The New Peasantries: Struggles for Autonomy and Sustainability in an Era of Empire and Globalization

‘Jan Douwe van der Ploeg combines long engagement in the empirical study of farming and farmers, and of alternative agricultures, in very different parts of the world, with a sophisticated analytical acumen and capacity to provoke in fruitful ways.’ Henry Bernstein, School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London, UK

‘This book makes a timely and original contribution. The author revitalizes our interest in peasant societies through an in-depth examination of how rural populations in state systems respond to neo-liberal globalization.’ Robert E. Rhoades, Distinguished Research Professor, University of Georgia, US

‘There is an increasing interest in this topic, especially as the author links the debate on the peasantry with Empire and Globalization. He has an excellent reputation in the field and is highly qualified to write this book, which draws on his extensive worldwide experience with the issues he discusses.’ Cristobal Kay, Institute of Social Studies, The Hague, The Netherlands

‘This is a courageous book offering hope from the past for the future.’ Professor John Hodges, AGRI