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WCD Thematic Review Social Issues I.1: The Social Impact of Large Dams--Equity and Distributional Issues

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  • William Adams

Abstract

The ’social impacts’ of dams may be defined as 'impacts on the lives of individual people or groups or categories of people, or forms of social organisation'. Social impacts are distinct from environmental or economic impacts, though all of these are closely linked. This review paper has focussed on the area of agreement among protagonists of dams, that is some groups of people tend to be net losers from dam projects as they are disproportionately affected by negative effects of dams while almost excluded from access to benefits generated. The paper makes the point that equity is more concerned about protecting the poor and the vulnerable, and that there are principles and good practices that could help strive for a no-loser goal, and where losses are inevitable, turn some or most of the losers into winners.

Suggested Citation

  • William Adams, 2006. "WCD Thematic Review Social Issues I.1: The Social Impact of Large Dams--Equity and Distributional Issues," Working Papers id:513, eSocialSciences.
    • Handle: RePEc:ess:wpaper:id:513
    as

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    File URL: http://www.eSocialSciences.com/data/articles/Document1115200600.5004389.pdf
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Thayer Scudder & Jonathan Habarad, 1991. "Local Responses to Involuntary Relocation and Development in the Zambian portion of the Middle Zambezi Valley," Palgrave Macmillan Books, in: J. A. Mollett (ed.), Migrants in Agricultural Development, chapter 12, pages 178-205, Palgrave Macmillan.
    2. Steve Curry & John Weiss, 2000. "Project Analysis in Developing Countries," Palgrave Macmillan Books, Palgrave Macmillan, edition 0, number 978-0-230-37511-6, December.
    3. Jon Moris, 1987. "Irrigation as a Privileged Solution in African Development," Development Policy Review, Overseas Development Institute, vol. 5(2), pages 99-123, June.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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