Showing papers in "Development and Change in 1988"

The Process of Famine: Causes and Consequences in Sudan

Abstract: In the Sudan, where 200,000 children can die from diseases like diarrhoea and measles in a ‘normal’ year, the toll jumped to somewhere between 350,000 and 700,000 [in 1984]; in the next twelve months one million more could die — out of a total child population of only 6 million. UNICEF estimates that over six million sub-Saharan infants and children are endangered by famine.

Rural Growth Points and Rural Industries in Zimbabwe: Ideologies and Policies

Abstract: A Rural Service Centre which provided all basic infrastructure, had a strong residential component and offered a wide range of services would automatically attract rural non-farm activities. This is the term applied to the whole range of activities connected with trading, manufacturing, construction, transport and government and other services. improved infrastructure is the key to more rural manufacturing. The deficiency in manufacturing may therefore be expected to right itself if given the necessary Government support through the provision of infrastructure. (Whitsun Foundation, 1980: 60–1; emphases added). Rural Service Centres ‘do not offer any major form of non-agricultural employment other than trade and certain jobs connected with the provision of services for agricultural communities’. (Hanratty and Heath, 1984:27)

Industrialization and the Standard of Living of the Working Class in Iran, 1960–79

Abstract: But what improves the circumstances of the greater part can never be regarded as an inconveniency to the whole. No society can surely be flourishing and happy, of which the far greater part of the members are poor and miserable.

Institutionalization of an Environmental Programme in a Third World Country: The Establishment of an Environmental Institute in Nicaragua

Abstract: In developing countries the institutionalization of environmental programs is essential to ensure a sustained development process Largely because of the short run conflict between economic and environmental interests most Third World countries have made little progress in this area An initial exception to this pattern was Nicaraguas Institute of Natural Resources and the Environment (IRENA) founded in 1979 IRENA acquired statutory authority to manage the preservation and exploitation of natural resources and the environment as well as the tasks of drafting legislation and stimulating environmental education In the course of 5 years however IRENA changed from a powerful institute closely aligned with economically important sectors such as mining and fishery into an institute dependent on and accountable to the Ministry of Agriculture with tasks limited to control regulation and research support The rapid deterioration of Nicaraguas economy during this period played a major role in IRENAs decline of its authority Production has become the countrys priority and investments in longterm strategies such as restricting the use of harmful agrochemicals are difficult to justify in view of Nicaraguas daily problems of survival Although the idea behind IRENA was to establish an autonomous institute with responsibility for all environmental aspects state entities are now considered capable of taking care of the environmental problems in their own sectors This may reflect the tendency for the conflict between production and regulation to be resolved in favor of the producers Lack of data and a shortage of trained personnel were other obstacles faced by IRENA Overall IRENA can be considered to have failed to institutionalize the responsibilities it initially selected and has not been able to integrate an environmental perspective into national policy

Counterpoint and Emancipation

Abstract: A continued struggle against elitism seems to be within the reach of mankind. The only way to stop the human march towards emancipation would be, indeed, to annihilate the world.