Rural Development Outcomes and Drivers: An Overview and Some Lessons

Books, Periodicals, Studies, and Reports

ISBN: 978-971-561-629-4
Pub. Date: 2008
In stock

Over 3.5 billion people live in the Asia and Pacific region and some 63% of them in rural areas. Although millions of rural people have escaped poverty as a result of economic growth in many Asian countries, a large majority of rural people continue to suffer from persistent poverty. The socioeconomic disparities between rural and urban areas are also widening, creating tremendous pressure on the social and economic fabric of many developing Asian economies. These factors, among many others, tend to highlight the importance of rural development.

A review of country experience suggests that policy makers in most developing economies recognize this importance and have been implementing a host of programs and measures to achieve rural development objectives. While some of these countries have achieved impressive results, others have failed to make a significant dent in the problem of persistent rural underdevelopment.

Based on the cross-country review of experience, the book provides insights on what is likely to drive rural development in general and inclusive rural development in particular. These drivers include high overall economic growth, effective land reform, rural infrastructure, effective institutions, rural financial services, a dynamic agricultural sector, rural nonfarm enterprises, and subsidies. The review and discussion of rural development outcomes and drivers also throw light on possible broad lessons for policy makers interested in inclusive rural development.