Module Code and Title:       DEV305          Rural Development: Concepts and Approaches (Elective 1)

Programme:                          BA in Development Economics

Credit Value:                         12

Module Tutor:                       Tshering Lhamo Drukpa

General objective: This module deals with issues relating to economic development in the rural areas of developing countries. The module aims to identify factors driving rural change and reviews policies that help to attain the objective of rural development. Special attention is given to relating topics in the Bhutanese context.

Learning outcomes – On completion of this module, learners should be able to:

1. Identify key concepts in rural development.
2. Discuss the major debates in rural development.
3. Examine the role of agriculture policies in affecting rural development
4. Outline the main opportunities and constraints relating to the development of rural economies.
5. Describe the supply chain in agricultural products.
6. Evaluate the contribution of different sectors, policies, and actors to the process of rural development.
7. Examine policies relating to supply of rural services, such as infrastructure, finance, research and extension, health and education.
8. Analyse policy options in terms of their potential impact on rural poverty, equity and economic growth.

Learning and Teaching Approach: This module will be taught by means of lectures, tutorials, case studies and self-directed study. Lectures will aim at explanation of various concepts and theories aided by tutorials. Relevant Bhutan specific case studies will be used as a learning tool.

Assessment Approach:

A. Individual Assignments (2): Portion of Final Marks: 20%

Two written assignments will be conducted, on each before and after midterm examination, on the topics covered in the preceding two weeks. Each assignment (worth 10%) should have a maximum limit of 500 words.

• 1%       Adequacy of references used
• 1%       Defining the concepts
• 2%       Use of effective analytical tool
• 4%       Analysis and discussion on findings
• 2%       Conclusion

B. Class Test: Portion of Final Marks: 10%

One written test will be conducted that will comprise 45 min duration and cover 4 weeks of material.

C. Group Work: Portion of Final Mark: 20%

Students will complete a group project based on a Bhutan-specific case study on any of the relevant topics. Report word limit: 1000. The written report will be followed by a 20 min presentation.

• 2%       Situation analysis
• 3%       Methodology of group work
• 7%       Discussion on findings in the joint report
• 5%       Peer review of individual reports
• 3%       Presentation (individually marked)

D. Midterm Examination: Portion of Final Mark: 20%

Students will take a written exam of 1.5 hr duration covering topics up to the mid-point of the semester.

Pre-requisites: DEV303 Development Process and Institutions

Subject Matter:

1. Introduction:
   • Concept and meaning, Basic elements of rural development
   • Drivers of rural development: socio economic factors, environment challenges and institutions
2. Fundamentals of an Integrated Approach for Rural Development
   • Approaches for rural development: exogenous and endogenous (Integrated) models, agrarian versus rural perspective, bottom up- top down approaches
   • Tools and Approaches for Implementation of an Integrated Approach
   • The Paradoxes of Integrated Development
   • Rural Development and the Millennium Development Goals
3. Agriculture and Rural Development
   • The Central Role of Agriculture, Green revolution
   • Agro-Industries in Rural Areas, Sustainable Agriculture
   • Land Use Practices and their Impact
   • The Critical Role of Smallholder Agriculture, Role of Technology
   • The Promise of Cooperatives and Contract Farming, Agricultural Extension
4. The Environment and Rural Development
   • Environment as Cornerstone for Rural Development: Linking Sustainability to Growth and Equity, Sustainable Livelihood
   • Natural Resource Management, Poverty and Environment Linkages
   • Sustainable Rural Energy
5. Market Access and Rural Development
   • Commodities, Markets, and Rural Development
   • Supply Chain Management
   • Rural Finance
6. Health and Education
   • Health, Education, and Poverty
   • Gender Dimensions of Rural development
   • Population Issues, Reproductive Health, and the MDGs
7. Culture and Work
   • Gender as Analytical Tool in Rural Development Framework
   • Community based development Model: Building partnership for rural development, negotiation for partnership, Cooperatives
   • Rural Urban Interface
   • Participatory Approach to Local Governance

Reading List:

1. Essential Reading
   • McAreavey, R. (2009). Rural Development: Theory and Practice. Routledge Studies in Development and Societies.
   • Moseley, M. (2003). Rural Development: Principles and Practice. Sage publication.
2. Additional Reading
   • ECOSEC (2003). An Integrated Approach to Rural Development: Dialogues at the Economic and Social Council.
   • Mehta, S. (2012). Growth Crisis in Bhutanese Agriculture Sector: An Exploratory Analysis of Causes. Bhutan Journal of Research and Development, 1(1). pp. 51-60. Royal University of Bhutan.
   • (2008). Tenth Five Year Plan: Main Document. GNHC.
   • (2014). Technical Evaluation Report: Rural Economy Advancement Programme Phase 1. GNHC.

Date: January 15, 2016