A unique collection of 18 success stories in rural development in Asia, Africa and Latin America by those who led the innovations themselves... A worthy compendium for all those inclined to do something for their country following the leads provided. - THE HINDU

* Eighteen inspirational rural development success stories * Covers Africa, Asia, and Latin America In the personal words of international development initiators, Reasons for Hope tells true stories of what can be done to improve the lives of those in rural communities. Read individually for specific guidance, or collectively for cumulative advice on how to promote the most desirable forms of rural development, these stories offer a timely and crucial message concerning the plight of the rural poor.

* The indispensable follow-up to Reasons for Hope * Recommends action to improve rural living standards From an outside perspective that contrasts the personal, firsthand views of the first text, the authors impart critical, dynamic ideas for improving the lives of those in rural communities. They contend that real progress depends less on money alone, and more upon passionate ideas, acting on those ideas through leadership, and implementing appropriate methods for change.

* Profiles Ecuador as a broadly applicable case study to explore grassroots development initiatives * Stresses how macroeconomic conditions must change to achieve equitable development How do rural development programs, especially those run by nongovernmental organizations, contend with the forces of structural adjustment programs and economic liberalization? Rural Progress, Rural Decay asserts that NGOs make little progress in promoting equitable development and "poor people’s entrepreneurship" in an economic and political environment dominated by big business. The editors probe the adverse consequences of neoliberal macroeconomic policies on development in low-income countries. This illuminating study is a necessary read for those interested in local communities in Latin America and other parts of the developing world.

This paper summarises the research findings and policy implications of a research project undertaken by FAO to gain a greater understanding of the links between household livelihood strategies, incomes and the local institutional environments. Building on three country studies in India, Mozambique and Mexico, the research focuses on informal economic institutions associated with household access to land, labour, markets and capital, as well as those providing a social safety net.

The world's food supply needs to rise significantly, yet both arable and water supplies per capita are decreasing. Not only are modern agricultural methods beyond the reach of those suffering the greatest food insecurity but they are also ecologically damaging, relying upon fossil energy and chemical inputs. This volume offers a collection of innovative and diverse approaches to agricultural development.; Documented in 12 case studies, these approaches are reliant upon greater knowledge, skill and labour input, rather than larger capital expenditure. They are shown to increase yield substantially, sometimes doubling or tripling output. This volume presents the concepts and operational means for reorienting agricultural efforts towards these more environmentally friendly and socially desirable approaches in the developed as well as developing world.