In development studies with a focus on livelihoods, assets (also referred to as resources, capita... more In development studies with a focus on livelihoods, assets (also referred to as resources, capital, or means) represent a crucial dimension that influences people's ability to secure a livelihood. Lack of access to land, water, or education often leads to poverty. The present paper summarises research findings from an international research network, the Swiss National Centre of Competence in Research (NCCR) North-South, regarding the crucial relation between such assets and access to them. It brings together insights obtained in studies around the globe as to why some people are excluded from access to assets. Beyond this, it raises the question of whether gaining access is sufficient -does access to resources in itself lead to benefits, or do we need to broaden the concept of access? In addressing these and other questions, this review of NCCR North-South research embeds the concepts of assets and access within a broader understanding of contested political processes, informed by contemporary social science debates. In the concluding section, this enhanced understanding of social realities is contrasted with social analyses underpinning (donor-supported) development interventions.
Page 1. 1 Working Paper 392 AGRARIAN DISTRESS AND RURAL LIVELIHOODS A STUDY IN UPPUTHARA PANCHAYA... more Page 1. 1 Working Paper 392 AGRARIAN DISTRESS AND RURAL LIVELIHOODS A STUDY IN UPPUTHARA PANCHAYAT IDUKKI DISTRICT, KERALA KN Nair R. Ramakumar November 2007 Page 2. 2 Working Papers published ...
through public action -land reform -took place in Malabar. The 1955 study had characterized the c... more through public action -land reform -took place in Malabar. The 1955 study had characterized the conditions of life of agricultural workers as 'wretched in the extreme'. The present article documents the significant transformation in the quality of life that took place in Morazha after 1955, through a weakening of the factors that led to 'wretched' conditions of life in the earlier period. The destruction of traditional agrarian power by the state through land reform was the most critical step in this process.
In development studies with a focus on livelihoods, assets (also referred to as resources, capita... more In development studies with a focus on livelihoods, assets (also referred to as resources, capital, or means) represent a crucial dimension that influences people's ability to secure a livelihood. Lack of access to land, water, or education often leads to poverty. The present paper summarises research findings from an international research network, the Swiss National Centre of Competence in Research (NCCR) North-South, regarding the crucial relation between such assets and access to them. It brings together insights obtained in studies around the globe as to why some people are excluded from access to assets. Beyond this, it raises the question of whether gaining access is sufficient -does access to resources in itself lead to benefits, or do we need to broaden the concept of access? In addressing these and other questions, this review of NCCR North-South research embeds the concepts of assets and access within a broader understanding of contested political processes, informed by contemporary social science debates. In the concluding section, this enhanced understanding of social realities is contrasted with social analyses underpinning (donor-supported) development interventions.
Page 1. 1 Working Paper 392 AGRARIAN DISTRESS AND RURAL LIVELIHOODS A STUDY IN UPPUTHARA PANCHAYA... more Page 1. 1 Working Paper 392 AGRARIAN DISTRESS AND RURAL LIVELIHOODS A STUDY IN UPPUTHARA PANCHAYAT IDUKKI DISTRICT, KERALA KN Nair R. Ramakumar November 2007 Page 2. 2 Working Papers published ...
through public action -land reform -took place in Malabar. The 1955 study had characterized the c... more through public action -land reform -took place in Malabar. The 1955 study had characterized the conditions of life of agricultural workers as 'wretched in the extreme'. The present article documents the significant transformation in the quality of life that took place in Morazha after 1955, through a weakening of the factors that led to 'wretched' conditions of life in the earlier period. The destruction of traditional agrarian power by the state through land reform was the most critical step in this process.
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