This book takes another look at the costs of adapting to climate change. The estimates for 2030 used by the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change are likely to be substantial under-estimates.

Ecosystem services have been disturbed to such an extent that, unless remedial action is taken urgently, reaching both the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) target of slowing biodiversity loss by 2010 and the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) by 2015 could prove impossible (MA, 2005a). This report looks at the reasons behind this crisis, pinpointing governance as the crucial factor to get right.

Malawi is more dependent on environmental assets than most other countries, with over 80 per cent of Malawians involved in farming. The country is also vulnerable to environmental risks, such as floods and droughts and long-term climate change.

How much does Zambia benefit from its rich forests, wildlife, soils and water – and what more could it do to ensure the protection and wise use of these ‘environmental assets’? Where environment and poverty problems are becoming increasingly severe, such questions need to be answered urgently.

This multimedia publication is aimed at policy makers, students, civil society groups, and development communication specialists. The book describes the way co-inquirers worked together in the drylands of Southern India to produce social and ecological knowledge for sustainability, autonomy and equity. Their collective and empowering experience is vividly captured by marginalised women farmers who are also village level film makers - The Community Media Trust of the Deccan Development Society (DDS). Twelve videos make up the four DVD set accompanying the publication.

Land and decentralisation policies in Senegal have been closely linked since the country became independent in 1960. Public lands are currently managed by the local governments of municipalities and rural communities, with the latter responsible for the land and natural resources in unprotected parts of their territory, and the former empowered to issue building permits.

This issue captures the diversity of Immersion opportunities for development professionals - spending a period of time living with and learning from a poor family. The common denominator is a concern to bring immersion participants face to face with ordinary people, giving them the chance to test old assumptions, develop new perspectives, and strengthen their commitment to the challenge of poverty eradication.

Depuis l’indépendance du Sénégal en 1960, la politique foncière et la politique de décentralisation sont étroitement liées. Les communes et les communautés rurales qui sont les collectivités de base gèrent leur domaine public. Les communautés rurales gèrent le terroir de la communauté rurale y compris les ressources naturelles ne faisant pas partie des espaces protégés. Les communes délivrent les permis de construction.