Rural people are increasingly expected to become the main
participants of their own development. However, they seldom
have the required knowledge for making sound decisions in
such a changing and uncertain context. They lack the skills and
self-confidence to make change happen. Their activities and
choices are limited by poor access to most markets ; inept local
institutions ; and lack of external support.
This handbook is based on experiences of rural development
support at local level in West Africa. It highlights approaches
and methodologies that were proven successful. It aims to
empower development operators and local managers in
defining new roles and approaches to planning, training,
experimentation, support of local organisations, extension,
natural resource management, gender and financing.