One could wonder what to say bad about development and aid or even against
sustainable development. Over the past few years, sustainable development has
emerged as the latest catchphrase. Non-governmental as well as governmental
organizations agree talking about this term, because it is one of those magical fields
in which hardly something can go wrong.
This attitude lead to a blurring and forgetting of what sustainable development truly
is.
The purpose of this essay will be to re-elaborate and define the terminus
“sustainable” in context to development followed and supported by a historical
approach on the pre-Agenda 21 framework.
Therefore the results will be clarify by a case-study.
Upon these pillars the conclusion will point out how development can be made more
sustainable in future or if it has become already more sustainable.
Table of Contents
1. INTRODUCTION
2. WHAT IS SUSTAINABILITY?
3. HISTORY OF DEVELOPMENT UNDER THE ASPECT OF SUSTAINABILITY
4. CASE-STUDY
5. CONCLUSION
Objectives and Topics
The essay examines the concept of sustainable development, aiming to redefine its meaning within historical frameworks and contemporary development aid practices. By analyzing the interplay between economic, social, and environmental dimensions, the work explores how development can be effectively implemented in a more sustainable manner.
- Theoretical definition of sustainable development
- Historical evolution of sustainability frameworks (Agenda 21)
- Interdependence of environmental, social, and economic pillars
- Practical application of sustainability via a case study (solar cookers in Kenya)
- Evaluation of local versus macro-political implementation strategies
Excerpt from the Book
CASE-STUDY
This case study is about the introduction of a new generation of solar cookers into two refugee camps in Kenya. To decided whether or not the procjet was an success, we have two rethink about the three macro-fields of sustainable development and transform then into a micro surrounding.
First we have to look on the case from an environmental angle? Starting with the biggest field this question can be answered with an yes and a no. Yes, because the occurring over-usage of firewood is reduced with the introduction and the wood around has time to regenerate. No, because in cases of bad weather or the periods of heavy rain, the people still have to rely on their alternative, before used cooking method. But at least the wood and fuel usage is reduced significantly. Furthermore the combination between the environmental and the social sustainability is the approach i none of the camps. Here the refugees can earn a cooker by working and learning for a better environment. This includes activities as tree planting, etc.
What leads us to the question: Is the case social sustainable? Reducing the usage of fuel and wood does not only save money, but also time. Most of the time these materials are collected or organized by the woman. This can take up to a quarter of the whole day. There have been evidences, that using the solar cooker allows women in those camps to have more free time.
Summary of Chapters
INTRODUCTION: The author introduces the ubiquity of the term "sustainable development" and outlines the objective to clarify its definition and practical application through a case study.
WHAT IS SUSTAINABILITY?: This chapter defines sustainability by examining the integration of environmental, social, and economic pillars, highlighting their interdependence as a requirement for enduring development.
HISTORY OF DEVELOPMENT UNDER THE ASPECT OF SUSTAINABILITY: The chapter traces the evolution of sustainability from early forest management to the 1972 UN Conference and the milestone "Agenda 21" project.
CASE-STUDY: An evaluation of a solar cooker project in Kenyan refugee camps is presented, analyzing whether it fulfills environmental, social, and economic sustainability criteria.
CONCLUSION: The paper concludes that while "Agenda 21" remains a vital standard, future progress requires integrating individual participation and stronger local governance to move beyond macro-political goals.
Keywords
Sustainability, Sustainable Development, Agenda 21, Environment, Social Sustainability, Economic Sustainability, Development Aid, Kenya, Solar Cookers, Refugee Camps, Global-North, Global-South, Natural Resources, Poverty Alleviation, Holistic Approach
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this research paper?
The paper explores the concept of sustainable development, questioning how the term is defined and how it can be applied effectively in real-world development aid scenarios.
What are the primary thematic areas covered?
The study focuses on the three pillars of sustainability—environmental, social, and economic—and their integration within international development strategies.
What is the main goal of the research?
The primary goal is to re-elaborate the term "sustainable" in the context of development, using historical context and a case study to demonstrate how development can become more sustainable.
Which methodology does the author employ?
The author uses a qualitative analysis approach, combining a review of historical policy frameworks (like Agenda 21) with a practical case study of a solar cooker project in Kenya.
What is discussed in the main body of the work?
The main body covers the definition of sustainability, the historical shift in development policies since the 1970s, and a specific examination of a project in Kenya regarding its sustainability impact.
Which keywords best describe the work?
Key terms include Sustainable Development, Agenda 21, Environmental/Social/Economic pillars, and the practical implementation of small-scale aid projects.
How does the case study evaluate the success of the solar cookers?
The case study evaluates the project by assessing if it reduces fuel wood usage (environmental), empowers women by saving time (social), and is cost-effective for families (economic).
What is the author's final conclusion regarding future development?
The author concludes that sustainable development should not just be a macro-political task, but must involve the participation of individuals and local structures to be truly effective.
- Quote paper
- Robert Högerle (Author), 2011, How can we make development more sustainable?, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/271960
