Applied research on rural territorial dynamics in Latin America : a methodological framework (version 2)

Spanish version available in IDRC Digital Library: Investigación aplicada de dinámicas territoriales rurales en América Latina : marco metodológico (versión 2)This document presents the objectives and characteristics of the Rural Territorial Dynamics Program (RTD). This is a capacity building and public policy program based on research that seeks to achieve rural economic growth with social inclusion and environmental sustainability in Latin America. During five years (2007-2012), the program expects to facilitate communication and collaboration amongst various agents of change in a globally connected network and collectively develop a solid vision and strategy for rural economic growth. This network will be effectively involved in debates and processes relevant to rural development policies in Latin America. The network covers the region and is linked to important research centers and the formulation of policies and development practices in other areas of the world. The program organizes its activities under five interacting components: 1. Applied Research 2. Capacity Building 3. Networking and international dialogue 4. Postgraduate training 5. Communication (a transversal component) This program has been designed and will be implemented by Rimisp in collaboration with four main partners. The methods proposed here are being tested in three "scout projects” in Nicaragua, Peru and Chile. As results begin to emerge, new versions of this conceptual framework will be prepared