The eucalypt sector in Lao PDR consists of several large eucalypt developers and a growing smallholder base. This Discussion Paper, developed through a multi-stakeholder process coordinated by Earth Systems, assesses the status of and explores key challenges and opportunities for the sustainable development of the eucalypt sector in Lao PDR. 

The handbook introduces key economic and related concepts explaining the functioning of urban land markets. By introducing key classical economic concepts, the handbook provides foundational economic terms that are often referred to in relation to urban land markets. In doing this, we do not imply that African land markets should or ought to 'fit' into neo-classical economic theories, nor do we propose that 'perfect' markets exist.

Les chercheurs de l’université de Californie font état d’une surprenante découverte: un gène qui «étanchéifie» les plants de riz les protège également de la sécheresse. Le gène Sub1a, naturellement présent dans certaines variétés à faible rendement, en Inde, a été découvert dans les années 1990 à l’Institut international de recherche sur le riz, aux Philippines.

Une algue rouge vivant dans la mer qui baigne les îles Fidji pourrait contribuer à lutter contre le paludisme. Une équipe de chercheurs américains a découvert que l’algue Callophycus serratus contient des composés chimiques capables de détruire le parasite responsable du paludisme, le Plasmodium falciparum. Cette algue produit diverses substances antimicrobiennes qui semblent agir essentiellement contre les champignons microscopiques.

Une équipe de scientifiques de l’International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) a identifié toutes les zones à haut risque du monde dans lesquelles la famine et les conséquences négatives du changement climatique s’exacerberont particulièrement violemment. Ces régions sont principalement situées en Afrique et en Asie du Sud, mais la Chine et l’Amérique latine pourraient également être concernées. Dans moins de 40 ans, la saison agricole de ces régions sera plus courte, plus chaude et plus sèche, mettant en danger des centaines de millions de personnes déjà très démunies.

This paper provides guidance on how to conduct collaborative and participatory risk assessments, paying attention to the human rights of project-affected people. It was written for stakeholders who seek more effective strategies for investigating the human rights impacts of business projects or operations, and who wish to make their human rights impact assessments more inclusive and responsive, or who seek to encourage greater buy-in from other stakeholders.

This case study draws on research that investigated how urban land is claimed, used or divided and the various land use management (LUM) practices that exist around these various and sometimes competing land uses. This case study is based on a research study undertaken by Colin Marx and Margot Rubin with Progressus Research and Development, commissioned by Urban LandMark. An introduction to the case study is given below. You can do these activities on your own or in groups, as appropriate for your learning session.

This case study draws on research that sought to understand the process of urban land development in practice, from the perspectives of developers and municipalities. The research was undertaken by the Department of Town and Regional Planning, University of Pretoria, commissioned by Urban LandMark. The resource includes some learning and reflection activities based on the case study. These activities can be done individually or in groups, as appropriate for the learning session.

This case study is based on research undertaken into the experiences of a poor community in accessing land through formal channels in peri-urban South Africa. The research was conducted by a team of researchers pulled together by the World Bank. The work was the result of a request by Mogale City Municipality for technical assistance on the design and implementation of integrated housing and agriculture projects.  The document presents the story of Ethembalethu.

This case study draws on research into some of the processes through which people access, hold, and trade land in poorer areas of towns and cities. The research was commissioned by Urban LandMark and undertaken by the Isandla Institute, Stephen Berrisford Consulting and Progressus Research and Development. 

This case study draws on a regional study of urban land markets in southern Africa. The research was undertaken by Resetselemang Leduka of the National University of Lesotho, and commissioned by Urban LandMark and UN-HABITAT. 

Climate change and its implications on development in Tanzania should not be understated or ignored. Instead, discussions on our changing climate should begin with the recognition that climate change is undermining efforts to eradicate poverty. Yet, scientific complexities, jargon, uncertainties and debate have led to a general lack of understanding and confusion on how to address a changing climate, including policy prescriptions.