A New Plan for Rural Development

An Examination of Best-Practice Programs in Latin America

Despite diligent efforts over recent decades, national rural development programs have not dramatically improved the lives and living conditions of the vast majority of the world’s rural poor. Globally, about 80 percent of the population lives in poverty, and the gap between the haves and have-nots grows ever wider. To close this gap and improve living standards, governments must more effectively administer the resources at their disposal.

A.T. Kearney’s experience and research identifies several principles for improving rural development programs. This paper outlines a rural development strategy for government officials in developing countries.