Primarily intended for students with an interest in developing their knowledge and skills of the science and management of natural resources within a development framework particularly in low income countries; it is an advantage for applicants to have some practical experience and technical ability related to natural resource management issues; the course aims to increase students' understanding of the issues involved in natural resource development and their ability to apply that understanding to assist different groups of stakeholders to achieve appropriate development; there is a special emphasis on drought-prone and other marginal environments.