Rural regions are the hub of the lives and economies of most of the population in developing countries. They form the basis for income generation and growth, which radiates into the cities. They also play a key role in safeguarding the natural resource base. Protecting and developing rural regions is not just the key theme of regional rural development it is also an important building block in combating poverty and protecting the environment and natural resources.

Ways out of rural poverty
Overcoming rural poverty calls for better access to land, services, markets, infrastructure and education, as well as opportunities for political participation. This also helps to curb, or at least ameliorate, poverty-driven impacts such as the degradation of natural resources.

In order to combat rural poverty effectively, development strategies which are oriented towards the specific conditions at local level are required. Key factors in this context are: market- and employment-oriented agricultural production, productive and paid employment in non-agricultural sectors, food security, health care, local development, expansion of infrastructure, training for local people and service providers, and sustainable use of natural resources.

Tailor-made: Comprehensive structural policy
Regional rural development must be broad-based and multidisciplinary. Appropriately adapted approaches that are geared towards rural regions and communities are essential if poverty reduction strategies are to be successful.

Regional rural development embraces a wide range of strategies. They include

• developing a "tailor-made" promotion strategy based on the specific development potential of the region concerned,
• broad-based analysis and activities in selected core areas,
• a multisectoral approach and linkage of local, national and international levels of intervention,
• integration of regional promotion strategies into national programmes,
• implementation of international agreements accompanied by policy advice.

Measurable prospects: Practical implementation initiates development
A recent evaluation of regional rural development projects that have now concluded in Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Tanzania and Zambia shows how the local communities' living conditions have improved – on a sustainable basis. The improvements can be felt in many areas: food security, income generation opportunities, representation of interests of disadvantaged groups, and the advancement of women.