of an Argument for Africa’s Transition towards the
Green Economy
A Research Paper presented by:
Tarcile Mballa-Ngamougou
(Cameroon)
in partial fulfilment of the requirements for obtaining
the degree of
MASTER
OF
ARTS
IN
DEVELOPMENT
STUDIES
Major:
Agrarian and Environmental Studies
(AES)
Specialization:
Environment and Sustainable Development
Members of the Examining Committee:
Dr Murat Arsel
Carol Hunsberger
The Hague,
The Netherlands
December 2013
iii
Acknowledgments
The completion of this Master Thesis has been a challenging but worthwhile experience, one
which was made ever more special by the abundance of knowledge and diversity of worldviews
imparted to me by the ISS Community.
To my supervisor Murat Arsel, thank you for giving me ample space to explore my ideas,
the encouragement and most importantly your patience throughout this journey. Thank you to
Carol, my second reader; despite the fact that we only saw each other a few times, your construc-
tive feedback and encouragement have been a great resource for this thesis.
To my AES family: thank you for making the last 15 months an incredible and absolutely
unforgiveable and enriching experience.
Last but not least, to my family and friends who have
been immovable foundations, a source
of energy and support and laughter whenever it was desperately needed. I am incredibly grateful
for all the brainstorming hour-long Skype calls regardless of time difference, the constant will-
ingness to listen to my thoughts and help me navigate them and the calm confidence in me you
have kept throughout – even when I changed my mind on a daily basis.