From chaos to strength? Social capital, rural people's organizations and sustainable rural development

This paper aims to build on debates relating to pluralism and institutions, in particular those linked to social capital, sustainability and rural peoples' organisations. It first discusses the linkages between social capital, institutional pluralism and frameworks for sustainable development; it then asks more specifically what role rural peoples' organisations in particular might play in fostering sustainable resource use and poverty alleviation within such pluralistic environments. The paper then presents cases of rural people's organisations (RPOs) activities in rural development and forest management, and considers strategies through which the role of such organisations might be strengthened within an institutionally plural environment.

The discussion is set in the context of rural development and forestry in Latin America. It focuses attention on several important issues: (i) The role that strong civil society actors can play in making state and market institutions work more effectively for local development; the very positive role that networks linking people who work in these different institutional spheres can play in making inter-institutional relationships more productive; (ii) The role that strong social relationships of these types can play in keeping accountable the use and distribution of other forms of capital.

The research consistently testifies to the importance of individuals inside government. This implies seeking out and working with these people, rather than simply with programmes and departments.

(From PovertyNet)