Development studies Books

Book SynopsisThis book offers a fresh analysis of constitutional, economic, demographic and cultural developments in the overseas territories of Britain, France, the Netherlands, Denmark, Spain, the United States, Australia and New Zealand. Ranging from Greenland to Gibraltar, the Falklands to the Faroes, and encompassing islands in the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans, and the Caribbean, these territories command attention because of their unique status, and for the ways that they occasionally become flashpoints for rival international claims, dubious financial activities, illegal migration and clashes between metropolitan and local mores. Connell and Aldrich argue that a negotiated dependency brings greater benefits to these territories than might independence.Table of ContentsChapter 1 A Decolonised World?.Chapter 2 Constitutions: The Constancy of Change.Chapter 3 Identity, Culture and Politics.Chapter 4 New Caledonia: The Infinite Pause?.Chapter 5 Economics: Niche Markets and Global Contexts.Chapter 6 Migration: Holding on to Home?.Chapter 7 Geopolitics: The Local and the Global.Chapter 8 Anomalies on the Map.Chapter 9 Plus ça change? From Last Colonies to Overseas Territories.

Read more less

Book SynopsisResearch in this book focuses on the strategic behaviour of the State as a shareholder in businesses, and the implications it has for the other shareholder(s) and business performance. It investigates the institutional characteristics of State-linked and State-owned firms (SIEs & SOEs), in emerging markets using Vietnam as a case study with comparative analysis on China and selected ASEAN countries.In doing so, the book adopts an evidence-based approach to explain the State’s role as a shareholder in the different aspects of corporate governance, including CEO appointment, board structure and impact of State ownership on business strategy and performance. It highlights the influence of the State as a shareholder by investigating institutional factors consistent with “path dependence” theory, which postulates that the initial and underlying structure of an economy influences its performance. In addition, the book presents empirical evidence of the dynamics of corporate governance arising from interactions between the State and other shareholders, which has not yet been addressed in the literature, and is distinctive in providing new insights from both qualitative and empirical research on how to successfully navigate the emerging market business environments from the perspective of the State as an “owner-participant”. Explaining the theoretical constructs in corporate governance in State-invested firms, empirical research methodologies, and results to draw and validate inferences, the book is comprehensive and provides a practical guide for practitioners as well as a reference for academics, undergraduate and postgraduate students. The new theoretical models proposed integrate traditional political-economic and agency theories, which also underpin tertiary business courses and academic research. Table of Contents1 Introduction2 Changing Role of State-Invested Enterprises in Emerging Markets 3 Beyond the Local Economy 4 Corporate Governance of State-Invested Enterprises 5 The Empirical Research: Design and Methods 6 Qualitative Findings: M&A Motivations and Performance Drivers 7 Quantitative Findings on the Impacts of State Ownership on M&A Performance 8 State Control, Corporate Governance and M&A Performance 9 Model Building and Concluding Thoughts

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis book explores the struggle between China and the United States to expand their influence in Asia through economic assistance and defensive alliances. It brings together the diverse viewpoints of scholars from various countries on how Asian countries will exploit this geo-strategic competition to pursue their national interests, while also balancing their relations with the two great powers. The book offers a valuable asset for all those who have an interest in great power politics and international relations, especially academics, policymakers and security experts.Table of Contents1. Rebalancing Asia: Belt and Road Initiative and Indo-Pacific Strategy 2. Japan’s Free and Open Indo-Pacific Vision– In Pursuing a Valid and Substantive Initiative 3. Spatial Conquest by Other Means: Assessing the Geopolitical Impact of China’s Belt and Road Initiative4. CPEC: The Buckle in China’s BRI5. China’s Belt and Road Initiative and its Concerns for India6. Connectivity, Cooperation, and Collaboration: China-South Asia Partnerships under the Scientific Belt &Road Initiative7. Opportunities for new trend of labour mobility from Vietnam as a result of Doi Moi, ASEAN Connectivity and One Belt, One Road Initiative8. China’s Geopolitical, Geo-economic and Geostrategic gameplay in the Indian Ocean Region9. China and the BRI: Challenges and Opportunities for Southeast Asia10. Sitting on the Fence? Australia’s Balancing of the Belt and Road Initiative and Indo-Pacific Strategy in the new Multipolar World System11. Belt and Road Initiative Vs. Indo-Pacific Strategy: Increasing US-China Strategic Distrust12. China’s Maritime Ambition in South Asia vis-à-vis Bangladesh: A Concern for India?13. India’s China Policy in the ‘Indo-Pacific’: A Balancing Act14. Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and Indo-Pacific Strategy (IPS): Challenges and Opportunities for Sri Lanka15. China's Belt and Road: Is it a Game Changer?16. The US and the Indo-Pacific: Trump’s Policy Towards the Region17. A Real Conundrum for ASEAN: How to Cope with America and China?

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis book brings together interdisciplinary perspectives from across the Asia Pacific region, covering four main sections: 1) Governance, 2) Education and Capacity, 3) Science, Technology, Risk Assessment and Communities, and 4) Recovery. The chapters address different dimensions of Sendai Framework of Disaster Risk Reduction (SFDRR), which are linked to Sustainable Development Goals, as well as Paris Agreement on Climate Change.Table of ContentsChapter 1. Disaster risk reduction and resilience: Practices and challenges in Asia Pacific (by Rajib Shaw, Helen James, Vinod Sharma and Anna Lukasiewicz).- Part 1. Governance.- Chapter 2. Policy learning for disaster risk reduction (by Stephen Dovers) .- Chapter 3. Na ara ahurea: Envisioning collaborative governance in disaster risk reduction in Aotearoa (by Christine M Kenney) .- Chapter 4. Improving multi-agency governance arrangements for preparedness, planning and response: implementing the integrated approach in Australia (by Alan Ryan) .- Chapter 5. Blackfella way, our way of managing fires and disasters bin ignored but ‘Im still here’: Australian Aboriginal governance structures for emergency management (by Bev Sithole, Dave Campbell, Steve Sutton, with contributions from Campion O., Brown C., Daniels G., Daniels A., Brian C, Campion J., Yibarbuk, D, Phillips E., Daniels G., Daniels K., Hedley B., Radford M., Campion A., Hunter-Xenie H; Sutton I., and Pickering S) .- Part 2. Education and Capacity.- Chapter 6. Facilitating effective disaster risk reduction education and human survival: intentionally engaging the transformative education – paradigm shift spiral (by Petra Buergelt and Douglas Paton) .- Chapter 7. All singing from the same song sheet: DRR and the visual and performing Arts (by Douglas Paton, Petra Buergelt, Etan Pavavalung, Kirby Clark, Li-Ju Jang and Grace Kuo).- Chapter 8. High expectations, low recognition: the role of principals and teachers in disaster response and recovery in the Asia-Pacific (by Carol Mutch) .- Chapter 9. Planning and capability requirements for catastrophic and cascading events (Andrew Gissing, Michael Eburn and John McAneney) .- Chapter 10. Development and Implementation of Disaster Risk Management Specialization Program: Philippine School of Business Administration-Manila and Quezon City Government Collaboration towards Sustainable Development Solutions (by Tabassam Raza, Jose F. Peralta, Thess Khaz S. Raza and Carmelita R.E.U. Liwag).- Part 3. Science Technology, Risk Assessment, Communities.- Chapter 11. Vulnerability and Resilience Science: Concepts, Tools, and Practice (by Susan L. Cutter) .- Chapter 12. Flood hazards and disciplinary silos (by Robert J. Wasson and Daryl Lam) .- Chapter 13. Theorizing Disaster Communitas (by Steve Matthewman and Shinya Uekusa) .- Chapter 14. Use of Scientific Knowledge and Public Participation in Disaster Risk Reduction and Response in the State of Sikkim, India (by Vinod K. Sharma). - Part 4: Recovery.- Chapter 15. Post-disaster Recoveries in Indonesia and Japan: Building Back Better ( by Minako Sakai) .- Chapter 16. Housing continuum: Key determinants linking post-disaster reconstruction to resilience in the long term (by Mittul Vahanvati) .- Chapter 17. Disaster Risk Reduction and Recovery in Samoa (by Tautala Mauala) .- Chapter 18. Towards a resilient Asia Pacific region ( Vinod Sharma, Helen James, Rajib Shaw and Anna Lukasiewicz).

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis open access book analyzes the dualism and inequality in Indonesia insofar as how it affects micro, Small & Medium enterprises. The author considers how the general direction of policy should be to mitigate the effects of agglomeration forces leading towards concentration of activities in developed areas, and exploit the same forces by encouraging small businesses to operate in a close proximity and enable them to enjoy the external economies. If serious efforts to foster inclusive growth are to be made, conducting these two tasks should be the focus of social planners. The question is, how? The book addresses this question by focusing on the role of interactions between policies and institutions, of which social capital is an important part. Table of Contents1. Introduction.- 2. Development and Dualism.- 3. Agglomeration, Institutions, and Social Capital: Main Concepts & Methodologies.- 4. Mitigating Dualism and Exploiting the Interplay of Policy-Social Capital.- 5. Summary.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe book presents findings of anthropological studies conducted by researchers from Agricultural Technology Demonstration Center in a number of African countries, including Zimbabwe, Ethiopia, Tanzania, and Mozambique. The aim of these ethnological studies is to understand the Center’s experience in these countries as well as the way it works in terms of institutional arrangement, interaction between Chinese and local staff and technology transfer. A basic contention of the book is that insofar as these Centers showcase China’s achievements in domestic development for purpose of sharing the country’s experiences with host countries, what they do essentially points toward a new and innovative approach to foreign aid.Table of ContentsThe book presents findings of anthropological studies conducted by researchers from Agricultural Technology Demonstration Center in a number of African countries, including Zimbabwe, Ethiopia, Tanzania, and Mozambique. The aim of these ethnological studies is to understand the Center’s experience in these countries as well as the way it works in terms of institutional arrangement, interaction between Chinese and local staff and technology transfer. A basic contention of the book is that insofar as these Centers showcase China’s achievements in domestic development for purpose of sharing the country’s experiences with host countries, what they do essentially points toward a new and innovative approach to foreign aid.Xiaoyun Li, Chair Professor and Honorary Dean of College of International Development and Global Agriculture, China Agricultural University. Lixia Tang, Professor of the College of Humanities and Development Studies, China Agricultural University. Jixia ​Lu, Professor of the College of Humanities and Development Studies, China Agricultural University. Xiuli Xu, Dean of the College of International Development and Global Agriculture (CIDGA) at China Agricultural University. Yue Zhang, Assistant Professor at College of Humanities and Development Studies and College of International Development and Global Agriculture (CIDGA), China Agricultural University. Gubo Qi, Professor at the College of Humanities and Development Studies and the College of International Development and Global Agriculture, China Agricultural University. Chuanhong Zhang, Associate professor of College of Humanities and Development Studies/ and Director of Center for International Development Aid Studies at College of International Development and Global Agriculture (CIDGA), China Agricultural University.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis is an Open Access book. The primary objective of this book is to seek out insights into the concept of high-quality growth (HQG). It explores the essential attributes of HQG, such as inclusiveness, sustainability, and resilience, as well as its relationship with transformation, by drawing principally on illustrative cases and instances of international cooperation. The United Nations document on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) states that “We resolve to create conditions for sustainable, inclusive and sustained economic growth, shared prosperity and decent work for all.” As such, the concept of quality growth is inherent in many aspects of the SDGs. A similar approach can be seen in the Development Cooperation Charter announced by the Japanese government in 2015. According to the Charter, one of the most important challenges of development is quality growth and the reduction of poverty achieved through such growth. The approach in the Charter emphasizes inclusiveness, sustainability, and resilience.This volume is a pioneering study on quality growth as well as its relationship with SDGs and transformation. Comprehensive studies on quality growth are very few. The case study approach distinguishes the present volume from some previous literature that discussed quality growth within the framework of general policy. Instead, in this book, concrete cases and experiences provide insights into hands-on “ingredients”. Through the case studies, it can be seen more clearly that transformation and quality growth are phenomena that do not occur automatically but, rather, ones that require specific, properly designed strategies and approaches. Another unique feature of this book is that it aims to make explicit some of the consistent, but implicit, principles of Japan’s international cooperation.Table of ContentsSDGs, Transformation, and Quality Growth: An Overview.- Transforming Economies for Jobs and Inclusive Growth.- Quality growth focusing on resilience to disaster risks.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis book scrutinizes the frequently ignored agency of Global South sub-national actors in their interactions with China, using a multidisciplinary approach and eleven case studies. Contributors examine China’s presence in the Global South on a country-by-country basis, analyzing how various non-state and sub-state actors are responding to the rise of China and whether they are attracted by the cooperation models that China proposes or deterred by its new assertiveness. Contributions cover diverse and heterogeneous geographies of the Global South, ranging from Papua-New Guinea to Argentina and from Madagascar to the Russian Far East. Examining such diverse cases, contributors focus on two interrelated questions: What is the actual economic, political, and social impact of China’s growing presence in the Global South? And, critically, how do the citizens of the Global South understand and interpret China’s rise? Taken together, the case studies develop a comprehensive picture of a complex and sometimes problematic process of China’s inclusion into the economic, social, and political realities of the Global South.This book identifies and fills the gaps in the existing literature on China’s rise by offering a nuanced perspective on China’s relations with the countries of the Global South that captures such variables as social context, intersubjective meanings, and identities. By focusing China’s relations with the Global South, it also provides an important addition to the literature on international politics of development and China’s role in the transformation of the South-South cooperation. Table of ContentsChapter 1. Not the Relationship You Would Expect: China, Sub-National Actors, and Structural Factors(Anna Kuteleva and Theodor Tudoroiu).- Chapter 2. Images and Models of China-led South-South Cooperation: What does Rising China Offer to the Global South?( Anna Kuteleva).- Part I: China’s Image and Its Reception in the Global South.- PART 1 China’s Image and Its Reception in the Global South.- Chapter 3 Manufacturing Sameness: Reconstructing Brand-China in Africa (Tara Mock).- Chapter 4 The Unguaranteed Hegemony of China in Global South: A Reception Analysis of China Central Television in Africa(Yu Xiang).- Chapter 5 China’s global media in Latin America: Exploring the impact and perception in Mexico and Argentina(Pablo Sebastian Morales).- Chapter 6 Kung Fu vs. Radio Calisthenics: The Confucius Institute and Chinese Culture Education in Madagascar(Mingyuan Zhang).- PART 2 China as a Dividing Factor within Countries of the Global South.- Chapter 7 Melanesian Self-Reliance Discourses and Chinese Investment: The Ramu Nickel Mine in Papua New Guinea(Henryk Szadziewski).- Chapter 8 China’s Tied Aid to Trinidad and Tobago: Impact and Perceptions(Theodor Tudoroiu and Amanda Reshma Ramlogan).- Chapter 9 Indonesian Elite Perception of China during the Presidency of Joko (Jokowi) Widodo(Johanes Herlijanto).- PART 3 China’s Acceptance as a Function of Partner Country’s Structural Features.- Chapter 10 China's Colombia Conundrum: from Warm Reception to Failure, Apathy and Prejudice(Sabrina van den Bos).- Chapter 11 The impact of China’s rise on the Russian Far East: Opportunities and Challenges(Anna Kuteleva and Sergei Ivanov).- PART 4 Chapter 12 Normative Power China, Subnational Agency, and Structural Factors in the Global South(Theodor Tudoroiu).

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis book approaches grassroots governance and democracy from a sociological perspective, focusing on the interaction between the community and the State. It explores the interrelationship between state, governance and community and demonstrates the performativity aspects of both political actors and citizens in various elections in India. It also highlights the need to understand the dynamics of governance in a multi-ethnic society and democracy like India both at the micro and macro levels. Offering detailed explanations of formal and informal governance in people’s everyday lives, it reviews some of the key debates on governance with respect to the engagement of the community. This book is intended for academics, researchers, activists, planners and policymakers from a range of disciplines, such as sociology, public policy, social anthropology, development studies, politics and regional development, interested in governance and development in India.Table of ContentsChapter 1: Introduction: The Magical State and the Notion of Governance Chapter 2: Documenting the Body and Paper Citizenship Chapter 3: The Magic and Miracle of Elections: Polls and Performance Chapter 4: Seeing Like a Citizen: People’s Perception and Everyday Engagement with State and Governance Chapter 5: The Grassroots Democracy, Grasshoppers and the Janus Faced Dalal Chapter 6: Corporatization of the State in the Neoliberal Era Chapter 7: Conclusion: The Beginning of New Governance

Read more less

Book SynopsisImpact Assessment (IA) is introduced in this book, with a guide to the process, scope, content, and management of IA for the governments of developing economies. In doing so, evidence-based policy making is taken into full consideration. After the principles of IA are set forth, its procedures are described, illustrated by typical cases from the United States and Japan. Then an explanation follows of the components of IA such as necessity, alternatives, and assessment of cost and benefit, with a description of competition assessment. In developing economies, it is not effective to simply import a system from developed countries directly into developing countries, especially for economic regulation and in consideration of compliance and competition issues. Thus the book provides recommendations on how to appropriately modify developed countries’ systems for countries that are still developing. The book concludes by taking up several issues surrounding IA, especially nudge theory and public involvement.Table of ContentsChapter 1 Outline and Necessity of Impact Assessment (IA).- Chapter 2 Role of Evidence-Based Assessment in Democracy.- Chapter 3 Procedure of Impact Assessment (IA) and Concept of Institution Design for Conducting Impact Assessment (IA).- Chapter 4. IA Procedure and Organization in the U.S.- Chapter 5. Economists’ Role in IA in the United States and the United Kingdom.- Chapter 6. Economists’ Optimal Placement Within Relevant Organizations.- Chapter 7 Analysis and viewpoints in Impact Assessment (IA).- Chapter 8 Role of Causal Inference in IA.- Chapter 9 Competition Assessment in the UK, the US, Japan, and Pakistan.- Chapter 10 Competition Assessment in the US.- Chapter 11: How to Incorporate Behavioral Science and Using Nudges in Regulation and IA.- Chapter 12: COVID-19 Pandemic and Impact Assessment.- Chapter 13 Regulation for the Digital Era and IA for Smart Regulation.- Ch 14. Concluding Remark.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis book examines the connections between poverty and innovation in Africa. Through case studies and theorizations from a distinctly African perspective, it stands in contrast to current theoretical works in the field, which remain very much rooted in Western-orientated thinking. The book investigates the application of methodologies which explain numerous African contexts in connection with issues of poverty and inequality. It reflects on comparative practices and praxes on the African continent, including commonplace traditions and practices in alleviating poverty, taken against a background of the failure of current prescriptions for poverty alleviation, such as the Structural Adjustment Programmes (SAPs) and the Poverty Reduction Strategy Papers (PRSP). There is a dire need for new practical perspectives which move Africa forward using its indigenous knowledge. Owing to a general lack of recorded African theories and methodologies on poverty, inequality and innovation, this book represents a pioneering corpus of African knowledge addressing poverty and inequality through local innovations. Adopting a transdisciplinary approach, it is relevant to students and scholars in development studies and economics, African studies, social studies, political history and political economy, climate studies, anthropology and geography.Table of ContentsIntroduction. Tackling poverty and inequality.- Part 1 Povery and Indigenous Knowledge Systems.- Chapter 1. Onomastic and Conceptual Pathologisation of African Culture as a Creation and Perpetuation of African Poverty in Zimbabwe.- Cha.pter 2. Empirecrafting or Statecrafting Africa? Beyond Banal “Traditional” Witchery and Towards Rebuilding the Moral Economy.- Chapter 3. Impoverishment as a Constraint to Africa’s Social Development.- Chapter 4. Indigenous Knowledge and Poverty Alleviation in Contemporary Zimbabwe.- Chapter 5. The Efficacy of Traditional Institutions in the Conservation of Sacred Heritage Resources in Zimbabwe.- Chapter 6. Kinship Relations and Urban Poverty: A Case Study of Budiriro in Harare, Zimbabwe.- Chapter 7. Processes, Policies and Systems Needed to End Poverty on the African Continent.- Chapter 8. Valuing Common Good in Addressing Inequalities and Poverty in African Economies.- Chapter 9. Indigenous Knowledge and Poverty Alleviation: Experiences from Cameroon.- Part 2 Innovation.- Chapter 10. Interrogating a Developmental State: Opportunities and Priorities for Development using Policy and Innovation in Agricultural Production.- Chapter 11. Technological Opportunities and Challenges: A Review of Bottled Gas Smart Metering Technology - An Experience from Tanzania.- Chapter 12. Examining the Role Incubation Centres Play at Universities in Supporting Youth Innovation and Entrepreneurship.- Chapter 13. 13. Indigenous Knowledge and Innovations in Tanzania: Opportunities for Smallholder Farmers to Adapt to Climate Change.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis open access book shows how the adoption of global justice, such as eradication of female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C), has given rise to controversy, resistance, and transformation at the national, regional, and grass-roots levels in African and Asian countries where FGM/C has been practiced. It provides readers with up-to-date information about the effects of the campaign to eradicate FGM/C and the present situation of those countries, to which preceding books on FGM/C have scarcely referred. Adopting “zero tolerance” as a policy of eradication, WHO and other UN agencies have opposed any type of FGM/C, and many African countries have criminalized the practice. Although the campaign is based on the human rights discourse which is shared globally, the controversies concerning eradication of FGM/C on the national level and the responses of communities on the local level in those countries are diverse and complicated. Various actors such as NGOs, government officials, religious leaders, medical workers, and local inhabitants are embroiled and negotiate with each other concerning its eradication.With this book, readers are provided with an in-depth analysis of the complicated controversies and responses of local communities, referring to their particular historical and social backgrounds. The book provides two chapters on FGM/C in Asian countries, where not many studies have done yet. It also presents readers with a study of the arguments and responses to FGM/C of African immigrants by Australian health-care professionals as well as a study of male circumcision eradication campaigns, which have been carried on in tandem with FGM/C eradication campaigns but still not have been successful. With its many elaborate case studies, this book is highly recommended to readers who seek an in-depth and up-to-date integrated overview of the FGM/C studies as well as studies on the applicability of global justice to local communities.This book won the 13th (2023) Japan Consortium for Area Studies (JCAS) Award for Social CollaborationTable of ContentsPreface (Nakamura, Kyoko) Acknowledgement Introduction (Nakamura, Kyoko) Ch.1 Global Discourse and the Patriarchal Norms of FGM: Beyond the Zero Tolerance Policy (Toda, Makiko) Ch.2 Virtuous Cuts: Female Genital Circumcision in an African Ontology (Abusharaf, Rogaia Mustafa) Ch.3 How Did the Discourses of Globalized Eradication Campaign Reach Grassroots Communities? Female Genital Cutting and Its Eradication Activities among the Yellow Bull in Ethiopia (Miyawaki, Yukio) Ch.4 Cursed or blessed? Female Genital Cutting in the Gamo Cultural Landscape, South Western Ethiopia (Getaneh Mehari) Ch.5 Female Circumcision in Transformation: Medicalization and Ritual Changes among Gusii People in Western Kenya (Miyachi, Kaori) Ch.6 A Grassroots Movement to Eradicate Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting and the Local’s Reaction: A Case Study of the Maasai, Kenya (Hayashi, Manami) Ch.7 An Ethnography of Diversity and Flexibility around Female Circumcision and Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting: A Case of a Local Community Response to the Abolition Movement of Kenya (Nakamura, Kyoko) Ch.8 Genealogy of the Movement to Abolish FGC in Sudan: Focusing on the Role of Religion (Abdin, Mohamed) Ch.9 Female Genital Cutting in Asia: A case of Malaysia (Rashid, Abdul) Ch.10 Female Genital Cutting in Southeast Asia from the Viewpoint of the Female Body and Sexuality (Iguchi, Yufu) Ch.11 The Role of Men in the Abandonment of FGM/C (Varol, Nesrin) Ch.12 Autonomy and Bodily Integrity and Male Circumcision (Higashi, Yuko) Index

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis open access book shows how the adoption of global justice, such as eradication of female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C), has given rise to controversy, resistance, and transformation at the national, regional, and grass-roots levels in African and Asian countries where FGM/C has been practiced. It provides readers with up-to-date information about the effects of the campaign to eradicate FGM/C and the present situation of those countries, to which preceding books on FGM/C have scarcely referred. Adopting “zero tolerance” as a policy of eradication, WHO and other UN agencies have opposed any type of FGM/C, and many African countries have criminalized the practice. Although the campaign is based on the human rights discourse which is shared globally, the controversies concerning eradication of FGM/C on the national level and the responses of communities on the local level in those countries are diverse and complicated. Various actors such as NGOs, government officials, religious leaders, medical workers, and local inhabitants are embroiled and negotiate with each other concerning its eradication.With this book, readers are provided with an in-depth analysis of the complicated controversies and responses of local communities, referring to their particular historical and social backgrounds. The book provides two chapters on FGM/C in Asian countries, where not many studies have done yet. It also presents readers with a study of the arguments and responses to FGM/C of African immigrants by Australian health-care professionals as well as a study of male circumcision eradication campaigns, which have been carried on in tandem with FGM/C eradication campaigns but still not have been successful. With its many elaborate case studies, this book is highly recommended to readers who seek an in-depth and up-to-date integrated overview of the FGM/C studies as well as studies on the applicability of global justice to local communities.This book won the 13th (2023) Japan Consortium for Area Studies (JCAS) Award for Social CollaborationTable of ContentsPreface (Nakamura, Kyoko) Acknowledgement Introduction (Nakamura, Kyoko) Ch.1 Global Discourse and the Patriarchal Norms of FGM: Beyond the Zero Tolerance Policy (Toda, Makiko) Ch.2 Virtuous Cuts: Female Genital Circumcision in an African Ontology (Abusharaf, Rogaia Mustafa) Ch.3 How Did the Discourses of Globalized Eradication Campaign Reach Grassroots Communities? Female Genital Cutting and Its Eradication Activities among the Yellow Bull in Ethiopia (Miyawaki, Yukio) Ch.4 Cursed or blessed? Female Genital Cutting in the Gamo Cultural Landscape, South Western Ethiopia (Getaneh Mehari) Ch.5 Female Circumcision in Transformation: Medicalization and Ritual Changes among Gusii People in Western Kenya (Miyachi, Kaori) Ch.6 A Grassroots Movement to Eradicate Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting and the Local’s Reaction: A Case Study of the Maasai, Kenya (Hayashi, Manami) Ch.7 An Ethnography of Diversity and Flexibility around Female Circumcision and Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting: A Case of a Local Community Response to the Abolition Movement of Kenya (Nakamura, Kyoko) Ch.8 Genealogy of the Movement to Abolish FGC in Sudan: Focusing on the Role of Religion (Abdin, Mohamed) Ch.9 Female Genital Cutting in Asia: A case of Malaysia (Rashid, Abdul) Ch.10 Female Genital Cutting in Southeast Asia from the Viewpoint of the Female Body and Sexuality (Iguchi, Yufu) Ch.11 The Role of Men in the Abandonment of FGM/C (Varol, Nesrin) Ch.12 Autonomy and Bodily Integrity and Male Circumcision (Higashi, Yuko) Index

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis open access book presents the findings of the author’s 3 decades of studying China’s evolving anti-poverty strategies. It argues that much of the billions that nations spend yearly on economic aid is used inefficiently or to treat the symptoms but not the root causes of poverty. China, however, has evolved an effective sustainable alternative by providing the means for self-reliance to not only relieve economic poverty but also poverty of spirit. As a result, the success of China’s historic war on poverty has been due not only to top-down visionary leadership but also to the bottom-up initiatives of an empowered populace unswervingly united in ending poverty.From 1993 to 2019, the author drove over 200,000 km around China and interviewed hundreds of people from all walks of life as he explored the evolution of China’s anti-poverty strategies from simplistic aid and redistribution, which often engendered dependency and poverty of spirit. Over time, the philosophy shifted to empowerment by fostering self-reliance—or as Chinese put it, “blood production rather than blood transfusion.” The primary method of empowerment was to provide modern infrastructure, “Roads first, then riches,” so rural dwellers in remote Inner Mongolia or the Himalayan heights of Tibet had the same access to markets, jobs and internet for e-commerce as their urban counterparts. People who seized the opportunities and prospered first then used their newfound wealth and experience to help others.The stories in this book include a Tibetan entrepreneur whose family was impoverished in spite of 300 years of service to the Panchen Lama, or the farm girl with 4 years of education who now has several international schools, a biotechnology company and poverty alleviation projects across China, or the photographer who walked 40,000 km through deserts to chronicle the threat of desertification. Their tales underscore how diverse people across China helped make possible China’s success in alleviating absolute poverty and why Chinese are now confident in achieving a “moderately prosperous society.”Trade Review“It is highly recommended reading for social issues students interested in alternative anti-poverty strategies that have proven successful in the real world. … For those interested in the social issues of various nations and China in particular, The Evolution of China's Anti-Poverty Strategies provides a blueprint of entrepreneurial efforts that demonstrates how prosperity may be encouraged at all levels of society.” (California Bookwatch, Vol. 18 (4), April, 2023)Table of Contents- Chapter 1: Mogan Mountain’s Tang Hairong- Chapter 2: Liu Yunguang: An Entrepreneur With a Passion for Youth - Chapter 3: Jing Xuhua — A Loving Mother Triumphs at Home and in Business - Chapter 4: Ye Nan Brings a Bright Future to West China - Chapter 5: Yang Ying— From House Maid to Millionaire Philanthropist - Chapter 6: Gerile — Making Snacks to Put Her Daughter Through College - Chapter 7: Zhang Fang — Documenting Inner Mongolia’s Environmental Fight - Chapter 8: Zhao Xuan, A Retired Teacher From Xi’an - Chapter 9: Bu Wenjun: Inheriting Wei-family’s Brick-Carving Craftsmanship - Chapter 10: Zhang Jianlong — From Migrant Worker to Cattle King - Chapter 11: Xin Baotong— Helping the Helpless to Dream Again - Chapter 12: Wang Zenghao — Young Volunteer Working in Tibet - Chapter 13: Dawa Wangdui: A Tibetan Serf -turned Entrepreneur - Chapter 14: Xia Jiangping — Greening the Roof of the World! - Chapter 15: Wu Qiong (吴琼) — Educated to Serve Tibet - Chapter 16: How Self-made Man Xu Lidao Found He Needed Society - Chapter 17: Zhu Qingfu — Passionate About Photography - Chapter 18: Chen Qiaodi, The Yangshuo of Guangxi - Chapter 19: Lin Ruiqi, Huawei’s Senior Vice President Chapter 20: Lucy: The Youthful Heart of Huawei

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis open access book provides a topical overview of the key sustainability issues in Qatar, focusing on environmental sustainability from a socio-political perspective. The transition to a sustainable Qatar requires engagement with diverse areas of social-political, human, and environmental development. On the environmental aspects, the contributors address climate change, food security, water reuse and desalination, energy, and biodiversity. The socio-political section examines state strategy and regulation, the place of environmental law and geopolitics and sustainability innovators and catalysts. The human section considers economics, sustainability education, the knowledge economy, and waste management. In doing so, the book demarcates the ways in which the country encounters and grapples with significant challenges and delves into the range of options for future pathways to sustainability in Qatar. Relevant to policymakers and scholars in energy and environment, urban and developmental studies, as well as the arenas of politics, climate change and policy, this book is a landmark collection on environmental policy in the Gulf and beyond.Table of ContentsChapter 1. Sustainable Qatar.- Chapter 2. The Evolvement of Qatar’s Environmental Sustainability Policy: The Strategies, Regulations, and Institutions.- Chapter 3. Law and Governance Innovations on Sustainability in Qatar: Current Approaches and Future Directions.- Chapter 4. FIFA World Cup 2022 as a Catalyst for Environmental Sustainability in Qatar.- Chapter 5. Qatar Foundations: A Sustainability Innovator.- Chapter 6. Qatar's Energy Policy and the Transition Towards a Renewable and Carbon-Neutral Future.- Chapter 7. Qatar in the Energy Transition: Low Carbon Economy Challenges and Opportunities.- Chapter 8. A Systems Perspective on the Sustainable Development of Qatar .- Chapter 9. Sea Level Rise and the National Security Challenge of Sustainable Urban Adaptation in Doha and other Arab Coastal Cities.- Chapter 10. Assessing and Reporting Potential Environmental Risks Associated with Reefing Oil Platform During Decommissioning in Qatar.- Chapter 11. The Domestic Water Sector in Qatar.- Chapter 12. Contribution of Non-Profit Organizations to Food Security Sustainability in the State of Qatar.- Chapter 13. Terrestrial Biodiversity in Arid Environments: One Global Component of Climate Crisis Resilience.- Chapter 14. Doha as a 15-Minute City – An Urban Fareej.- Chapter 15. Post-Oil Urbanism: A Need for Smart and Sustainable Urban Development Strategies and Framework in the Gulf States.- Chapter 16. Towards the Circular Qatari Zero-Waste Management Sector.- Chapter 17. Education for Sustainable Development in Qatar.- Chapter 18. Developing A Vibrant Entrepreneurship Ecosystem in Qatar: A Sustainable Pathway Toward the Knowledge-based Economy?.- Chapter 19. Pathways for a Sustainable Future.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis open access book seeks effective strategy to realize a rice Green Revolution in sub-Saharan Africa based on more than ten years of research team’s inquiries into determinants and consequences of new technology adoption in rice farming in seven countries in this region. Rigorous statistical analyses are carried out by using valuable household data of rice farmers. The book is actually sequel to the two earlier books on the same subject published by Springer and edited by K. Otsuka and D.F. Larson, An African Green Revolution published in 2013 and In Pursuit of an African Green Revolution in 2016. The main message of the first book was that rice is the most promising cereal crop in SSA because of the high transferability of Asian rice technology, whereas that of the second book was that rice cultivation training programs are effective in significantly increasing rice yield in SSA. This third book has wider coverage in terms of topics, study periods, and study sites. It continues to show the significant impacts of rice cultivation training on productivity and newly demonstrates the high sustainability of the productivity impact of the training and the existence of spillover effects from trainees to other farmers by using panel data. We newly assess the important role of mechanization in intensification of rice farming, high returns to large-scale irrigation schemes, and the critical role of rice millers in improving the quality of milled rice. Based on these studies, this book provides clear pathways toward full-fledged Green Revolution in rice farming in sub-Saharan Africa.Table of ContentsPrefacePART I: EXTENSIFICTION, INTENSIFICATION, AND REVOLUTION Chapter 1: Issues of Rice Green Revolution in sub-Saharan Africa Keijiro Otsuka, Yukichi Mano, and Kazushi Takahashi 1-1. Failure in the Past 1-2. Prospects in Future 1-3. Structure of the Book Chapter 2: Role of Extension for Green Revolution Kazushi Takahashi and Keijiro Otsuka 2-1. Role of Extension in Dissemination of New Technology 2-2. Impact of Rice Cultivation Training 2-3. Missing Issues Chapter 3: Mechanization and Irrigation for Intensification of Rice Farming Hiroyuki Takeshima and Yukichi Mano 3-1. Role of Mechanization in SSA 3-2. Role of Irrigation in SSA 3-3. Missing Issues PART II: IMAPCT OF RICE CULTIVATION TRAINING Chapter 4: The Case of Tanzania Yuko Nakano 4-1. An Overview 4-2. From Key Farmers to Ordinary Farmers 4-3. Impact of Rice Intensification Program Chapter 5: The Case of Uganda Yoko Kijima 5-1. An Overview 5-2. Sustainability of Rice Cultivation Training Program Chapter 6: The Case of Cote d’Ivoire Kazushi Takahashi, Yukichi Mano, and Keijiro Otsuka 6-1. An Overview 6-2. Extension from Treated to Controlled Farmers Chapter 7: The Case of Mozambique Kei Kajisa 7-1. An Overview 7-2. An Impact Assessment of Rice Cultivation Training PART III: MECHANIZATION AND INTENSIFICATION Chapter 8: The Case of Cote d’Ivoire Yukichi Mano, Kazushi Takahashi, and Keijiro Otsuka Chapter 9: The Case of Tanzania E.F. Magezi, Yuko Nakano, and Takeshi Sakurai PART IV: RETURN TO LARGE-SCALE IRRIGATION INVESTMENT Chapter 10: The Case of Kenya Masao Kikuchi, Yukichi Mano, Timothy Njagi, D. Merrey and K. Otsuka Chapter 11: The Case of Senegal Takeshi Sakurai Part V: RICE MILLERS AND RICE QUALITY Chapter 12: The Case of Kenya Yukichi Mano, Tim Njagi, and Keijiro Otsuka Chapter 13: The Case of Ghana Tetsuya Ogura, Joseph A. Awuni, and Takeshi Sakurai PART VI: CONCLUSION Chapter 14: Towards Full-Fledged Rice Green Revolution in SSA Keijiro Otsuka, Yukichi Mano, and Kazushi Takahashi

Read more less

Book SynopsisSince 2011, Myanmar has experienced many changes to its social, political and economic landscape. The formation of a new government in 2016, led by the National League for Democracy, was a crucially important milestone in the country’s transition to a more inclusive form of governance. And yet, for many people everyday struggles remain unchanged, and have worsened in recent years. Key economic, social and political reforms have stalled, conflict persists, and longstanding issues of citizenship and belonging remain. The wide-ranging challenges of living with Myanmar are the subject of this volume. Each other offers a different perspective on the socio-political and economic mutations occurring in the country and the challenges that still remain. The book is divided into six sections, and covers critical issues ranging from gender equality and identity politics to agrarian reform and the representative role parliament. Collectively, these voices raise key questions concerning the institutional legacies of military rule and their ongoing role in subverting the country’s reform process. However, they also offer insights in the creative and productive ways the Myanmar’s activists, civil society, parliamentarians, bureaucrats and everyday people attempt to engage with and reform those legacies.

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisTan Kok Yang grew up in a small public housing estate in Queenstown during the 1960s and early 1970s. Queenstown is one of the earliest public housing estates in Singapore and over the years, has gone through immense changes. It was home to a group of low-rise government rental flats where the windows were fitted with unique blue louvers, hence the title of the book. This account of the games, festivities, customs and lifestyle of the area as seen through the eyes of an inquisitive boy will arouse memories in many older Singaporeans.While the stories touch on the effects of race riots and student unrest during the 1960s, their purpose is neither political nor academic. Rather they are a reminder of a simple but fulfilling way of life that has all but vanished from modern Singapore.

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less