Routledge Rural Development in Practice: Evolving Challenges and Opportunities (Rethinking Development)

Rural Development in Practice focuses on the evolving nature of rural development in the Global South. It outlines how we got to where we are today, checks what we can learn from history, and explores the development drivers, facilitators, and obstacles most likely to shape the years ahead. The book covers the management of fishing grounds, forests, grazing lands, water sources and soil, and looks at the effects of infrastructure, trade mechanisms, and new crop varieties on farming. The author discusses the opportunities and challenges of microfinance, social safety nets and migration, and assesses the way ICT and climate change are changing everything, rapidly. Real-life examples, exercises, role-plays, textboxes, anecdotes, and illustrative artwork are used to bring concepts and theories to life, and every chapter concludes with a section that explores how best to tackle the tough and complex dilemmas of our time. Rural Development in Practice is essential reading for students at all levels and may be of benefit for programme and policy staff in rural-focused government departments, multilateral agencies, and non-government organisations. Review "This book cuts through the noise that clutters the development discourse. The issues are tough, but the reading is easy." -- Asif Saleh, Executive Director of BRAC "Highly readable, thoughtful, and very informative, this refreshing approach makes for an excellent introduction to the topic. While the author’s style is succinct, he nevertheless manages to provide a comprehensive review of the key issues in an insightful, honest and entertaining manner." -- André Croppenstedt, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) "In clear and sometimes witty ways, and drawing upon a depth of expertise, Willem van Eekelen assesses what works, what does not, and why. It’s refreshing, it’s engaging, it’s that rare creature - a student textbook that is also a page turner."  -- Catherine Cameron, Director at Agulhas Applied Knowledge (a company specialised in strategic portfolio evaluations) and Visiting Fellow at the University of Surrey "Willem van Eekelen's impressive and original effort to reinvent the traditional student textbook is accessible, thoughtful, witty and stylish, and is guaranteed to bring alive the subject of rural development for students at all levels." -- David Lewis, London School of Economics and Political Science "Willem van Eekelen’s ‘Rural Development in Practice’ contributes a highly accessible, insightful and, in places, critical perspective on its topic. Its core arguments are skilfully illustrated by examples and personal experience. This book provides a unique entry point into international development for students and interested readers." -- Armando Barrientos, Professor Emeritus of Poverty and Social Justice, Global Development Institute, University of Manchester "Willem van Eekelen rightly challenges some of the long-held hypotheses that have underpinned the narrative in international development in a courageous, thought-provoking and engaging way. This is a very useful book, not only for students, but for anyone seeking to improve their knowledge and understanding of rural development in an evolving global context." -- Tina Fahm, Commissioner of the Independent Commission for Aid Impact (ICAI). "I am amazed by the way this rich compilation of information and analysis is woven into a compelling narrative. It is a 'must read' for anyone who wishes to understand the role of agriculture in global development, and its impact on countries’ socio-economic and political dynamics. Watch out for the humour, too." -- Girish Menon, Chief Executive of ActionAid UK. "This is a highly relevant, well-written and well-researched textbook that is useful for students and anyone with an interest in rural development. It is a skillfully crafted synthesis of accessible and digestible information and evidence on the topi