OEKB301934 Project management for rural development in the global south

Type
Lecture and seminar
Semester hours
3
Lecturer (assistant)
Kleine, Michael
Organisation
Silviculture
Offered in
Wintersemester 2026/27
Languages of instruction
Englisch
Content

The lecture provides an insight into the application of project cycle management in rural development projects; it involves: (a) the analysis of ecological, social, political and economic framework conditions, target groups and development problems; (b) systematic planning of objectives, results and activities using the logical framework approach; (c) project implementation representing various forms of project arrangements between donor agencies, intermediaries and target groups; and (d) monitoring and evaluation of project impacts on the natural environment, the socio-economic situation and wellbeing of the target groups. Examples of rural development projects from Asia, Africa and Latin America are used to discuss specific development issues and the design of new projects. Concrete results from impact monitoring and project evaluation exercises assist in illustrating possible solutions and improved interventions by rural development projects. Examples of donor-assisted programs presented during the lecture are taken from past and currently ongoing projects (e.g. rural water supply, agroforestry, forest landscape restoration) reflecting the complex problems and opportunities associated with external interventions that aim at reducing poverty and improving the wellbeing of rural people in economically-disadvantaged regions.
Previous knowledge expected

The project management and participatory planning tools taught in this course are of generic nature and can be applied in all sectors relevant to rural development. Therefore, participants are expected to have some background in natural resources management and interest in the rural development agenda.
Objective (expected results of study and acquired competences)

The implementation of rural development projects in economically disadvantaged regions is a complex task. To meaningfully contribute to rural development, particularly related to natural resources management, human wellbeing and poverty alleviation, social concerns need to be balanced with economic and environmental requirements. In the context of natural resources management this lecture provides insights into the underlying causes and complex mechanisms that are responsible for unsustainable land uses causing environmental degradation and socio-economic problems. The negative effects of unsustainable management practices on the ecological, social and economic environments are discussed. This provides the background for a holistic and integrated approach to project management in rural development. Students will obtain a clear understanding of the methods of project cycle management as a basis for participatory planning, implementation and monitoring and evaluation of rural development projects.
You can find more details like the schedule or information about exams on the course-page in BOKUonline.