An international symposium addressing the challenges of making theoretical and methodological advances in risk research relevant to understanding social change in Africa will be November 27-29, 2008, in Bayreuth, Germany.
Contributions exploring these challenges from various fields are invited. Research-based contributions are particularly welcome, including comparative studies of cases from outside Africa.
Papers are invited on the following topics:
- Theories of risk and their relevance to the African context; Risk as a catalyst of social transformation;
- Risk, resilience and sustainability;
- Risk perception and communication;
- Risk, governance and power;
- Risk and environmental change in Africa;
- Development and risk production; and
- Risk and uncertainty.
Post-conference publication of selected papers is planned. ZENEB will try to provide financial support for selected presenters from Africa. Abstracts of 600 words or less are due June 30, 2008. Acceptance notifications will be emailed by mid July.
The Symposium is organized by ZENEB, the Centre for Natural Risks and Development. ZENEB is based at the Department of Population and Social Geography at the University of Bayreuth. For more information and an application visit the ZENEB websiteor e-mail Lena Bloemertz.