The book expounds on the functioning of rural development as well as the practical problems encountered in the formulation of rural development policies and programmes. It provides an exhaustive account of the various sectors and actors of rural development and presents it as a multidimensional concept by documenting its different components. It also details the paradigms and strategies of rural development adopted by developed and developing countries of the world. This volume deals with rural cooperatives and livelihood in order to understand how the development process can be self-sustained and sustainable, following the vocal for local mantra. It also extensively discusses rural basic needs, poverty, employment, the role of Panchayati Raj institutions, the corporate sector, NGOs, peoples’ participation, and capacity building in rural development. This book will be useful to undergraduate and postgraduate students, researchers, and teachers of development studies, economics, sociology, political science, and public administration. It will be useful for the administrators and development administration officials of state and central government, planners, policymakers, and people working in NGOs and corporate sector functionaries dealing with corporate social responsibilities especially those handling developmental issues and challenges.
