Event: Local Economic Development Course: Catalyzing vibrant rural economies

Local Economic Development Course: Catalyzing vibrant rural economies, from 24 September - 05 October 2012 in Pretoria.

A regional course organized in collaboration with Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) of South Africa. 

Market-led economic development is ‘hot’ these days. It is considered to be an important vehicle for poverty reduction and sustainable development. However, the focus tends to be on global and niche markets and international trade. But for most smallholder producers, rural economies driven by the dynamics of local-to-local markets are far more important.

Course focus

The focus of the course is on the changing roles of rural policies and services to revitalize rural economies in sub-Saharan Africa. It shares experiences and presents (new) insights on developments, concepts and innovative approaches that promote demand-driven, rural economic development that is both inclusive and sustainable. It centers on rural wealth creation through increasing the robustness, resilience and adaptive capacity of rural communities in relation to developing the (economic) performance of local market systems. This is done by looking at options of pro-poor agribusiness development models in selected agricultural sub-sectors that are interlinked with the effective delivery of rural services, leading to increased levels of local industriousness.

Aims and objectives

The course aims to support the stakeholders involved in developing market-led inclusive local economic development by enhancing their capacities. More specifically, the course aims to:

• Introduce participants to conceptual frameworks to identify development opportunities for rural communities and spin-offs for rural wealth creation;
• Assist participants to appreciate the linkages between poverty and livelihood strategies, the potential of local-to-local markets and value chains to ‘work for the poor’, and the role of agribusiness development and effective services delivery in an integrated manner;
• Expose participants to participatory approaches and methodologies for innovation and chance processes;
• Provide tools and instruments to develop appropriate strategies and effective interventions that tackle causes rather than symptoms.

Who can participate (target group)

This regional course is designed for mid-career professionals of government departments, non-governmental and civil society organisations, business associations, development agencies, universities and colleges for higher education, and for other professionals working in the domain of market-driven local economic development. Typically, the course will be beneficial for:

• Policy staff responsible for drafting strategic development policies and/or the implementation of these, in particular related to local economic development;
• Programme managers of developmental organizations responsible for drafting and/or implementing rural development projects;
• Staff of universities and colleges involved in curriculum development, training, capacity building and/or outreach activities;
• Staff of local service providers, civil society organizations and business associations.

Code: 61/80, Duration: 2 weeks, Period: 24 September – 5 October 2012
Application deadline for full programme: 24 August 2012
NFP Fellowship application deadline: 1 February 2012
Date of publication: 17 June 2011/SvdW

More information are provided in the brochure attached.