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Why embracing uncertainty means rethinking development

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  • Scoones, Ian

Abstract

Uncertainty – where we don’t know what the future will hold – dominates our world. Climate change, natural disasters, pandemics and financial systems are characterised by deep uncertainties, even ignorance. Yet development efforts try to control, manage, plan and order the world in ways that often backfire. In an age of uncertainty, we need to ask whether development should be a project of control, often drawing on formal expertise and creating order through top-down intervention, or one of flexible, responsive, adaptive caring This Insights essay will explore the implications of taking uncertainty seriously, examining the implications for how we approach perhaps the biggest development challenge of all: adapting to climate change.

Suggested Citation

  • Scoones, Ian, 2026. "Why embracing uncertainty means rethinking development," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 199(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:wdevel:v:199:y:2026:i:c:s0305750x25003420
    DOI: 10.1016/j.worlddev.2025.107256
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Leigh Johnson & Tahira Shariff Mohamed & Ian Scoones & Masresha Taye, 2023. "Uncertainty in the drylands: Rethinking in/formal insurance from pastoral East Africa," Environment and Planning A, , vol. 55(8), pages 1928-1950, November.
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