Marites Dayag Darilag

MSCRIM-I

Rural Development
Sat & Sun 8:00-11:00AM

Rural Development
The term rural development is a word that can be described as multi-faceted,
dynamic, interesting, challenging, controversial, complex, political in nature, full of
hope and frustrations, subject to a lot of meanings and debate, study
and
interpretations as there are individuals conceptualizing, thinking, and using it. Rural
development through the years, as it becomes a field of study is a concept or subset of
a broader term development. Every person in his normal state dreams of a
development state which he aspires and works for himself and family, others work for
the greater glory of God, others for the community or country and for the whole world.
It becomes an intrinsic or extrinsic motive to wake you up everyday of your life.
Hence, it is not surprising that there is need to write a book that put in writing
meaningful insights, observations, experiences, conclusions, unified and acceptable
definitions of what it should be for a particular person, group, society, community or a
country. Let us try to explore and present its meaning in order to crystallize ever
changing concepts, your concepts and others who have been working, dreaming, and
aspiring for it to guide us on what are we really doing and where we are going.
At the end of the chapter, the reader should be able to:
1 Explain the nature and meaning of development and rural development
based on different and realistic perspectives;
2 Search for various philosophies and principles of rural development and
be able to formulate relevant and universal philosophy;
3 Identify and list the scope of rural development as implemented by
various sectors; and
4 Present selected approaches in rural development that are popularly
used.

Nature and Meaning of Rural Development

Development is a moving state or target, progressing every minute, happening
unnoticed, intentional or unintentional, deliberate or not, influenced by peoples values,
religion, discipline, status in life, education, position, work experiences and the inner
desire to be ---- powerful, wealthy, healthy, wise, holy and most of all people-centered
and God-centered. Generally, development connotes change in various aspects of
human life such as physical, emotional, mental, social, spiritual, cultural including
mans environment and all the resources around him and all those in his capacity to
control and develop.
I am very sure you have your own definitions and concepts of rural development
which in many cases contrary to what you have read and heard before. With all the
economic, social, political, technological, environmental and spiritual issues and state
of development around us,
sometimes you may ask yourself, what is really
happening in this world? As men become wiser and technologically advance, we
forget our fellowmen, the real essence of human existence and just focus on our own
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Marites Dayag Darilag

Rural Development
MSCRIM-I
Sat & Sun 8:00-11:00AM
personal desire and ambition to be on top and become powerful. Is this the
development state we would like to achieve? Is this the orientation we learn from
our parents, from the prestigious schools we studied, from the government that
surrounds us? From our parents who molded us? Where is the development
state we are aspiring for, the government trying to aim for, and the goals and target we
would like to achieve.
Rural development is a strategy designed to improve the social and economic
status of people living in the rural areas (Rivera, 1980). After three decades in rural
development work, this simple definition is still the most common and acceptable
definition as it mentions two important keywordssocial and economic. They must go
hand in hand, even the laymans definitions are centered on these two words which is
adequate income to feed the family, a decent house, education for the children, good
health, and a safe place to live in.
Katar Singh (1986) cited Robert Chambers definition (1983) of rural development
as the overall development of the rural areas with a view to improve the quality of life of
rural people. It is a comprehensive and multidimensional concept, encompasses the
development of agriculture and allied activities, village and cottage industries and crafts,
socio-economic, infrastructure, community service facilities, and, above all, the human
resources in the rural areas.
Thus, rural development encompasses all aspects of human life in the rural
areas as it can be described as a work in progress, a process of transformation, a
moving target and a continuing desire to be better. It involves the development of the
poorest sector of society, the sick, depressed, unemployed, less-educated,
misinformed, and the disadvantaged. Can we really help them, what are our roles, are
we stakeholders of development can government help them? or just observers and on
lookers?
A whole day may not be enough to explore all the definitions of rural
development, but what is clear is rural development covers the change, growth, the
transformation and development of rural life which include: education, health,
nutrition, housing, domestic water source, peace and order, governance and political
structure, social welfare, religious beliefs, agrarian reform, agriculture and forestry,
post-harvest technologies, fisheries, irrigation and drainage, communication and
transportation, sources and level of technology, technology transfer, private sector,
associations, cooperatives, micro, small, medium and big businesses, processing,
trading and marketing, music, culture and arts, eco-tourism, and most important the
dreams and aspirations of the people living in the rural areas. It is so encompassing to
the point that you and I may be wondering of where to start and where to end.
Are you now clear of the concepts and coverage? Or overwhelmed and confused.
Do not be discouraged but instead be inspired and thankful that you are still around
given the opportunity to be part of this noble task of serving humanity. You can not
change the world overnight, but what is important is your strong desire and a committed
heart to involve yourself in this huge task of rural development.

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Marites Dayag Darilag

MSCRIM-I

Rural Development
Sat & Sun 8:00-11:00AM

Characteristics of Rural Development

Rural Development is basically a mandate of government
One of the primary tasks of all governments is to improve the welfare of their
constituents particularly those in the rural areas which in many countries are the
majority of the population. As the word rural, it is always associated with the agriculture
sector which is primarily the producers of food for the country. The rural areas are
major parts of the nation as this sector can never be ignored. As many governments
always expressed their concern of the rural poor as the winning agendum and pillars
of their development propaganda in any election.

Rural Development has wide coverage or scope

As mentioned earlier in the definition and concepts, RD covers the totality of life in
the rural area. Economic, social, political, cultural, environmental, agrarian reform,
science and technology, waste management, forest and natural resources, climate
change, communication and transportation, energy, and infrastructure development.
Now, where to start the development initiatives? Who will lead? Who will design the
development framework and serve as the architect of rural development? who will be
involved?

Rural Development requires holistic approach

Since RD covers many areas, many expressed that a holistic development
framework and strategy must be formulated. This must be guided by a strong
philosophy of people first and foremost. Although, it will take years to develop an
area, every political administration must be guided by a clear vision and goals to
achieve in every stage of development which they can manage and control.

Rural Development involves partnership

As done in many Asian countries, government can not do it alone as the new US
President Barack Obama said I can not do it alone but together, yes we can.
Government, the people or civil society and private sectors have to work together for
the common good guided by the Christian values and respect for the human
dignity regardless of color, religion or beliefs, education, economic status and political
affiliation.

Rural Development is anchored on the culture of the people

Every country or nation for that matter has its own unique culture that must be
nurtured, developed, protected and respected through the years of its development
journey. Modernization is a part of life, however as a people we must not forget our
own unique culture and values which make us different from the rest of the world. The
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Marites Dayag Darilag

Rural Development
MSCRIM-I
Sat & Sun 8:00-11:00AM
rate of development in many cases is influenced by the peoples culture whether
material and non-material culture. Simple housing project for the minorities or other
groups must consider the style of living in order to attain occupancy of the housing
project. There was a case that the intended group of families abandon and did not
occupy the houses built-free for them by government officials with different culture.

Rural Development is working together and sharing resources

This statement comes from a former professor and a university president of
Nueva Viscaya State University Dr. Marcelo M. Roguel Sr. who stressed the meaning
of integration of efforts, complementation of resources whether human and
material resources, unified goals and objectives and using a common strategic
plan to achieve our goals. Development is not done alone by one person or group, we
need others to work with us since resources are not always available and they are in the
hands and control of other groups or agencies. Easier said than done, to work with
others is not easy even you are covered by legal documents like memorandum of
agreement or memorandum of understanding. Every group or agency has their own
mandate and every agency wants to clamor for their own accomplishments and claim
honor and glory.

RD Methods and Approaches

1 RD utilizes tested, appropriate and variety of methods and approaches.
2 RD methods and approaches are culture bound.
3 Education and training play important roles in the transformative process of
development.
4 RD is interdisciplinaryutilizing various fields of specialization such social,
technical, economic, environmental, engineering, political, organizational and
others.
5 RD needs integration of efforts of various players. In our society, each agency of
group is mandated only to work on specific area with some limitations.
6 RD requires working with people of various interest and needs,
7 RD plans must be written and translated into a workable strategic plan which
are approved, funded and advocated for implementation.
8 RD program requires serious monitoring, documentation and evaluation.

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