The book presents an integrative exploration of how ecological frameworks influence and interact with human growth, behavior, and societal progress. Rooted in interdisciplinary research, the book draws upon ecological psychology, developmental science, sociology, and environmental studies to understand the reciprocal relationship between humans and their surroundings.

The text begins with an introduction to ecological modeling in human development, offering foundational perspectives on how individuals evolve within layered environments—ranging from immediate settings to broader societal structures. It proceeds to examine the physical ecology that encompasses natural and built environments, and their impact on physical, mental, and social well-being.

The third chapter highlights the significance of socio-cultural ecology, delving into the cultural, familial, and institutional factors that shape human identity and development. The final chapter focuses on the role of systems and policies, analyzing how public frameworks, governance, and institutional ecosystems affect human flourishing and ecological balance.

Ideal for students, researchers, educators, and policymakers, this concise and insightful volume offers a systems-oriented lens on human development, making it a vital resource for those working at the intersection of ecology, education, and social policy.

Mouneshwari Ramanand Kammar, was working as  Senior Scientist and Head, ICAR-Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Bagalkote, University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad has worked on issues related to women empowerment enhancing the capacity of women to make choices and to transform these choices into desirable actions and outcomes. The major areas under study were drudgery reduction enabling the women to access the technologies,  facilitating them to have access to fuel needs of rural family, access to income and  entrepreneurship development opportunities for women and rural folk, access to nutritious food and health by establishing nutrigardens for the year round supplementation of nutrients to farm families and schools, , access to food grains at households by implementing grain storage studies, ensuring nutritional security of farm families. The interventions on mechanization in major commercial crops such as paddy and sugarcane are also notable. The researcher has used various innovative methodologies including social media, TV/Radio, popular articles and other print and electronic media. Functional linkages established for the welfare of women in rural area established a strong base for empowering women. The outcomes of the work submitted for the award have been implemented in the form of policies. Though small, her works have given scope for commercialization of technologies in the area of processing and value addition.  Impact analysis of the technologies imparted conducted at KVK Bagalkote imply the need to further expand the intervention to the unreached. Documentation of case studies and research papers emerging out of extension work deserve appreciation. She is involved in disseminating technologies which are relevant to existing cropping system of the district in collaboration with various departments and farmers. The experience gained through extension work in three districts representing north Karnataka has benefitted the area in which she is working. As Associate Professor of Human Development and Family Studies, also I am executing the duties to the best of my abilities.

Vinutha U. Muktamath human development specialist trained in assessment techniques for young children, adults and elderly and counselling especially in cognitive behaviour therapy. Have proficiency in qualitative research methodology, infant and child studies, developmental challenges and theories of human behaviour. Guided four Ph.D. students and six MSc students.  Developed technological packages on Postnatal care of mother & children, Successful breastfeeding practices and quality of life of elderly. Published more than 35 research papers, 15 books, and chapters in books and manuals of national and international repute. Attended various national and international conferences and presented research papers and won best research paper award for 6 papers in various national & international seminars. Won best thesis award for the Doctoral work on “Breast feeding practices and its influence on infant development outcomes” namely cognitive, psychomotor, language and socio-emotional development in 1st Indo-Asean Conference on Innovative Approaches in Applied Sciences and Technology held at Nong Lam university, Ho  Chi Min city Vietnam.

Prema B Patil scientist has expertise in gerontology. She has carried out her Msc. Research work on depression among elderly. Her PhD research was on the psycho-social scenario of the aged. She has worked in a project entitled “Increasing intergenerational solidarity and coping with aging” funded by ICAR, New Delhi.The students guided by her have worked on quality of life, loneliness and nutritional status among institutionalized and non-institutionalized elderly and effects of migration of adult children on quality of life and psychological well-being of elderly. She has implemented a DST funded project on Integrated services for senior citizens which was carried out in urban area of Bijapur taluk, Karnataka. The results revealed a positive and significant relationship at 1per cent  level between family status and financial status, health status, family solidarity and social status of the elderly. The health status of the elderly had a positive and significant relationship with family status, financial status and family solidarity. Further family solidarity had a positive and significant relationship with family status, financial status, health status and social status of the elderly. Finally, social status of the elderly had a positive and significant relationship with family status, financial status and family solidarity.

Sunkara.Hanna, Teaching  Assistant , Avinashilingam Institute of Home Science and  higher education for Women, Coimbatore,Tamil Nadu

Chapter 1. Ecological modeling in human development

Chapter 2. Physical ecology and human development

Chapter 3. Socio-cultural ecology and human development

Chapter 4. Role of systems and policies