Research and Training

In this issue of its Newsletter, IFRTD addresses the state of research and training in rural transport. Research and training take a number of forms. Much of it takes place within formal higher education institutions. A great deal also takes place outside the formal education system. Multilateral and bilateral donor agencies and national governments carry out research that is sometimes contracted to local or international consultants, or implemented as part of the programme of specialised national institutions. Training is also a significant component in development projects and programmes operated by NGOs. The articles in this issue provide information on a range of such initiatives. In the introductory article, the Newsletter also discusses the approach of rural transport research and training. It argues that the research does not cover fundamental issues and that it is necessary to develop an alternative to mainstream research and training in rural transport.