Module Code and Title:        DEV306 Sustainable Rural Development Approaches 

Programme:                           BA in Development Economics

Credit Value:                          12

Module Tutor:                        Tshering Lhamo Dukpa

General objective: This module deals with issues relating to economic development in the rural areas through an integrated approach. It examines various factors that drive rural development. Special attention will be given to relate the topic in the Bhutanese context. 

Learning outcomes – On completion of the module, students will be able to:

1. Assess major roles of drivers of sustainable rural development. 
2. Examine various approaches to integrated rural development.
3. Evaluate the role of technology for sustainable agriculture practices. 
4. Discuss the major issue and challenges in rural development.
5. Examine the role of community and partnership building in developing rural areas of Bhutan.
6. Outline the main opportunities and constraints relating to rural development in Bhutan.
7. Analyse the supply chain for agricultural products.
8. Evaluate the contribution of education, health and gender parity in the process of rural development.
9. Analyse policy options in terms of their potential impact on rural poverty, equity and economic growth.

Learning and Teaching Approach: 

Assessment Approach:

Each student will submit two written assignments (10 marks each), covering Unit II before midterm, and Unit V after midterm. Each assignment should have a limit of 750-850 words. 

1    Adequacy of references used

1    Defining the concepts

2    Use of effective analytical tool

4    Analysis and discussion on findings

2    Conclusion

Two written tests will be conducted (7.5 marks each), from Unit III before and from Unit VI after mid-term exam, that will comprise 45 min duration and covering one unit. 

A group of 4-6 students will complete a group project based on a Bhutan-specific case study on market access in the rural areas. Report word limit: 1200-1500. The written report will be followed by 10 minutes presentation, and 5 minutes Q&A.

2    Situation analysis        

2    Process of work for methodology of the group work

7    Discussion on findings in the joint report

2    Peer review of individual reports 

2    Presentation (individually marked)

Students will take a written exam of 1.5-hr duration covering topics up to the mid-point of the semester. The exam will comprise structured questions like MCQ, fill-in-the-blanks, matching, definition, as well as open-ended essay questions.

Students will take a written exam of 2.5-hr duration encompassing all the subject matter covered in the semester. This assessment is comprehensive and summative in nature, and will comprise structured questions like MCQ, fill-in-the-blanks, matching, definition, as well as open-ended essay questions.

Overview of assessment approaches and marks

Pre-requisites: None

Subject matter:

1. Unit I: Introduction
   1. Concept and meaning, Basic elements of rural development
   2. Drivers, facilitators, and obstacles to rural development: socio economic factors, environment challenges and institutions
2. Unit II: Fundamentals of an Integrated Approach for Rural Development
   1. Approaches for rural development: exogenous and endogenous (Integrated) models, agrarian versus rural perspective, bottom up- top-down approaches
   2. Tools and Approaches for Implementation of an Integrated Approach
   3. The Paradoxes of Integrated Development
   4. Rural Development and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
3. Unit III: Agriculture and Rural Development
   1. The Central Role of Agriculture, Efficiency Gains in Agriculture, Green revolution
   2. Role of investment and R&D
   3. Agro-Industries in Rural Areas, Sustainable Agriculture
   4. Land Use Practices and their Impact
   5. The Critical Role of Smallholder Agriculture, Role of Technology
   6. The Promise of Cooperatives and Contract Farming, Agricultural Extension
4. Unit IV: The Environment and Rural Development
   1. Environment as Cornerstone for Rural Development: Commons, Climate Change, Linking Sustainability to Growth and Equity, Sustainable Livelihood 
   2. Natural Resource Management, Poverty and Environment Linkages
   3. Sustainable Rural Energy
5. Unit V: Market Access and Rural Development
   1. Commodities, Markets, Trade and Rural Development
   2. Supply Chain Management- identification of supply chain linkages, ways to integrate it, and subsequent value creation
   3. Rural Finance: Commercial banks, NBFIs, and MFIs
6. Unit VI: Social Services and Rural Development 
   1. Effect of Health, Education on Poverty Eradication
   2. Gender Dimensions of Rural development
   3. Population Issues, Reproductive Health, and the SDGs
7. Unit VII: Community Vitality and Rural Development 
   1. Community based development Model: Building partnership for rural development, negotiation for partnership, Cooperatives
   2. Participatory Approach to Local Governance
   3. Migration, Role of Remittance 

Reading List:

Essential Reading

Eekelen, W. V. (2020). Rural Development in Practice: Evolving Challenges and Opportunities. Routledge. 

ECOSEC (2003). An Integrated Approach to Rural Development: Dialogues at the Economic and Social Council.

 McAreavey, R. (2012). Rural Development: Theory and Practice. Routledge Studies in Development and Societies. 

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.

Moseley, M. (2003). Rural Development: Principles and Practice. Sage publication.

Additional Reading

RGoB. (2008). Tenth Five Year Plan: Main Document. GNHC. (For Poverty analysis)

RGoB. (2014). Technical Evaluation Report: Rural Economy Advancement Programme Phase 1. GNHC.

Date: June 2022