Shanks, Edwin

Field based learning and training in participatory approaches to rural development: a decade of experiences in PRS from the Vietnam Sweden Cooperation Programme and the challenge for formal education, research and donor organisations

This paper gives a chronological account of experiences of participatory approaches to natural resource management and rural development in the Vietnam Sweden Cooperation Programme, including the Vietnam Sweden Mountain Rural Development Programme (MRDP) and the Vietnam Sweden Forestry Cooperation Programme (FCP). The five provinces included in the programme are Phu Tho, Yen Bai, Tuyen Quang, Lao Cai and Ha Giang. The authors give a background to the evolution and current discussions of participatory approaches in natural resource management and rural development.