What makes a periphery? The southeastern corner of Tanzania is officially one of the poorest corners of the world and is always presented as a peripheral area. This volume presents a lively discussion on the making of a periphery. The contributors show the interaction between the perceptions of outsiders, the views of local people, and the actual development efforts. The authors perceive development as a negotiated and contested field. Culture is not considered a factor constraining development but is seen rather as an engine which, due to the plurarlity of local and outsider cultures, sets the parameters for the battle. The volume include chapters on the major local economic sectors, social development, and cultural debates. In each chapter, the making of periphery is addressed from a different perspective.