On the 15th of April 2026, Nova Institute participated in the launch of Development in the Anthropocene at the University of Pretoria, hosted by UJ Press.
Bringing together 29 contributors from across the globe, the book explores the complex, often uncertain work of advancing planetary and household well-being in low-income contexts. Rather than offering simple answers, it engages deeply with the realities of working across systems – where nature, technology, culture, and lived experience intersect.
The launch reflected this spirit: a thoughtful exchange between philosophy and practice, research and implementation, and the many perspectives that shape development work today.
At its core, the book focuses on what it takes to work well in complexity: testing, learning, adjusting, and staying close to the realities of the people the work is intended to serve. And of recognising that, in complex systems, progress is rarely linear, but always possible.
In line with its emphasis on accessibility and shared learning, the book is available as a free download https://doi.org/10.64449/9781997468554 or in print from University of Johannesburg Press.