2008 ISSUES
A focus on development and the environment
Up to now, development has been a transitive discourse, applied from those "developed" to those in need of "development". But the dramatic effect of climate change is impacting on all regions and all cultures and it will be imperative to find new ways of living on the planet we all share. In a process of 'convivenzia'(a way of life that encourages all people to live together, sharing resources, recognizing and respecting diversity, culture and nature, and searching for multiple paths for change) we need a shift from focusing solely on economic development to socially responsible life style changes. There needs to be a new understanding of wealth, calling for a shift in business strategies that cherish well-being rather than well-having.
For many years Development has been exploring political ecology in the spirit of 'convivenzia', searching for development strategies that move beyond a focus on economic growth and take on board social and environmental imperatives. In 2008 the complete volume of Development will be devoted to environment and development, exploring in detail:
- Vol 51.1. Water for People |
- Vol 51.2. Gender and Fisheries |
- Vol 51.3. Climate Justice |
- Vol 51.4. The Future of Agriculture |
Water for People (Development 51.1)
Guest Editor: Kuntala Lahiri-Dutt (Australia)
'Water and People' explores the histories, ecologies, cultures and the politics of water resource development and planning from global, regional, national and local perspectives.
The issue aims to show the various community-based alternative water strategies that have existed in spite of the current efforts to turn this valuable resource into a commodity. Its approach is to see the uses and practices of water management as rooted in history, social and political power. In the contemporary world 'empires of water' - resources owned by the states - are inextricably linked with national identities; and all over the world, communities are resisting statist discourses of water control, and pursuing and practicing alternative water management.
Gender and Fisheries (Development 51.2)
Guest Editors: Choo Poh Sze (Malaysia - lead editor), Barbara Nowak (Canada), Kyoko Kusakabe (Japan) and Meryl Williams (Australia)
Focuses on the gender dimensions of fisheries which provide rich ground for perspectives on development policy and community based strategies for livelihoods, gender and social justice.
The journal issue will focus on gender and fisheries in relation to inland and coastal resource management and aquaculture; Income, fish processing, trade, globalization and WTO; Nutrition and human health; Gender mainstreaming in fisheries research and development projects; Models for successful fishing / fish farming families /communities.
Climate Justice (Development 51.3)
Guest edited by Tariq Banuri, the issue tackles the political questions that the current hype around climate change inevitably raises for sustainable development policies, both globally and on the ground.
The link between climate change and the prospects for sustainable development is important for at least three reasons. First, since developing countries contribute roughly half of current carbon emissions, climate stabilization cannot be achieved without active involvement by the developing world. Secondly climate stabilization is on a collision course with the unfinished development agenda. What is needed urgently is a way of addressing climate stabilization that does not jeopardize the rights of poor countries to development. Third the climate threat is the thin end of the wedge of a more fundamental problem, namely the incompatibility between an infinite and unending growth process and finite planetary resources. As such, long term solutions to the climate problem will have to go through the solution of the development inequities.
The Future of Agriculture (Development 51.4)
Guest edited by Nicola Bullard, this issue debates the changing issues around food, health, rural livelihoods and trade, bringing out the need for alternative international trade rules for the agri-food sector.
Working with research groups and civil society networks, the issue focuses on trade and development. How can communities' food security and local agriculture be sustained in the face of global capitalism's push for bigger and faster production for their global markets? The Future of Agriculture highlights the alternatives to mainstream trade and development by community organizations around the world. The issue will bring together analysis and research on how locally and globally, the future of agriculture is being assured despite globalization.
