EV5012 - Tropical Landscapes and Livelihoods

Available to postgraduate students admitted to the Master of Development Practice (105504)

This subject provides students with an understanding of the critical links between tropical landscapes and livelihoods in a development practice context. The content will provide students with knowledge of the concept of livelihoods and tools used to investigate assess and monitor changes in livelihoods. Students will learn experientially through hands-on experience with a variety of participatory approaches to livelihood studies. Special attention will be given to the different visions and perceptions of livelihoods amongst different people. The concept of landscape and the use of various visualisation techniques will be emphasised. Implications of globalisation for rural livelihoods and ways in which market integration can be mediated to favour livelihoods will be explored. Much of the teaching will be in the workshop mode and there will be opportunities for field excursions to communities in far north Queensland.

Learning Outcomes

• gain understanding of trade-offs in conservation and development in a globalised world and gain understanding of the concepts of: appreciative inquiry as an approach to engage with local populations; livelihoods and the sustainable livelihoods framework and how this applies in situations of different cultures and environments; landscape and its application of measures to improve livelihoods;
• gain hands-on experience with the full range of participatory approaches used in livelihoods studies and use scenario techniques, based upon drawing, smart mapping, simulation models etc to investigate development pathways and their impacts on people's livelihoods;
• learn the use of tools for exploring the different visions and perception of livelihoods amongst different stakeholder groups;
• gain knowledge on the use of a range of visualisation techniques;
• acquire the ability to work in the field with marginalised groups in remote areas.

Graduate Qualities

• The ability to think critically, to analyse and evaluate claims, evidence and arguments, and to reason and deploy evidence clearly and logically;
• An understanding of the economic, legal, ethical, social and cultural issues involved in the use of information;
• The ability to manage future career and personal development;
• The ability to speak and write clearly, coherently and creatively;
• The ability to lead, manage and contribute effectively to teams;
• The ability to work with people of different gender, age, ethnicity, culture, religion and political persuasion;
• The ability to select and use appropriate tools and technologies.

Note: Minor variations might occur due to the continuous Subject quality improvement process, and in case of minor variation(s) in assessment details, the Subject Outline represents the latest official information.