Assessing Economic, Social, Political and Environmental Issues Related to Mega-projects: A case study of Merowe Dam in Sudan
type: CreativeWork
description: Contemporary global economic development has been undergoing a transition into multiple pathways aiming at sustainable development, poverty eradication and environmental protection especially in energy production to achieve socioeconomic development (Behera, 2006; Dunning, 2006). In developing countries, a shift from traditional development to modern economic development has begun since the 1970s (Amin & Thrift, 1995; Behera, 2006). Many developing countries have used mega-dams as a source of electricity generation and water supply for irrigation, urban and industrial uses. Dams are still preferred as the primary strategy to pursue economic development, which has been reinforced by increasing levels of urbanisation, industrialisation, agribusiness and diversification of income in rural economy (Rigg, 2007; Varma, 2003). Sudan has embarked on economic development for decades and the need for electricity and water for irrigation is becoming more important over time as the country has experienced political polarisation and rapid transition towards modernisation, industrialisation and urbanisation (Verhoeven 2011). However, in 1990s the country’s economy has faltered due to electricity shortages, and stagnation in industrials and agribusiness, which has reduced economic output (Askouri, 2014; Hashim, 2009). Many academics have focused on evaluations of the contribution of mega-projects primarily to economic development in the developing economies. But, less emphasis has been placed on the agency of society, economic structure, development stage and needs of the economy, its geo-politics, level of institutional development and socio-cultural factors (Dogra, 1992; Ersumer, 1999b; Flyvbjerg, Garbuio & Lovallo, 2009; Varma, 1999; Varma, 2003). Furthermore, in 1990s the processes by which development are governed have changed remarkably. Scholars are debating the conceptual and theoretical approaches concerning actual and potential impacts of mega-projects as a powerful forc…
abstract: Contemporary global economic development has been undergoing a transition into multiple pathways aiming at sustainable development, poverty eradication and environmental protection especially in energy production to achieve socioeconomic development (Behera, 2006; Dunning, 2006). In developing countries, a shift from traditional development to modern economic development has begun since the 1970s (Amin & Thrift, 1995; Behera, 2006). Many developing countries have used mega-dams as a source of electricity generation and water supply for irrigation, urban and industrial uses. Dams are still preferred as the primary strategy to pursue economic development, which has been reinforced by increasing levels of urbanisation, industrialisation, agribusiness and diversification of income in rural economy (Rigg, 2007; Varma, 2003). Sudan has embarked on economic development for decades and the need for electricity and water for irrigation is becoming more important over time as the country has experienced political polarisation and rapid transition towards modernisation, industrialisation and urbanisation (Verhoeven 2011). However, in 1990s the country’s economy has faltered due to electricity shortages, and stagnation in industrials and agribusiness, which has reduced economic output (Askouri, 2014; Hashim, 2009). Many academics have focused on evaluations of the contribution of mega-projects primarily to economic development in the developing economies. But, less emphasis has been placed on the agency of society, economic structure, development stage and needs of the economy, its geo-politics, level of institutional development and socio-cultural factors (Dogra, 1992; Ersumer, 1999b; Flyvbjerg, Garbuio & Lovallo, 2009; Varma, 1999; Varma, 2003). Furthermore, in 1990s the processes by which development are governed have changed remarkably. Scholars are debating the conceptual and theoretical approaches concerning actual and potential impacts of mega-projects as a powerful forc…
author: Abdullah, Al-Noor
language: eng
keywords: Dam and socioeconomic development, Dam impact, Economic, Social, Political and Environmental, Merowe Dam, Northern Sudan, Merowe Social conflict, Sudan economic development
date published: 2019-01-01T08:00:00Z
date modified: 2026-07-24T03:48:35Z
provider: University of Plymouth
publisher: Networked Digital Library of Theses and Dissertations
type: WebPage
source organization: University of Plymouth