GEO

Development

A value-laden idea of what a society can/should achieve; distinguishes between 'developed' and 'developing' societies.

Colonialism

Dominance of one society by an outside power, involving political, military, economic, or ideological control.

Industrial Colonialism

A phase of colonialism (c. 1800-1960s) driven by European rivalry and the Industrial Revolution, characterized by extraction and control over colonies.

Modernization Theory

The theory that poverty stems from a lack of progress, advocating for interventions to move societies through development stages.

Dependency Theory

The perspective that poor countries are structurally dependent on rich ones, leading to persistent poverty.

Neoliberalism

An economic theory suggesting that government intervention is the problem, advocating for free trade and privatization.

Sustainable Development

Development that meets present needs without compromising future generations; focuses on economy, equality, and environment.

Agro-Industrial Complex

An integrated system of food production characterized by few staple crops, mechanization, and financialization.

Homogenocene

A term describing a period marked by a reduction in biodiversity in food production, relying heavily on a small number of plant species.

Green Revolution

A period (c. 1945-1965) marked by the introduction of high-yield crop varieties, which increased food production but required heavy input use.

Biofortification

The process of increasing the nutritional value of crops through selective breeding or genetic modification.

Financialization

The shift in economies from relying on internal dynamics to being driven by financial markets and instruments.

Gros Michel Banana

A banana variety that was wiped out by Panama disease, illustrating risks of monoculture and genetic uniformity in food production.

Economic Colonialism

A form of colonialism that encourages local economies to follow external economic rules through regulatory frameworks.

Undernutrition vs. Malnutrition

Undernutrition refers to insufficient calorie intake, while malnutrition involves lack of proper nutrients despite adequate calorie access.

T-Shirt Travels

A film highlighting the impact of donating secondhand Western clothing on local economies in Zambia, illustrating economic colonialism.

Organic Farming

A farming practice that limits synthetic chemicals and GMOs, promoting sustainability but potentially leading to higher prices and lower yields.

Post-Development Thinking

A critical approach to development that emphasizes understanding historical contexts and including affected communities in solutions.

Import Substitution

Economic policy aimed at reducing dependence on foreign goods by promoting local production.