Sustainable Livelihoods and Rural Development. By Ian Scoones. Agrarian Change and Peasant Studies Series, 2015. 168 pp. Warwickshire: Practical Action Publishing. Price: $76.42 (Hardcover) and $9.99 (kindle)

Abstract

A well-known saying by Jeff Corwin, ‘The natural resources we’ve depended on, if the places where they exist are not stable, our livelihood and our health are put at risk’ is inspired for writing this book review. A book on Sustainable Livelihoods and Rural Development is a long-term work of Ian Scoones, co-director of the ESRC STEPS Centre at Sussex. In this book, key concepts are the extended livelihoods approach advocated, which argues for close attention to the local and the particular, appreciating the complexity of people in places. Based on critical agrarian studies, the book presents new questions and four dimensions of a new politics of livelihoods, such as interests, individuals, knowledge, and ecology. In 1990, Ian Scoones aimed to bring this argument about the importance of livelihood approaches in development to a wider audience and encourage debate and discussion. Moreover, this book comprises nine main chapters related to the livelihoods framework, which explores the articulations with the practical and policy concerns of livelihood approaches and critical agricultural and environmental studies, highlighting knowledge, politics, and political economy theories. It encourages readers to contribute their case studies and methodologies to the field of livelihood analysis, addressing the political economy of agrarian change and promoting a more inclusive approach to rural development (Ian Scoones, 2015). One of the key components of sustainable livelihoods is the promotion of diversified and resilient livelihood strategies. This involves providing opportunities for rural residents to engage in various income-generating activities such as agriculture, livestock rearing, small-scale enterprises, and other sustainable economic activities. Diversification helps communities to spread risks and adapt to changing environmental and market conditions, thus enhancing their resilience.