This book documents the findings of a group of case studies on the problems of population growth and environmental degradation in rural areas of Pakistan. Each case study reveals a particular aspect of the general processes at work in different ecological zones: the agricultural lands of the Indus plains, the coastal areas, and the mountainous zone. The studies focused on collective responses to population and environmental problems and on the breakdown of traditional systems of decision making in rural areas. The book introduces the concept of de-responsibilization in contrast to economists' traditional notions of rational behavior. In addition, these case studies illuminate the realities of present-day Pakistan, the state of its population and environment, and its record of development.

In the age of globalization the interconnectedness of world regions is perceived to a much higher degree than ever before. The remoteness of mountain areas has been converted into a view of mountains as a resource centre from where life-spending water originates, as an abode of pristine cultures, herbs, and niches. Pakistan incorporates some of the highest mountain regions, and the Karakorams have been one of the least known for many centuries. Here we find some of the steepest slopes, mass mobilization, earthquakes and the water towers of humankind. At the same time these areas are of geopolitical interest in boundary making and control. Trade routes of the caravan age have been transformed into motorable roads such as the Karakoram Highway. The impact of these changes are addressed in this book in which for the first time eminent scholars from various disciplines cooperate in an international effort to combine state of the art research results about the Hunza Valley. The academic interest in different aspects from culture, ecology, economy and development has been the starting point for presenting the Hunza Valley as an example of high mountain research from which new insights into sustainable mountain development can be derived. Therefore the focus on a specific valley opens methodological and conceptual venues based on sound empirical data from fieldwork experiences. The Hunza Valley can be considered as an arena of research and development for half a century. With this book the most recent insights are presented in a holistic effort.

Using Eritrea as a case study, this work demonstrates an approach for an analysis of the sustainability of traditional rural communities, the impact of local and external factors upon them, and the use of the analysis in the design of collaborative and incremental relief and development.

This handbook illustrates concepts, methods and tools for "primary environmental care", an approach that seeks to empower communities to meet basic needs while protecting the environment. In particular, it focuses on how population size, structure, growth (or decline) and movements relate to the quality of the environment and the quality of life. Emphasis is placed on a community-led process of participatory action research in which local knowledge and skills are fully utilized. A main purpose is to promote the effective, integrated management of environment and population dynamics for the benefit of local people. As a collection of tools for action, it is designed for professionals in conservation and natural resource management, development, population and public health who wish to promote and assist participatory action research in rural communities.