Effective Volunteering: Traditional Societies, Agriculture, and Modernization

Environmental Studies

Burke, Marina

Faye, Jean (Mentor)

The term “modernization” implies a transformation from a traditional, rural, agrarian society to a more secular, urban, industrialized one. However, such a process rarely follows a simple and linear trajectory, and can be rife with misconceptions and judgments in error as Western ideologies and scientific thought continue to permeate into traditional societies. Drawing from different theories of development and closely examining successful examples of agricultural integration between traditional societies and Western practices (including French colonialist), this research seeks to identify the key distinctions which set apart successful, sustainable development efforts from failed ones. Central to this success lies a willingness to understand and participate in the cultural and institutional heritage of traditional societies. Research for this project is focused on anglophone and francophone sources of various ethnic groups in Western Africa, with special attention paid to the country