CRC Future Rural Africa Lecture Series
Universität Bonn, GIUB

Lecture by Ian Scoones, Institute of Development Studies/ESRC STEPS Centre/ERC PASTRES project

This talk makes the argument for putting uncertainty at the centre of thinking and practice in development. This means rejecting a linear, technocratic framing and embracing the implications of uncertainty for today’s complex, dynamic world. Through a number of examples – from the fields of banking, critical infrastructures and disease control – the elements of new thinking on uncertainty and development are explored.

The talk argues, however, that those who live with and from uncertainty day-to-day are best placed to innovate and help refashion development more broadly. Examples from pastoralism from around the world are offered to demonstrate the importance of learning from the margins. The talk concludes with a reflection on new directions for development that take uncertainty seriously and help refashion the way we imagine the future.

Time: 16:15 – 17:45 / Venue: Geographisches Institut der Universität Bonn, Meckenheimer Allee 166, Alfred-Philippson-Hörsaal, 53115 Bonn, Germany

For full information, visit the Future Rural Africa website.