Social science applications in Asian agroforestry

Deforestation is usually more a symptom of underlying institutional and cultural problems than of technological failures, and land rehabilitation activities gain more through improved social organization than through biophysical technologies. This compilation of essays supports the integration of social science theory and method into Asian agroforestry research, policy, planning, and management activities. The first section introduces the underlying theme that older, traditional Asian practices must be connected to newer approaches. It also sketches some of the long-term contributions social science can make to guide natural resource policy and management. The second section identifies some of the problem areas in Asian agroforestry where social science may be of most use. The chapters focus on participatory forestry development programs, wasteland development in India, and the complementarity of social science and biophysical research. The third section considers the conceptual and methodological approaches of four social sciences -- social ecology, political science, economics, and anthropology. The chapters show how these specialized sets of knowledge provide insight into particular facets of project development and overall project success.