The emerging service sector is poorly prepared for the new demands made on it in respect of competence in subject areas, methods and management, quality assurance, broad impact, demand orientation and sustainable funding.

Many municipal administrations are not sure of their mandate and spheres of competence, for instance coordination, regulation, quality management and outsourcing of services. Producers are often not organised enough to demand and monitor the services needed, such as extension, provision of market information, or training relevant to the employment situation.

The sector project “Knowledge systems in rural areas” has systematically analysed the experiences and difficulties encountered in promoting rural information delivery systems by means of applied research, extension and information systems. Concepts for improving steering, organisation and training have been derived from the findings. These inputs can form the foundation for harmonising the approaches of various donors.