"Images of children starving because of environmental destruction have become an integral part of the way that Africa is perceived in the north. That is a typical signpost to the lie of the land. This book questions the reasoning behind such images." "How do environmental orthodoxies become established? Historically informed research in this book shows that many of the orthodoxies are ill-conceived or represent the interests of certain powerful groups." "What are the alternative and appropriate approaches for policy-making? This pioneering book draws eleven key cases together to explore their commonalities. Challenges to received wisdom have reached a critical mass which allows comparative analysis." "On what experience do these contributors draw? first hand research in different ecological zones; experience in different aspects of rural production; ecology, soil science, geography, social anthropology, economics and history.