Rural people are increasingly expected to become the main

participants of their own development. However, they seldom

have the required knowledge for making sound decisions in

such a changing and uncertain context. They lack the skills and

self-confidence to make change happen. Their activities and

choices are limited by poor access to most markets ; inept local

institutions ; and lack of external support.

This handbook is based on experiences of rural development

support at local level in West Africa. It highlights approaches

and methodologies that were proven successful. It aims to

empower development operators and local managers in

defining new roles and approaches to planning, training,

experimentation, support of local organisations, extension,

natural resource management, gender and financing.