INTD 497-04: Rural development and food security
Winter 2014 Syllabus
Instructor: Karen McAllister
Institute for the Study of International Development (ISID), McGill University
Email: karen.mcallister@mcgill.ca
Office phone: (514)398-7386
Time of class: Fridays, 2:35 – 5:25
Class location: Leacock 15
Office location: Room 210, Peterson Hall, McTavish Street
Office hours: Thursdays, 11:00AM – 1:00PM
Course description:
This course will cover issues related to rural development and food security. Topics that will be covered
include the basis of farmer decision-making and diversity of rural livelihoods, famine and food insecurity,
and the combining of scientific and local knowledge for rural development (particularly participatory
projects for development). The importance of customary and formal property rights to land and resources
for supporting rural livelihoods will be examined, leading to a review of contemporary threats to local
land rights arising from “large scale land acquisitions” for agro-industries and the emergence of new
social movements to resist displacement from these developments. This course is intended to build
critical research and presentation skills, and students are encouraged to follow their specific interests and
may write research papers about countries and issues relevant to the theme of the course but not
specifically covered in the course material. Students who have experience working with rural
development projects are encouraged to build on this experience for their term papers. Seminars will be
supplemented by films and guest lecturers when appropriate.
This is a 400 level seminar class intended for final year IDS students. The class will be run like a
graduate seminar, and will require active student participation. Students will be expected to come
prepared with discussion questions and comments on the class readings, and to take turns presenting the
course readings.
Learning objectives: Students will gain an understanding of central theoretical and practical issues
related to rural development and food security. They will gain experience writing and presenting
independent research papers related to this topic in preparation for future academic and applied work in
the field of international development.
Grade Distribution and Assessment:
Class Participation: 20 % (9.5% for attendance, 9% for active engagement in class discussions; 1.5% for
attendance at ISID Truth and Reconciliation conference)
In-class presentation/discussion of one reading: 5%
Mid-term assignment: 15% (can be passed in any time on or before March 28)
Abstract/paper proposal and reference list: 5% (due February 14)
Final term paper: 45% (Due April 14)
Final paper presentation: 10%
Participation: The class will require active student participation. Students are expected to have
completed the readings prior to class, and to come prepared with discussion questions and ideas. 18.5 %
of participation grade is based half (9.5%) on attendance and half (9%) on thoughtful and active
engagement in class discussions.
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The remaining 1.5% is based on attendance at one session of the ISID conference on Truth and
Reconciliation Commissions, held Thursday March 13th and Friday March 14th. At the conference there
will be a sign up sheet at each session. Students will be asked to sign in their name and student ID.
Students leaving early from a session will not receive the credit. More information will be provided about
the conference closer to this date.
In class presentation/discussion of one reading: At the beginning of the semester, students will sign up
to present one of the readings in the class. These presentations should be about 10 minutes and should
summarize the central points and argument of the article, highlight how it relates to the other readings of
that week and end with a question for discussion about the readings presented that week. These
presentations will be made in front of the class, and students are encouraged to use power point or the
blackboard they wish (although this is not necessary). No more than 4 power point slides if you decide to
use this.
Mid-term assignment: The mid-term assignment is a short analytical paper (4 pages, double spaced)
that is based on one week’s set of readings – the choice of which week is up to the student. Any set of
readings can be chosen except for the class on IUARP and participatory development projects. This
assignment is not a summary, but an analytical comparison, review and critique of the different
perspectives or arguments of the articles assigned for that one week, focusing on a central issues and
questions that the articles address. The midterm can be passed in at any time during the semester (ideally,
you should try to pass it in the week after the readings are discussed in class, but I am flexible about this).
THE FINAL DEADLINE TO PASS THESE IN IS MARCH 28.
Abstract/paper proposal plus reference list: A one page (double-spaced) abstract/paper proposal
describing your proposed paper topic in addition to a preliminary reference list (10-15 references). This
is to get you started on the research early, and so that I can provide feedback. Paper topics should be
approved in advance with the instructor. DEADLINE FOR THIS IS FEBRUARY 14.
Final term paper: This is a research paper of about 4000 words (12-14 pages double-spaced, not
including references). The paper should address some issue related to rural development and food
security. The choice of topic will depend on the specific interest of the student, and can focus on issues or
countries that have not been covered in the class but are related to the theme of the seminar. The final
paper is due on APRIL 14.
Late papers and assignments will be penalised one half-grade per day (e.g. a paper that is one day late
would go from an A to A-).
Mini-conference: The last 3 classes of the semester will take the form of a mini-conference in which
each student will give a formal 10 minute presentation of their term paper topic. Paper presentations will
be organised into panels of similar topics, and time will be given for questions and discussion.
Course materials:
A course pack of required readings will be available at the McGill Bookstore.
Journal articles are available electronically through the McGill library, and links to articles and electronic
books will be posted on mycourses. The readings listed as optional in the syllabus are not necessarily
posted on mycourses and will not be discussed in the seminars, but students who are writing papers on
related topics and want further reading material might find these articles useful.
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McGill policy statements:
“McGill University values academic integrity. Therefore, all students must
understand the meaning and consequences of cheating, plagiarism and other
academic offences under the Code of Student Conduct and Disciplinary
Procedures” (see www.mcgill.ca/students/srr/honest/ for more information).
« L'université McGill attache une haute importance à l’honnêteté académique. Il
incombe par conséquent à tous les étudiants de comprendre ce que l'on entend par
tricherie, plagiat et autres infractions académiques, ainsi que les conséquences que
peuvent avoir de telles actions, selon le Code de conduite de l'étudiant et des
procédures disciplinaires (pour de plus amples renseignements, veuillez consulter le
site www.mcgill.ca/students/srr/honest/).»
“In accord with McGill University’s Charter of Students’ Rights, students in this
course have the right to submit in English or in French any written work that is to
be graded.”
« Conformément à la Charte des droits de l’étudiant de l’Université McGill, chaque
étudiant a le droit de soumettre en français ou en anglais tout travail écrit devant être
noté (sauf dans le cas des cours dont l’un des objets est la maîtrise d’une langue). »
“As the instructors of this course we endeavor to provide an inclusive learning environment.
However, if you experience barriers to learning in this course, do not hesitate to discuss
them with us and the Office for Students with Disabilities, 514-398-6009.”
“In the event of extraordinary circumstances beyond the University’s
control, the content and/or evaluation scheme in this course is subject to change .”
CALENDAR OF CLASS TOPICS AND IMPORTANT DATES
DATE
Class topic
Jan 10
Introduction
Jan 17
Peasant decision making and rural livelihoods
Jan 24
Food security, poverty and famine
Jan 31
Contested knowledge and environmental narratives
Feb 7
Participatory rural development: IUARP project
Feb 14
Scientific and local knowledge for rural development
Feb 21
Property, land tenure and land reform
Feb 28
Gender and rural development
Mar 7
STUDY BREAK
Mar 14
Enclosures, dispossessions and displacements
Mar 21
Agrarian transitions and rural resistances
Mar 28
Student presentations.
Apr 4
Student presentations.
Apr 11
Student presentations.
Apr 14
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Assignment deadline
Paper proposal due
Last day for midterm
Term Paper due
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Class schedule:
January 10: Introduction
January 17: Peasant decision making and rural livelihoods
Ellis, F. (2000). A framework for livelihood analysis. Rural livelihoods in developing countries. New
York, Oxford University Press: 3-51. (Coursepack)
Scott, J. C. (1976). The moral economy of the peasant: subsistence and rebellion in Southeast Asia. New
Haven, Yale University Press. Introduction, pp 1-12; chapters 1 and 2. (coursepack)
Popkin, S. L. (1979). The rational peasant: the political economy of rural society in Vietnam. Berkeley,
Los Angeles and London, University of California Press. Pages1-31. (coursepack)
Other readings of interest on this topic (not required):
Polanyi, K. (1962 [1944]). The great transformation: the political and economic origins of our time.
Boston, Beacon Press.
Scoones, I. (2009). "Livelihoods perspectives and rural development." The Journal of Peasant Studies
36(1): 171-196.
Bebbington , A. (1999). "Capitals and capabilities: a framework for analysing peasant viability, rural
livelihoods and poverty." World Development 27(12): 2012-44.
Scoones, I. (1998). "Sustainable rural livelihoods: a framework for analysis." IDS Working paper 72.
Leach, M., R. Mearns, et al. (1999). "Environmental Entitlements: Dynamics and Institutions in
Community-Based Natural Resource Management." World Development 27(2): 225-247.
(WebCT)
Ellis, F. (1993). Peasant economics: farm households and agrarian development. Cambridge University
Press, New York. Chapter 1: pp 3-16, Chapter 3, pp 45-60
January 24: Subsistence security, poverty and famines
Sen, A. (1999). Development as freedom. New York, Anchor Press. Chapter 7. Famines and other crisis.
Pp. 160-188 (coursepack)
de Waal, A. (1991). "A Re-assessment of Entitlement Theory in the Light of Recent Famines in Africa."
Development and Change 21(3): 469–90. (mycourses)
Devereux, S. (2009). "Why does famine persist in Africa." Food security 1(25-35). (mycourses)
Maxwell, D. And Fitzpatrick, M. (2012) Somalia famine: context, causes and complications. Global food
security 1(2012): 5-12 (mycourses)
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Other readings of interest on this topic:
Menkhaus, K. (2012). No access: Critical bottlenecks in the 2011 Somali famine. Global food security
1(2012): 29-35 (mycourses)
Haan, N.; Devereux, S.; Maxwell, D. (2012) Global implications of Somalia 2011 for famine prevention,
mitigation and response. Global food security 1(2012):74-79 (mycourses)
Stock, R. (2004). Africa south of the Sahara: a geographical interpretation. Chapter 15. Food Security.
New York, The Guildford Press. Pp. 224-238. (coursepack)
Devereux, S. (2000). "Famine in the 20th Century." IDS Working paper 107: 1-40.
University Press. (web CT)
Sen, A. (1981). Poverty and famines: an essay on entitlement and deprivation. Oxford, Oxford (Classic
reading on famines)
Buchanan-Smith, M., S. Davies, et al. (1994). "Food security: let them eat information." IDS Bulletin
25(2): 1-16. (On early warning systems)
Swift, J. (1993). "Understanding and preventing famine and famine mortality." IDS Bulletin 24(4)
January 31: Contested knowledge: Environmental narratives and rural development projects
Forsyth, T. and A. Walker (2008). Forest guardians, forest destroyers: the politics of environmental
knowledge in northern Thailand. Seattle, University of Washington Press. Chapter 1.
Environmental crisis and the crisis of knowledge. Pp. 3-26; Chapter 4. Forests and water. P 87116 (coursepack)
Leach, M.; Mearns, R. (1996) The lie of the land: challenging received wisdom on the African
environment. M. Leach and R. Mearns. Oxford, James Currey. Chapter 1. (coursepack)
Swift, J. (1996). Desertification: narratives, winners, losers. The lie of the land: challenging received
wisdom on the African environment. M. Leach and R. Mearns. Oxford, James Currey: 79-90.
(Coursepack)
Other readings of interest on this topic:
Goldman, M. (2001). "Constructing an environmental state: eco-governmentality and other trans-national
practices of a 'green' World Bank." Social Problems 48(4): 499-523.
February 7: Participatory rural development: The Integrated Upland Agriculture Research Project
(IUARP)
Selection of original documents and reports from the Integrated Upland Agricultural Research Project
(IUARP), a development project that involved ethnic minorities in upland Laos. IUARP will be used to
provide an example of how similar projects are designed and implemented, and analysed and critiqued
according to what has been learned in earlier course materials. These will be available on mycourses.
Mosse, D. (2001). People's knowledge', participation and patronage: operations and representations in
rural development. Participation: the new tyranny? B. Cooke and U. Kothari. Zed Books: 16-35.
(Coursepack)
Goebel, A. (1998). "Process, perception and power: notes from 'participatory' research in a Zimbabwean
resettlement area." Development and Change 29(2): 277-305. (mycourses)
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Optional:
Chambers, R. (1994). "The origins and practice of participatory rural appraisal." World Development
22(7): 953-969.
Cornwall, A. (2002). "Making spaces, changing places: situating participation in development." IDS
Working paper 170
Cornwall, A. (2003). "Whose Voices? Whose Choices? Reflections on Gender and Participatory
Development." World Development 31(8): 1325-1342.
February 14: Scientific and local knowledge
Agrawal, A. (1995). "Dismantling the divide between indigenous and scientific knowledge."
Development and Change 26(3): 413-439. (mycourses)
Thrupp, L. A. (2000). "Linking Agricultural Biodiversity and Food Security: The Valuable Role of
Sustainable Agriculture." International Affairs (Royal Institute of International Affairs 1944-)
76(2): 265-281. (mycourses)
Parayil, G. (2003). "Mapping technological trajectories of the green revolution and the gene revolution
from modernization to globalization." Research Policy 32: 971-990. (mycourses)
Other readings of interest on this topic:
Altieri, M. A. (2002). "Agroecology: the science of natural resource management for poor farmers in
marginal environments." Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment 93: 1-24.
Ashby, J. A. and L. Sperling (1995). "Institutionalizing Participatory, Client-Driven Research and
Technology Development in Agriculture." Development and Change 26: 753-770.
Bebbington , A. (1993). "Modernization from below: an alternative indigenous development?" Economic
Geography 69(3): 274-292.
Sillitoe, P. (1998). "What know the natives? Local knowledge in development." Social Anthropology 2:
203-220.
February 21: Customary and formal property rights: tenure and land reform
Scott, J. C. (1998). Seeing like a state: how certain schemes to improve the human condition have failed.
New Haven, Yale University Press. Introduction. Pp. 1-8 (coursepack)
Bruce, J. (1993). Do indigenous tenure systems constrain agricultural development? Land in African
agrarian systems. T. J. Bassett and D. E. Crummey. Wisconsin, University of Wisconsin Press:
25-56. (Coursepack)
Li, T. M. (2002). "Local histories, global markets: cocoa and class in upland Sulawesi." Development and
Change 33(3): 415-437.
Willem Assies, “Land Tenure, Land Law and Development: Some Thoughts on Recent Debates,” Journal
of Peasant Studies 36, no. 3 (2009): 573–589.
Bromley, Daniel W. “Formalising Property Relations in the Developing World: The Wrong Prescription
for the Wrong Malady.” Land Use Policy 26, no. 1 (January 2009): 20–27.
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Optional readings of interest on this topic:
Jan Michiel Otto, “Rule of Law Promotion, Land Tenure and Poverty Alleviation: Questioning the
Assumptions of Hernando de Soto,” Hague Journal on the Rule of Law 1, no. 1 (March 2009):
173–194.
Borras, S.M. Jr. and Franco, J.C. (2010). “Contemporary discourses and contestations around pro-poor
land policies and land governance.” Journal of Agricultural Change 10 (1):1-31
Maxwell, D. and K. D. Wiebe (1999). "Land tenure and food security: exploring dynamic linkages."
Development and Change 30: 825-849. (mycourses)
Vandergeest, P. (2003). "Land to some tillers: development-induced displacement in Laos." UNESCO
2003: 47-56.
Lestrelin, G. and M. Giordano (2007). "Upland development policy, livelihood change and land
degradation: interactions from a Laotian village." Land degradation and development 18: 55-76.
Gilbert, Alan. “On the Mystery of Capital and the Myths of Hernando de Soto: What Difference Does
Legal Title Make?” International Development Planning Review 24, no. 1 (March 2002): 1–19.
Bromley, Daniel W. “Formalising Property Relations in the Developing World: The Wrong Prescription
for the Wrong Malady.” Land Use Policy 26, no. 1 (January 2009): 20–27.
February 28: Gender and rural development
Yngstrom, I. (2002). "Women, wives, and land rights in Africa: situating gender beyond the household in
the debate over land property and changing property systems." Oxford Development Studies
30(1): 21-41. (mycourses)
Rocheleau, D. and D. Edmunds (1997). "Women, men and trees: Gender, power and property in forest
and agrarian landscapes." World Development 25(8): 1351-1371. (mycourses)
One other reading on this topic TBA
March 6: STUDY BREAK!!!!
March 14: Enclosures, displacements and trans-national land grabbing:
Hall, D., P. Hirsch, et al. (2011). Powers of exclusion: land dilemmas in Southeast Asia. Honolulu,
University of Hawaii Press. Chapter 1 (coursepack)
De Schutter, O. (2011). "How not to think of land-grabbing: three critiques of large-scale investments."
The Journal of Peasant Studies 38(2): 249-279.
Deininger, K. (2011). "Challenges posed by the new wave of farmland investment." The Journal of
Peasant Studies 38(2): 217-247.
White, B. and A. Dasgupta (2010). "Agrofuels capitalism: a view from political economy." Journal of
Peasant Studies 37(4): 593-607.
Other readings of interest on this topic:
Barney, K. (2008). China and the production of forestlands in Lao PDR: a political ecology of transnational enclosure. Taking Southeast Asia to market: commodities, nature, and people in the neoliberal age. J. Nevins and N. L. Peluso. Ithaca, Cornell University Press: 91-107. (coursepack)
Borras, S. M. J., R. Hall, et al. (2011). "Towards a better understanding of global land grabbing: an
editorial introduction." The Journal of Peasant Studies 38(2): 209-216. (mycourses)
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GRAIN (2008). Seized: The 2008 land grab for food and financial security. Barcelona, GRAIN.
(mycourses)
March 21: Agrarian transformations and rural resistance
Scott, J. C. (1986). Everyday forms of peasant resistance. Everyday forms of peasant resistance in Southeast Asia. J. C. Scott and B. J. T. Kerkvliet. London and New York, Routledge: 5-35.
(Coursepack)
Hall, D. (2013). Social Movements. Land. Cambridge UK and Malden MA, USA, Polity Press: 139-166.
(coursepack)
Desmarais, A. A. (2008). "The power of peasants: reflections on the meanings of La Via Campesina."
Journal of rural studies 24. (mycourses)
Li, T. M. (2000). "Articulating indigenous identity in Indonesia: resource politics and the tribal slot."
Comparative studies in society and history 42: 149-97. (mycourses)
March 28: Student mini-conference
April 4: Student mini-conference
April 11: Student mini-conference
April 14: final paper is due
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