Rural development is becoming more and more important to the social stability and economic development of the country. As a result, rural communities are receiving increasing attention from various stakeholders such as government, civil society, NGOs and academics. This attention not only sheds light on the conditions under which the rural population survives, but also informs policy interventions and initiatives that aim to improve those conditions. Not every initiative or policy is successful, but genuine attempts have been made by all these stakeholders to influence the development of rural communities.

This briefing paper will attempt to provide an overview of critical interventions in the areas of land reform, education, and unemployment in rural districts, and will also look at proposals being made by civil society, NGOs and academics.

Written by Randall Adams

Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference

Parliamentary Liaison Office (CPLO)