Geography Reference
In-Depth Information
throughout this discourse on development has been the lack of separation
between the course of development, and the plans or policies to actually produce
development. Much of the writing was in terms of some ideal goals, and
reference to real-life processes was limited. This chapter starts by asking whether
there is a factual basis of separation which gives a lead for separate planning, to
look next at examples of locally based development, and then to examine the
policies advocated.
Regions, it may be noted, can be distinctive in terms of their physical
structures, whether we consider physical resources for development, or the
simple geographical location in relation to other locations, or some set of
environmental problems stemming from topography, climate, soils or vegetation.
They may also have human uniqueness, in terms of a long cultural history or
ethnic difference. Any single one or a combination of these features may
constitute a basis for organizing developmental programmes separately.
The chapter also looks at political power. On the one hand, local, separately
organized and separately controlled development depends on either the lack of
central power, or a central power willing to delegate and decentralize. On the other,
the pressure for regionally organized programmes may stem from and rely on
political activism, even when the local economy is not particularly different from
that of the centre.
Regional distinctiveness
The following section tries to give an account of the kinds of factors that call for
locally based development actions. Most of the ways discussed are policies
rather than theories, or desired policies, highlighting the special needs of the
poor, of the rural, and of particular minority groups. As Taylor & Mackenzie
noted (1992: 234), this is making a theory out of policy.
Some of the factors providing a region with its identity are those of the natural
environment, which shows infinite variability in topography, climate and mineral
resources. Some regions are mining regions, others are characterized by their
forest or water resources, and yet others have a special feature in their
remoteness because of their location in relation to the industrial centre of the
country or to topographic accidents such as high mountains and rivers. Other
factors are social, cultural and political.
Regional environmental problems
Distinctive environments, those that are unique within a nation, are often a key
feature demanding separate attention in the course of any developmental
programme. In Russia and the Ukraine, soil erosion in the “Black Soil”
(Chernozem) region is one such a key feature. Further east, the Aral Sea region's
desiccation is an important issue which affects the region around the Sea and the
rivers that feed it (see Ch. 7). Other problems that distinguish individual
