Vulnerable Places, Vulnerable People

‘. . . the case studies and subsequent summarizing discussions provide interesting insights on the many interactions of trade, poverty and the environment. . . digestible also for those without an academic background in economics.’
– Quarterly Journal of International Agriculture

While some argue that trade liberalization has raised incomes and led to environmental protection in developing countries, others claim that it generates neither poverty reduction nor sustainability. The detailed case studies in this book demonstrate that neither interpretation is universally correct, given how much depends on specific policies and institutions that determine ‘on-the-ground’ outcomes. Drawing on research from six countries around the developing world, the book also presents the unique perspectives of researchers at both the world’s largest development organization (The World Bank) and the world’s largest conservation organization (World Wildlife Fund) on the debate over trade liberalization and its effects on poverty and the environment.

The authors trace international trade rules and events down through national development contexts to investigate on-the-ground outcomes for real people and places. The studies underscore the importance of evaluating trade from a perspective that pays attention to environmental and social vulnerability and understands the linkages between poverty reduction and environmental protection. The lessons drawn provide a critical first step in developing the appropriate response options needed to ensure that trade plays a positive role in promoting truly sustainable development.

Academics and students in environmental economics, development economics and agriculture, as well as policymakers and those in development institutions will appreciate this groundbreaking work.

Contents:

Preface
Warren Evans and David Reed

1. Trade Liberalization, Rural Poverty and the Environment
Jonathan A. Cook, Owen Cylke, Donald F. Larson, John D. Nash and Pamela Stedman-Edwards

2. Trade Liberalization, Rural Poverty and the Environment: A Case Study of the Forest and Salmon Sectors in Chile
Raúl O’Ryan, with Mario Niklitschek, Edwin Niklitschek, Andrés Ulloa and Nicolo Gligo

3. The Impacts of Trade Liberalization in Pingbian, China
He Daming and Liu Jiang, with Bobby Cochran

4. Shrimp Exports, Environment and Human Well-being in the Sunderbans, West Bengal
Kanchan Chopra, with Pushpam Kumar and Preeti Kapuria

5. Trade Liberalization, Rural Poverty and the Environment: Two Studies of Agricultural Exports in Madagascar
Bart Minten, with Philippe Méral, Lalaina Randrianarison and Johan Swinnen

6. Trade Liberalization, Rural Poverty and the Environment: A Case Study of Sugarcane Production in the Incomati River Basin in Mpumalanga, South Africa
Jo Lorentzen, Anton Cartwright and Charles Meth

7. Expansion of Shrimp Farming in Ca Mau, Vietnam
Mai Trong Thong, with Hoang Xuan Thanh, Ha Thi Phuong Tien, Nguyen Thu Huong, Tran Tuyet Hanh, Ngo Van Hai, Vu Ngoc Huyen, Le Dang Trung, Le Phu Cuong, Le Van Hung, Cao Chi Hung, Tham Thi Ngoc Diep and Jacques Marcille

8. Lessons from the Case Studies: 1
Pamela Stedman-Edwards, Jonathan A. Cook and Owen Cylke

9. Lessons from the Case Studies: 2
John D. Nash and Donald F. Larson

10. Beyond Trade: Economic Transition in the Globalization Era and Prospects for Poverty and Environment
Bruno Losch

Index