Geography and development

After commencing with a brief exposition of some salient characteristics of modern geography attention is given to the state of development thinking within the discipline. Various approaches to geographical studies of development are alluded to, whilst some major contributions are cited. This is followed by a brief discussion of the main research fields relevant to South African development issues. Some major research contributions are cited and a list of perceived deficiencies given. In conclusion it is stated that economic development always takes place within a spatial framework and always affects spatial structures as well as the man‐environment system. Geography, as a spatial science, is primarily concerned with these issues and therefore has a crucial role to play in development studies.