Strategic Research Area
Improving Rural Livelihoods and Environments in Developing Countries
Led by Dr Joanne Millar
Issue
Rural people in developing countries are highly dependent on their natural resources to provide food, shelter, income and cultural needs.
However population pressures and inequitable distribution of wealth create competition for resources, land and water degradation and loss of biodiversity.
Land uses such as agriculture, forestry and fisheries can impact on ecosystem services creating trade offs between food or wood production and provision of quality water, soil and air.
Causes of poverty and erosion of natural capital in developing countries can be geographical remoteness; war and resettlement; rapid urbanisation; unsustainable timber logging, cropping or fishing; climate change causing drought, landslides or flooding; foreign ownership and investment in resources; trade policies; poor governance and lack of education opportunities. The complexity of these issues requires interdisciplinary research to determine social, economic, environmental, agricultural and cultural factors at play, and to develop solutions.
Aim
To influence rural development and environmental policy and programs in developing countries through applied research, collaborative engagement and capacity development with key partners.
“Developing countries face enormous challenges trying to alleviate poverty, grow their economies whilst not degrading their environments. The push for quick fix, fast development is ever present but rarely helps poor farmers in remote areas dependent on forest and agricultural resources. Our research will focus on understanding their situation and the policy environment that determines (or not) their future. We hope to use our research to involve and influence decision makers who can make a difference to rural livelihoods and environments in these countries.” – Dr Joanne Millar
Project updates
Bringing back the fish: New research on fish dependent livelihoods in South East Asia Project Bulletin