Subject details

At the completion of this subject students will:

  1. explain the advantages and disadvantages of the main approaches to development in terms of the sustainability of livelihoods in the developing world explain the interrelationship between environmental, social and economic issues and the impact on change in rural communities
  2. critically determine the influence of socio-cultural values and identity on local understandings of development and notions of the "good life"
  3. analyse how socio-cultural values and local economic factors interact with global processes to influence development outcomes at the local level
  4. apply analytical skills to interpret analyse and synthesise data from a variety of sources and communicate information effectively.

  • Topics

    • Introduction and Framing
    • Theories, Debates and Approaches to Development – Part 1
    • Theories, Debates and Approaches to Development – Part 2
    • Sustainable Livelihoods Framework
    • Sustainable Livelihoods & Development Initiatives in the Himalayas
    • Smallholder farmers & livelihoods in PNG
    • Community Based Forestry and Local Livelihoods
    • Gender and Equity in Development
    • Remote Aboriginal Communities & Sustainability
    • Aboriginal heritage and livelihoods
    • Rural Settlement Schemes in Australia and Brazil
    • Environment, Conservation and Livelihoods

  • Study resources

    • Instructional Methods

      • Standard Media
      • Web links
      • Online assignment submission
      • Discussion forum/Discussion Board

No eligibility requirements

Special requirements

No special requirements

The subject is concerned with the practice of sustainable livelihoods in the developing world. The range of approaches to designing, implementing and evaluating development projects for sustainable livelihoods is critically examined. Topics include: project planning, understanding the project environment, logical framework analysis, participatory and control-oriented management techniques. Through case studies from the Asia-Pacific region these approaches are examined in the context of the socio-economic, cultural and environmental factors that influence the vulnerability and resilience of communities and their capacity to respond to global and local processes of change.

Please Note: If it’s your first time studying a Curtin University subject you’ll need to complete their compulsory ‘Academic Integrity Program’. It only takes two hours to complete online, and provides you with vital information about studying with Curtin University. The Academic Integrity Program is compulsory, so if it’s not completed your subject grades will be withheld.

Find out more about the Academic Integrity module.

  • Essay (40%)
  • Exercises (20%)
  • Presentation (40%)

Textbooks are subject to change within the academic year. Students are advised to purchase their books no earlier than one to two months before the start of a subject.

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