The Role and Potential Influence of Dynamic Conditions in a Concrete Situation

We have now presented the most important dynamic conditions of action, as well as for the areas where they have a potential influence on peasants' livelihood strategies and on peasant societies.

However, the significance and influence of these conditions of action and the settings in which they have an effect vary considerably according to the particular context.

Therefore, the conditions and areas of influences shall be considered as a "Generalised set of hypotheses on the dynamics of peasants' environment and the process of transformation within their societies. This set of hypotheses must be differentiated and modified with regard to specific sets of problems in a specific context." (Wiesmann 1998, p. 71)

This is of particular importance with regard to our point of departure, the livelihood approach with an actor-oriented perspective on regional development. To illustrate the role and potential influence of dynamic conditions of actions of peasant actors within the actor-oriented perspective, you will now be asked to perform a group exercise.

Exercise:

Sequences from the film "Solving water conflicts in Mt. Kenya Area" by Dr. Liniger, HP/Moll, M. provide you - among other visual and oral information - with examples of dynamic conditions of action for peasants and smallholder households in the semi-arid Laikipia District in Central Kenya.



Methodology:

  1. Watch the excerpts of the film carefully and listen to the accompanying information by clicking on the link in the right-hand column (that will take about 8 minutes).
    Different actors figure in the film. Concentrate on the peasants/smallholders, as they are the key actors.
  2. As a next step, please answer the following question:
    Where in the film do you identify the dynamic conditions of actions discussed above?
    Try to classify as many concrete conditions of actions for the peasants in the film under the four themes:
    • Demographic changes as conditions of action for peasants and peasant societies;
    • Changes in market conditions and their relevance to the transformation of peasant strategies and societies;
    • Political framework conditions and socio-political change relevant to the transformation of peasant strategies and societies;
    • Changes in natural resources as dynamic conditions of peasant action.
  3. Proceed with the second question:
    Where do you see the potential influences of these conditions on the modification/transformation of peasant household strategies?
    Take the nine different potential areas of influence of the dynamic conditions on peasant societies and peasant household strategies and the model to help underscore your arguments.
  4. Submit your results in a short report of maximum half an A4 page in Arial 12 font.

Compare with your answers (step 2):Question




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