Working with local institutions to support sustainable livelihoods
2003
R. Marsh
This paper looks at the and policy implications of research conducted on local institution - rural household linkages. It focuses on three country studies were undertaken in India, Mozambique and Mexico, looking at how local institutions function in rural society, shedding light on effective ways for development practitioners to engage local institutions in working partnerships. The paper argues that local institutions, however "imperfect", are providing essential goods and services to the rural poor and vulnerable groups, particularly in the absence of well-functioning markets, local governments and safety nets. Therefore, great caution should be taken not to destroy these networks and arrangements in the name of "development". It also argues that homogeneous and heterogeneous local institutions play different but complementary roles in rural societies. While the former are more inclusive, the latter may be more effective at moving the poor upward and potentially out of poverty.In conclusion, the paper calls for a strong policy and programming commitment to strengthening and capacity building of (selected) local institutions in key process and substance skills. Doing this effectively - by capitalizing on local strengths, will require a long-term commitment.
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Este registro bibliográfico ha sido proporcionado por Institute of Development Studies