For integrated approach to rural development

When the world is apparently so concerned over the plight of the global poor and leaders of the G-8 nations in their just concluded summit in Scotland sought to help the poor by pledging debt relief and additional financial assistances, fact remains that poverty in the world and more in the Asia-Pacific region remains nearly as acute as before even though more pragmatic policies and action-oriented programmes aimed at poverty alleviation are crystallising. Many have hit the nail on the head by pointing out that the welfare and betterment of the world and society as a whole hinges on the elimination of poverty as far as possible and this remains largely unfulfilled in this region even though many countries have made spectacular achievements and progress in the word. The human index reports pertaining to this region seldom project encouraging indications about any significant improvement in the quality of life of the common people. Thus poverty alleviation has become the bounden duty for all and more for the rich and well-off nations and this warrants more serious efforts.

During the 1970's the implementation of the integrated rural development programme (IRDP) was high on the agenda of many developed and least developing countries including those in the Asia-Pacific region. It was felt that the promotion and success of the IRDP programme could be facilitated through regional cooperation, establishment of national institutions to deal with the issues at stake and creation of an inter-governmental organisation to work closely with countries, organisations and agencies to support regional networking. In response to these felt needs of the Asia-Pacific region, the Centre for Integrated Rural Development in Asia and the Pacific(CIRDAP) came into being in 1979 at the initiative of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation(FAO) and other UN agencies and donors. It was a step in the right direction as the forum was mandated to work as a regional body and an inter-governmental think tank for policy advocacy and an autonomous civil service institution for policy dialogue to facilitate effective planning and implementation of rural development process in the CIRDAP member countries.

The organisation has just celebrated its 26th anniversary on July 6 with great promise to mitigate rural poverty and accelerate rural development in the Asia and Pacific region -- home of more than two billion people, many of whom groan in miserable poverty.

The centre was established on July 6,1979, at the Bangladesh Academy for Rural Development (BARD) in Comilla with a modest beginning but over a last 26 years it has blossomed into a viable and effective agency dedicated in eradicating rural poverty with realistic and scientific attitude and research. The headquarters was later shifted to Dhaka and the chiefs come from the member countries. The first two chiefs were from Bangladesh and then from Thailand, India, Myanmar and the current director general is from Nepal. For Bangladesh, this is the only inter-governmental organisation which has its headquarters in this country and as such it is a pride institution for the host nation. Successive governments have spared no efforts to strengthen this institution as Dhaka has special stakes in its growth and development.

Its objectives are to assist national action, promote regional cooperation and act as a servicing institution for the member countries for promotion of integrated rural development through research, action research, pilot projects and training and making every effort to attain its avowed goals through various kinds of projects" said Dr. D. P. Paudyal, director general of the centre. He said CIRDAP has made its presence felt in the region in the area of rural development and poverty alleviation.

Dr. Paudyal portrays a challenging and encouraging future for the CIRDAP and adds that the coming ministerial level EC and GC meeting in Dhaka in the end of September, this year, will draw up future vision for the organisation, whose membership is increasing because of the commendable work. He said CIRDAP is developing strategic partnership in its works with different regional and international forums and organisations and looking forward to similar links with the SAARC. Bangladesh, as the host nation, is extending all possible support and assistance to the growth and development of CIRDAP, the director general said.

True, in a modest way, the institution has rendered valuable contributions to the integrated approach of rural development in the Asia-Pacific region. However, it has certainly not progressed by leaps and bounds as many had expected. One main reason is the paucity of resources badly required for such an organisation for its multi-faceted works that include extensive research as well as action-oriented programmes. Some donors need to be more attentive considering the organisation's relevance in the vast region. At the same time, the organisation itself needs to bring more countries under its fold to make it more representative and enhance its weight. It was heartening to note that a seminar here marking the 26th anniversary of the agency also laid emphasis on the need for reforms and embellishment in the organisation to turn it more meaningful and work oriented.

Asia-Pacific region's progress in the field of poverty alleviation mainly through rural development can considerably contribute to reduction of poverty on a global scale. Main south Asian nations with big population and huge number of poor are covered by CIRDAP and such regional institutions. Development of these regional organisations and turning them more dynamic will render great contribution to the field of rural uplift and eradication of poverty. The issue requires greater attention and urgency because welfare of the billions is inseparably linked with the matter of national existence.

Zaglul Ahmed Chowdhury is a senior journalist.