Vulnerability. Small states in the global society Commonwealth Secretariat Commonwealth Secretariat, London. 1986, 126 pp.
| Date | 01 October 1987 |
| Published date | 01 October 1987 |
| Author | Malcolm Wallis |
| DOI | http://doi.org/10.1002/pad.4230070412 |
408
Book
Reviews
for other Sahel countries
or
other food crop programmes is not convincing.
For
example,
an important conclusion is that ‘this para-statal agency has tended to expand bureaucratic
control, reduce production incentives, and stifle direct smallholders’ control’. This obser-
vation will come as no surprise to most readers, and certainly is not typical for Sahel
countries.
The book offers a good overview
of
the recent history of Mali, and considerable insight
to Malien rice production and a detailed description of the ORS. The lessons (see title)
are not as clear. After concluding that the top-down
ORS
approach has been ineffective,
the author suggests that a better alternative would be to stimulate ‘grass-roots initiative’.
Two major types
of
incentive programmes would be beneficial: agricultural research and
human resource development. Although many readers (especially scientists) will be inclined
to agree with the author, it has to be admitted that the book offers little convincing
evidence supporting this solution. As a matter
of
fact, an overview of rice research
or
farming system research activities
in
Mali during the period of analysis (1972 through 1Y82)
is conspicuously absent. During that period at least four governments (French, Canadian,
US, and the Netherlands) had farming system research programmes in Mali. What have
been the impacts of their programmes? IDRC-sponsored research in rainfed rice, WARDA
in irrigated (mainly deep-water) rice production? Was there any interaction between ORS
and these programmes? Why not? Because of its narrow focus on the ORS, the book lacks
the comprehensiveness that its title promises.
The conclusion is that the book provides a good description
of
a case study of a parastatal
development agency. It will be
of
interest to agricultural policymakers
in
any country where
comparable agencies are operating
or
are being planned.
HENDRIK C.
KNIPSCHEER
Winrock
International
VULNERABILITY. SMALL STATES IN THE GLOBAL SOCIETY
Commonwealth
Secretariat
Commonwealth Secretariat, London.1986, 126 pp.
This report was commissioned by the Commonwealth Secretary-Gcneral
in
November
1983. A consultative group was established, comprising senior representatives
of
a number
of commonwealth countries. The report is essentially a review of the problems facing small
states, and attempts to suggest measures that may be taken by way of solution. Given the
high proportion of commonwealth states which are ‘small’ (i.e. have populations of less
than a million), the topic has clear relevance. Much
of
what the report has to say directly
concerns the commonwealth, although there are obviously many other small states faced
by similar dilemmas.
The study makes the very useful point that vulnerability should not be interpreted
in
purely military terms, but should be analyzed from various perspectives-military
,
political,
economic, technical, social and cultural. All
of
these dimensions are seen as often inter-
related as when, for example, a state facing economic pressure from a powerful neighhour
experiences domestic upheaval as a result. This happened
in
Lesotho early
in
1986. when
a military coup followed South African economic pressure.
By adopting a comprehensive approach the report provides a useful service, and is able
to suggest measures which are worthy of further exploration. At the same time due
acknowledgement is made of the diversity
of
situations facing small states. Those
in
Southern Africa are, for instance, in quite a different position from those in the Caribbean
and the Pacific. There is a danger of over-generalization here, which the report largely
succeeds in avoiding.
If
anything, more attention is given to the Caribbean than elsewhere.
This is perhaps justified because there are
so
many small island states in that region.
The conclusions reached are largely positive in tone. Fatalism is little in evidence. At
times an excessive optimism can be observed.
For
example, the possibilities for regional
cooperation seem overstated in view of the difficulties which have been experienced with
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