This book investigates how rural communities in the Kalahari environment maintain sustainable livelihoods amidst significant natural variability and shifting policy landscapes. The authors, David S. G. Thomas and Deborah Sporton, curate a collection of research that bridges environmental science and social policy. By synthesizing contributions from active researchers, the text evaluates the efficacy of various coping strategies and development interventions within the unique ecological constraints of southern Africa.

Experts recognize this volume as a foundational resource for understanding the complexities of arid-land development and environmental management. Readers frequently note the academic rigor and the specific focus on the interplay between ecological constraints and human agency in southern Africa.