Rural development continues to be a high priority in both developed and developing countries. Inadequate living standards in the rural areas can be a source of threat to the nation’s food supply as rural residents are normally the caretakers of a nation’s natural resources and lack of development can normally lead to destruction of the resources. Rural development continues to be a critical policy arena because it extends to so many issues that affect the quality of life for both rural and urban residents. Rural development practitioners and policy makers normally face common obstacles in addressing issues of low population density and distance to markets which are major constraints to rural development.

The course aims at enabling the learners to garner skills related to planning, formulation, monitoring and evaluation of rural development projects and programmes. The programme also introduces the learner to the basic aspects of research and project work. It aims at providing an integrated perception of rural development encompassing various aspects of rural life. It introduces learners to the basic aspects of rural development. It facilitates learners in acquiring skills related to planning, formulation, monitoring and evaluation of rural development projects and programmes.

Course Objectives

• To enable participants to develop a broad-ranging knowledge of the theoretical field of rural development and assist them in critically appraising the various policies, strategies and approaches in the field.
• To train participants in the planning and management of rural development activities particularly in aspects of community/area analysis.
• To introduce students to a diversity of strategies in combating social exclusion in rural areas.

Course Content

Module 1: Introduction to Rural Development

Module 2: Socio-economic aspects of Rural Development

Module 3: Socio-economic community/area resource audits

Module 4: Community and Rural Development through groups

Module 5: Choosing and setting up a rural development related organizational structure,

Module 6: Marketing for rural enterprise,

Module 7: Business planning and stimulating rural enterprise

Module 8: Interpersonal communications, leadership and group work skills

Module 9: Designing and managing an Area Development Plan

Module 10: Social exclusion and equality issues in rural development

Training Format:

• All materials are made available through our Online Learning Platform
• Students should commit approximately 5-6 hours of their time per week

Materials Provided:

Online delivery of curriculum materials, exercises and templates.

Assignments:

In order to demonstrate their understanding of the course content, students will be required to submit assignments at the end of every month.

Regions Targeted: Global

Courses Fees €1500

Course duration: 1 year (2 semesters)