3 Review(s)

This book, based on field research undertaken in the agriculture belts of Haryana and Uttar Pradesh, provides a synthesis picture of development, urbanization and pollution in India. Unlike previous studies, it presents the perspectives of the farmers themselves on the role of agriculture, the impact of air pollution on health, quality of life and the effectiveness of the existing support networks available to them. Using field studies of direct relevance to development practitioners, agencies, NGOs, environmentalists, policy makers and researchers, it captures the views of the complete spectrum of social groups to provide the most comprehensive and balanced analysis of one of the key issues facing India today. The findings highlight the pivotal role agriculture plays in societal and cultural issues such as gender roles, health and food security as well as the traditional concepts of livelihood, employment and income. In featuring the impact of air pollution as an agricultural, economic and societal concern, this ground-breaking book will become one of the formative texts available in the field. This book is the South Asian Edition. International Edition was published by Ashgate Publishing Ltd. Aldershot, U.K. About the Author Dr. Neela Mukherjee, is currently working as a development practitioner, researcher, trainer and a resource person to multiple organizations, both India and abroad. She is associated with a Delhi-based enterprise called Development Tracks, RTC involved in cutting-edge research, consultancy and training activities. Formerly, a Professor of Economics at the LBS National Academy of Administration Mussoorie, India and an alumna of the London School of Economics and Political Science, London, her major areas of current research include participatory and sustainable development practices, community perspectives, empowerment and livelihood related issues. She has written extensively in her areas of interest. Her books include Participatory Rural Appraisal, Methodology and Applications (1993), Questionnaire Survey & Participatory Rural Appraisal (1995), Participatory Appraisal of Natural Resources (1997) and Participatory Learning and Action with 100 Field Methods (2002) published by Concept Publishing Company, New Delhi. Her present book Alternative Perspectives on Livelihoods, Agriculture and Air Pollution, agriculture in urban and peri-urban areas in a developing country published in 2001 by Ashgate Publishing Co., U.K. describes community perspectives on the impact of air pollution as an agricultural, economic and societal concern. Dr. Mukherjee is also the editor of a series on Learning to Share of which, two volumes (1997 and 2000) have been published by Concept Publishing Company, Delhi. Dr. Mukherjee's other professional interest include multilateral negotiations at the World Trade Organization, trade barriers and developing countries, environmental impact assessment for policy implications and political economy of greenhouse gases. She has researched, lectured and conducted workshops worldwide and has written a number of books and papers in both national and international journals.