Natural resource economics: theory and application in India
- New Delhi Oxford and IBH Publishing. 1997
- 636 p. : ill.
This is an introductory textbook in natural resource economics. It is not an exhaustive account of the subject, but it will provide readers with a good beginning, and it will help them identify where to find addi tional literature. The book focuses mainly on what distinguishes natural resource economics from agricultural economics and other applied eco nomics fields-especially property rights, externalities, time, and space. We have taken this approach because India has a strong agricultural eco nomics tradition, and many of its natural resource economists will be trained in institutions that focus mainly on agricultural economics. This approach reflects the strengths and interests of the editors and authors. This book also places much emphasis on how to approach research problems-how to identify researchable issues, ask the right research question, and develop hypotheses. These skills are important to conduct quality research that produces useful results. The book emphasizes that research must be client-driven-that is, carried out. Clients come in many forms: they can be policymakers who need economics information to set priorities or design policies; resource managers who need to make eco nomically sound management decisions; scientific journals that seek to expand the frontiers of scientific knowledge; or the researcher's own sim ple curiosity to solve a riddle. All of these are valid clients for whom research can be conducted; the point is to identify the client, understand the client's needs, and conduct research that meets those needs.