CONCLUSION
A broad definition of rural development is now almost universally recognised. Less well accepted is the need to involve all sections of the community in planning developments fundamental to the survival of the community, and particularly in projects which will impact on them.
The ideological baggage that many government administrators and community leaders bring with them in their decision making can cloud their judgement and prevent a clear assessment of the situation resulting in poor decision making, frustration and inadequate use of human resources.
Attention must also be paid to what subordinate groups have to say themselves. That is, as long as the dominant group sets the agenda, it is likely that the needs of Maori communities, of women, or of asset-less workers and the unemployed, will not be adequately met. This has repercussions in the kinds of problems addressed, the kind of solutions found and the ways in which solutions are applied.
An agreed partnership between project leader and the people who are to be involved in the development programme, or who are the beneficiaries of the project or end users of the technology or product, is essential for the project to be of value to end users. This means that people participating in or leading the project need to step back and take a new perspective on the project. What is being done should focus on enabling locals to participate since they are the experts - they know the resources they have and if they are making the decisions, they have ownership. The programme will be relevant to them and will be used by them. Information cannot be forced onto people. It is only useful when it is perceived to be relevant or necessary. All stakeholders need to be involved in the development process whether adopting a new technology or management style on farm, or facilitating the realisation of new community development opportunities.
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Contact for Enquiries
Rural Affairs Coordinator
Sector Performance Policy
MAF Policy
Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry
PO Box 2526
Wellington
NEW ZEALAND
Phone: +64 4 894 0675
Fax: +64 4 4 894 0745
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