Rural Development and the Environment

This study analysed a wide variety of institutions and policies operating at the local, national and global levels that influence patterns of interaction between rural development and the environment. There is a complex set of interacting forces and institutions that must be taken into account to reduce poverty and protect ecosystems. At the local level, the study highlighted the importance of production patterns, technology and farming systems, as well as population dynamics, social forces and land tenure. At the national and international levels, it considered the impact of market forces, development strategies and policies, and patterns of consumption associated with globalization.