A Clash of Paradigms

This title was first published in 2001. This study indicates that researchers have far to go in understanding and assessing how development projects work. The author shows that, often, the perception of failure is not shared by those whom were intended to benefit. She uses a case study of Samoan villagers introduced to cattle farming to examine the wider development process and challenge the conventional theories. By drawing on people-centred perspectives that give much greater weight to the role of culture in development, the volume does not simply criticize development project management, but suggests practical and positive ways forward, encouraging spontaneous indigenous development which should be supported by projects where appropriate.