Showing papers on "Sustainability published in 1986"

The economics of natural resource use

Abstract: I. APPROACHING THE STUDY OF NATURAL RESOURCE ECONOMICS. 1. Economic Concepts for Examining Natural Resource Use. 2. Sustainability and Natural Resource Scarcity. II. THE USE OF STATIC OR STEADY STATE MODELS TO EXAMINE NATURAL RESOURCE USE. 3. The Valuation and Use of Land and Water. 4. The Economics of the Fishery: An Introduction. 5. Regulation of the Fishery. 6. An Introduction to Environmental Resources: Externalities and Pollution. 7. Pollution Policy in Practice. III. NATURAL RESOURCE USE IN AN INTERTEMPORAL SETTING. 8. Nonrenewable Resource Use: The Theory of Depletion. 9. Nonrenewable Natural Resource Use: Departures from the Competitive Case and from Fixed Stock Size. 10. Forest Use. 11. Dynamic Models of the Fishery. 12. The Economics of Sustainability.

A hierarchical approach to sustainable agriculture

Abstract: “Sustainable agriculture” means many things to different people in agriculture. At least three different definitions of sustainability are available: sustainability as food sufficiency; sustainability as stewardship; and sustainability as community. Since increased human populations will cause demands for food to continue to grow in the foreseeable future, agricultural sustainability needs to be assessed in ways that will incorporate competing definitions. We suggest that analyzing agriculture as a hierarchical system is the appropriate way to incorporate different concepts of sustainability. Using this concept, we propose a hierarchical definition of sustainability. Agronomic sustainability refers to the ability of a tract of land to maintain productivity over a long period of time. Microeconomic sustainability is dependent on the ability of the farm, as the basic economic unit, to stay in business. Ecological sustainability depends on the maintenance of life-support systems provided by non-agricultural and non-industrial segments of a region. Macroeconomic sustainability is controlled by factors such as fiscal policies and interest rates which determine the viability of national agriculture systems. In our view, there are critical constraints to sustainability at different scales of the agricultural hierarchy. We propose that agronomic constraints are most important at the field scale; microeconomic constraints are dominant at the farm scale; ecological constraints override at the watershed or landscape scale; and macroeconomic constraints are foremost at the regional and national scale. In this paper, we describe the actions of these critical constraints, discuss interactions among various hierarchical levels, and propose ways that agricultural researchers and policy makers can integrate the various views of sustainability.

Environmental Science: Working with the Earth

Abstract: Part I Humans and sustainability - an overview: environmental problems, their causes, and sustainability living sustainably growth and the wealth gap resources pollution environmental and resource problems - causes and connections cultural changes and sustainability is our present course sustainable?: economics, politics, ethics, and sustainability economic systems and environmental problems economic growth and external costs solutions - using economics to improve environmental quality solutions - reducing poverty solutions - converting to earth-sustaining economies politics and environmental policy environmental worldviews - clashing values and cultures solutions - living sustainably. Part II Scientific principles and concepts - science, systems, matter and energy science, technology, environmental science, and critical thinking: models and behaviour of systems matter - forms, structure, and quality energy - forms and quality physical and chemical changes and the law of conservation of matter nuclear changes the two ironclad laws of energy connections - matter and energy laws and environmental problems ecosystems and how they work - connections in nature ecology and life earth's support systems ecosystem concepts and components connection - food webs and energy flow in ecosystems connections - matter cycling in ecosystems how do ecologists learn about ecosystems?: ecosystem services and sustainability evolution, biodiversity, and community processes - life and its origins evolution and adaptation speciation, extinction, and biodiversity niches and types of species species interactions ecological succession ecological stability and sustainability climate, weather, and biodiversity weather and climate - a brief introduction biomes - climate and life on land desert and grassland biomes forest and mountain biomes saltwater life zones freshwater life zones population dynamics, carrying capacity, and conservation biology population dynamics and carrying capacity reproductive strategies and survival conservation biology - sustaining wildlife populations human impacts on ecosystems - learning from nature solutions - working with nature to help heal ecosystems risk, toxicology, and human health risks and hazards - toxicology, chemical hazards physical hazards - earthquakes and volcanic eruptions biological hazards - disease in developed and developing countries. (Part contents)

Rural Development: Principles, Policies and Management

Abstract: PART I: INTRODUCTION Concepts and Connotations of Rural Development Basic Elements of Rural Development Growth versus Development Why Rural Development Rising Expectations and Development Development and Change Human Beings as the Cause and Consequence of Development Some Dilemmas in Development Main Points Questions for Discussion PART II: RURAL ECONOMY OF INDIA Introduction Size and Structure of the Rural Economy The Characteristics of the Rural Sector The Role of the Agricultural Subsector The Role of the Non-agricultural Subsector Challenges and Opportunities Main Points Questions for Discussion PART III: MEASURES OF DEVELOPMENT Introduction Measures of Level of Rural Development Measures of Income Distribution Measures of Development Simplified Concepts and Measures of Rural Poverty Main Points Questions for Discussion PART IV: SOME PARADIGMS OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT Introduction The Modernisation Theory The Dependency Theory of the Marxist School Rosenstein-Rodan's Theory of the 'Big Push' Leibenstein's 'Critical Minimum Effort Thesis' Lewis' Model of Economic Development Gunnar Myrdal's Thesis of 'Spread and Backwash' Effects The Human Capital Model of Development The Gandhian Model of Rural Development Development Theories from Other Social Sciences Main Points Questions for Discussion PART V: DETERMINANTS OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT Introduction Changes in Output Natural Resources Human Resources Capital Technology Organisational and Institutional Framework Relation between Rural Development and Its Determinants Main Points Questions for Discussion PART VI: RURAL DEVELOPMENT POLICIES Introduction Freedom, Control and Public Policy Need for a Rural Development Policy Goals of Rural Development Policy Hierarchy of Policy Goals Rural Development Policies in India Globalisation and Rural Development Main Points Questions for Discussion PART VII: STRATEGIES FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT Introduction The Concepts of Sustainability and Sustainable Development Some Indicators of Non-sustainable Development A Critical Review of India's Strategies of Rural Development Some Elements of a New Strategy for Sustainable Development Main Points Questions for Discussion PART VIII: POLICY INSTRUMENTS OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT Introduction A Conceptual Framework An Action System Policy Instruments Main Points Questions for Discussion PART IX: EQUITY-ORIENTED AND GROWTH-ORIENTED PROGRAMMES Introduction Equity-oriented Programmes Growth-oriented Programmes Main Points Questions for Discussion PART X: POVERTY AND UNEMPLOYMENT ERADICATION PROGRAMMES Introduction Current Poverty Scenario and Trends Rural Employment Scenario Poverty and Unemployment Alleviation Programmes Social Welfare-oriented Programmes (SWOP) Main Points Questions for Discussion PART XI: NATURAL RESOURCES AND INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMMES Introduction Natural Resources-based Programmes National Agriculture Insurance Scheme (NAIS) Pilot Weather-based Crop Insurance Scheme (WBCIS) Infrastructure Development Programmes Main Points Questions for Discussion PART XII: PLANNING FOR RURAL DEVELOPMENT Introduction Levels and Functions of Planning Decentralisation of Planning Methodology of Micro-level Planning Methodology for Block- and District-level Planning Main Points Questions for Discussion PART XIII: ORGANISING FOR RURAL DEVELOPMENT Introduction A Detour to Organisational Models The Search for a New Paradigm Criteria for Designing an Appropriate Organisation Government Organisations Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) Cooperatives Voluntary Agencies/Non-governmental Organisations Corporations and Rural Development Main Points Questions for Discussion PART XIV: FINANCING RURAL DEVELOPMENT Introduction Domestic Institutional Sources The Role of Non-institutional Agencies Deficit Financing or Controlled Inflation Foreign Sources of Funds Main Points Questions for Discussion PART XV: IMPLEMENTATION, MONITORING AND EVALUATION Introduction Project Implementation Project Control Integration and Coordination People's Participation in Implementation Project Monitoring Project Evaluation Main Points Questions for Discussion References and Select Bibliography Index

An ecological basis for the development of alternative agricultural systems for small farmers in the Third World

Abstract: A strategy for small farm development in the Third World is suggested, emphasizing preservation of traditional farming systems while maintaining biological and genetic diversity. Basing agricultural development on indigenous knowledge, technology, and social organization can provide important guidelines for the design of cropping systems that allow low-income farmers to produce subsistence and cash crops with minimal dependence on external inputs. Suggested alternative agricultural strategies are based on diverse farming systems that achieve moderate to high levels of productivity by manipulating and exploiting resources that are internal to the farm. The resulting systems are more sustainable and economical, thus increasing the equity of the system. Several rural development programs in Third World countries, especially in Latin America, that incorporate these agroecological principles are discussed. In contrast to approaches that have been transferred from the United States without necessarily being suited to the circumstances of small farmers, and which require the purchase of expensive external inputs, these programs include sustainability, stability, and equity as goals, along with increased production. Rural development strategies based on peasant systems that are biologically and economically stable are proving to be a viable survival alternative for a great portion of the impoverished rural population in the Third World.

An Interdisciplinary Approach to Community Resource Management: Preliminary Field Test in Thailand

Abstract: Community resource management, as defined in the literature, is a generic term that implies utilization of both biophysical and sociocultural resources.' Community management, as practiced by international agencies and host-country governments, is the improvement of resource management in order to provide a sustainable enrichment in the quality of life in a given area. Those improvements, and the concept of sustainability, become very important in land reformation and resettlement programs. In these programs, development efforts involve imposition of economic, social, and technological change. In order to introduce those changes effectively, complex resource-management strategies must be balanced with interrelated, often conflicting, goals.2 An adequate research framework for assessing that balance has not been published, however.3 The purposes of this study, therefore, were to compare and contrast watershed-resource management in newly established communities, with particular attention to fuelwood and water management; to characterize successful watershed-resource-management practices suitable for mountainous northern provinces and for provinces of the plains of northeastern Thailand; and to provide a research framework that utilizes an interdisciplinary approach and has value for problem solving at the community resource-management level.

Sustainability and the market: Survival strategies on the Bolivian Frontier

Abstract: The cumulative effect of natural resource degradation has served to raise the issue of ‘sustainable development’ in many less developed countries (LDCs). In some respects the tropical frontier of countries such as Bolivia represents an inauspicious testing‐ground for this approach since the colonisation of the Amazon region has been characterised by land accumulation and speculative short‐term investment. However, there is evidence that technical solutions exist for many of the small farmers who have colonised this frontier, especially in the design of ‘farming systems’. What is still required is a broader view of the livelihood requirements of specific social groups, and their relationship to the wider, regional context in which farming systems are located.

Principles of International Development Law:Progressive Development of the Principles of International Law Relating to the New International Economic Order

Abstract: Foreword. 1. Land Use and the Concept of Environmental Space E. Nypels, J.J. Boersema. 2. Putting information to Work and Some Highlights from the Report Environment in the European Union 1995 T. Solhaug. 3. Sustainable Use of Soil The Earl of Selborne. 4. Regional Sustainability Through Land and Water Management in Germany? R.A. Kraemer, W. Kahlenborn. 5. Groundwater Protection: Ensured by Soil Protection and Sustainable Land Use H. Wiggering. 6. Groundwater Level, Agriculture and Nature Management in the Netherlands. The Surprising Problem of Desiccation in an Originally Very Wet Country T. Klumpers, A. Haartsen. 7. The Report of the UK Common Agricultural Policy Review Group. Future Support for European Union Agriculture J.S. Marsh. 8. Putting Information to Work: The European Union Policy and Integrated Rural Development T. Beckers, A. Andersson. 9. Future Land Use in Europe H.C. van Latesteijn. 10. Sustainable Land Use. Instrumental Prerequisites for Its Realisation and Economic Restraints Thereon as Demonstrated by German Environmental Policy H. Wiggering, H.-J. Ewers. 11. Reflections on the Ecological Role of Agriculture W. Haber. 12. Biodiversity and Common Agricultural Policy Reform S. Collins. 13. Mitigating the Environmental Effects of Intensive Agriculture J. Tait. 14. Tir Cymen: A Farm Stewardship Scheme Model M.E. Smith. 15. The Agri-Environment Potential of the Common Agricultural Policy F. Fay. 16. Towards Environmentally Sustainable Land Use: Reform of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and Development of a Rural Sustainability Policy A Statement by the European Environmental Advisory Councils.

Ecologically Sustainable Development: A Caribbean Fisheries Case Study

Abstract: Self-sufficiency in fish production has been an elusive goal of many Eastern Caribbean nations despite decades of fishery development. The thrust and the outcome of fishery development strategies have been quite different in Barbados and Jamaica and have resulted in the orientation of effort to different fish resource types. Barbados has a major offshore fleet while Jamaica has a large reef fishery but no offshore fleet. An analysis of these fisheries is used to develop a broad concept of development incorporating a range of concerns, from the long-term sustainability of the resource base (the sustainable development approach), to the socioeconomic development of the fishermen.

Environmental management in sustainable economic development

Abstract: (1986). ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT IN SUSTAINABLE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT. Impact Assessment: Vol. 5, No. 2, pp. 50-81.

Why another journal

Abstract: Concern over the performance and future direction of American agriculture is well justified and widely shared. Although bankruptcies and foreclosures have dramatized the current farm crisis, agriculture's underlying problems extend well beyond economics to the long-term sustainability of the system itself.

A Search for Synthesis in Economic Theory

Abstract: Although the organizing principle of virtually every world history text is "development", the editor of this volume maintains that this traditional approach fails to address the issue of sustainability. By adopting the ecological process as their major theme, the authors show how the process of human interaction with the natural environment unfolded in the past, and offer perspective on the ecological crises in our world at the beginning of the 21st century. Topics range from broad regional studies that examine important aspects of the global environment that affect nations, to a study of the widespread influence of one important individual on his nation and beyond. The authors take different approaches, but all share the conviction that world history must take ecological process seriously, and they all recognize the ways in which the living and non-living systems of the earth have influenced the course of human affairs.

Sustaining Resources: Water

Abstract: Shortages of water — the most limited of all agricultural resources — are more likely to cause agricultural problems in the near future than are soil erosion and environmental pollution. Competition for water occurs among the agricultural, industrial, public, and energy-producing sectors of the United States. Further restraints upon water supplies are also imposed by the need to maintain aquatic systems and to preserve the environment. As such the sustainability of agricultural water resources is the most pressing problem in U.S. agriculture.