ABSTRACT
As a multidisciplinary science, human ecology has many fields of application. It may even be correct to say that often greater advances have been made in application than in the underlying unifying theory. This chapter constitutes the integrative point where theory and practice meet, and should contribute to a comprehensive theoretical backdrop to the empirical studies that follow in Chapters 5 and 6. Following the conceptual framework of the "Vienna School", the spectrum of topics investigated in human ecology will first be briefly outlined, before one particular area, namely environment and development, is explored. Conceptual models for the application of human ecology to specifically developmental issues are presented, and the question of sustainability is discussed with respect to development (ecodevelopment), agriculture (ecofarming) and other related fields, such as energy use and housing.
