Training in participatory approaches to rural development

Context

This strategy features in the framework of Agenda 21 as formulated at UNCED (Rio de Janeiro, 1992), now coordinated by the United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development and implemented through national and local authorities.

Implementation

The Comprehensive Rural Health Project (Jamkhed, India) found that local people, even if semi-literate or illiterate, are fully capable of providing to their village professional services if appropriately trained. As a result of this project, the village women participate in the creation of media tools and methods for promotion of good health awareness. Village health workers cure 78 percent of the medical cases. All sectors of the village community are engaged in the process of planning through Farmers Club and Women's Club and other co-operative structures. All villagers participate in keeping the village clean and in good appearance. The whole village is involved in the observation of health hazards.

Claim

Governments at the appropriate level, with the support of the relevant international and regional organizations, should provide management and technical training to government administrators and members of resource-user groups in the principles, practice and benefits of people's participation in rural development.