Rural development is becoming increasingly complex. The green revolution of some 30 years ago used a single recipe that was accepted by many farmers. Increased yields were synonymous with better rural conditions. Eventually it became clear that not every extension message was adopted everywhere, and that issues like marketing opportunities, equity, (bio)diversity and sustainability made development more complex.
However, these complexities are small compared with the challenges of the coming decades, such as large scale migration, changes of climate, the e-revolution and increased globalisation. Boundries between disciplines and countries dissolve while new ones emerge.
Coping with complexity in rural development through the use of new system approaches will be the central theme of a one day happening that IAC will organise on 15 June 2001 in Wageningen.
Internationally renowned speakers will be invited to highlight their views on complexity in rural development. The main part of the day will consist of a series of workshops, using an Open Space methodology, ensuring active involvement of the selection of topics which are discussed.
Starting point is that each participant is considered to be an expert and will be given the chance to contribute from his or her view on system approach. There will be ample opportunity for networking.