Ian Bowler is Reader in Human Geography in the Department of Geography at the University of Leicester and Chair of the International Geographical Union's Commission on 'The Sustainability of Rural Systems'. His current research work is concerned with sustainable rural land use systems in the EU, and a recent book is : Bowler, I.R., Bryant, C.R. and Nellis, M.D. (Eds) 1992 Contemporary Rural Systems in Transition. CAB International, Wallingford.
Catherine Laurent is a Doctor in Economic Sciences and Veterinary Sciences. She is a researcher in the Agrarian Systems and Development Department (SAD) of the French Institute of Agricultural Research. Her current research is focussed on the dynamics of structures in agriculture. She is involved in the follow-up of several multidisciplinary research programs.