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Rural Aspirations: Reflections for Development Planning, Design and Localized Effects

Author

Listed:
  • Kai Mausch

    (World Agroforestry (ICRAF))

  • Dave Harris

    (International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT)
    Bangor University, Gwynedd)

  • Javier Revilla Diez

    (University of Cologne)

Abstract

In this editorial introduction to the Special Issue “Rural aspirations—Livelihood decisions and rural development trajectories”, we outline current views on aspirations and their relevance for development research, projects and approaches. Using several examples from Africa, we outline how the combination of the different theoretical perspectives, case studies and regional backgrounds provides deeper insights about the role of aspirations in shaping rural areas. The distinct entry points of the ‘bottom up’ local aspirations for future lives, the ‘top down’ aspirations as visions for change, and the process of negotiating between these provide novel insights into directions for development action as well as for future research in the field of aspirations in the development arena.

Suggested Citation

  • Kai Mausch & Dave Harris & Javier Revilla Diez, 2021. "Rural Aspirations: Reflections for Development Planning, Design and Localized Effects," The European Journal of Development Research, Palgrave Macmillan;European Association of Development Research and Training Institutes (EADI), vol. 33(4), pages 795-808, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:pal:eurjdr:v:33:y:2021:i:4:d:10.1057_s41287-021-00407-y
    DOI: 10.1057/s41287-021-00407-y
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Kai Mausch & Dave Harris & Luke Dilley & Mary Crossland & Tim Pagella & Jules Yim & Emma Jones, 2021. "Not All About Farming: Understanding Aspirations Can Challenge Assumptions About Rural Development," The European Journal of Development Research, Palgrave Macmillan;European Association of Development Research and Training Institutes (EADI), vol. 33(4), pages 861-884, August.
    2. Katie LaRue & Thomas Daum & Kai Mausch & Dave Harris, 2021. "Who Wants to Farm? Answers Depend on How You Ask: A Case Study on Youth Aspirations in Kenya," The European Journal of Development Research, Palgrave Macmillan;European Association of Development Research and Training Institutes (EADI), vol. 33(4), pages 885-909, August.
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    6. Mascha Aring & Ole Reichardt & Ewaldine Menjono Katjizeu & Brendan Luyanda & Carolin Hulke, 2021. "Collective Capacity to Aspire? Aspirations and Livelihood Strategies in the Zambezi Region, Namibia," The European Journal of Development Research, Palgrave Macmillan;European Association of Development Research and Training Institutes (EADI), vol. 33(4), pages 933-950, August.
    7. Ravi Nandi & Swamikannu Nedumaran, 2021. "Correction to: Understanding the Aspirations of Farming Communities in Developing Countries: A Systematic Review of the Literature," The European Journal of Development Research, Palgrave Macmillan;European Association of Development Research and Training Institutes (EADI), vol. 33(4), pages 1141-1141, August.
    8. Jordan Chamberlin & Cristina Ramos & Kibrom Abay, 2021. "Do more Vibrant Rural Areas have Lower Rates of Youth Out-Migration? Evidence from Zambia," The European Journal of Development Research, Palgrave Macmillan;European Association of Development Research and Training Institutes (EADI), vol. 33(4), pages 951-979, August.
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    14. Britta Höllermann & Kristian Näschen & Naswiru Tibanyendela & Julius Kwesiga & Mariele Evers, 2021. "Dynamics of Human–Water Interactions in the Kilombero Valley, Tanzania: Insights from Farmers’ Aspirations and Decisions in an Uncertain Environment," The European Journal of Development Research, Palgrave Macmillan;European Association of Development Research and Training Institutes (EADI), vol. 33(4), pages 980-999, August.
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    21. Mary Crossland & Ana Maria Paez Valencia & Tim Pagella & Kai Mausch & Dave Harris & Luke Dilley & Leigh Winowiecki, 2021. "Women’s Changing Opportunities and Aspirations Amid Male Outmigration: Insights from Makueni County, Kenya," The European Journal of Development Research, Palgrave Macmillan;European Association of Development Research and Training Institutes (EADI), vol. 33(4), pages 910-932, August.
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    Cited by:

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    2. Diane Kapgen & Laurence Roudart, 2023. "A Multidisciplinary Approach to Assess Smallholder Farmers' Adoption of New Technologies in Development Interventions," The European Journal of Development Research, Palgrave Macmillan;European Association of Development Research and Training Institutes (EADI), vol. 35(4), pages 974-995, August.

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