Achieving success in rural development: toward implementation of an integral approach

Starting from an analysis of the reasons for failure of previous “integrated” approaches to rural development, we propose here a conceptual framework for an “integral” approach better in tune with current opportunities for and constraints on rural poverty reduction. The approach is centered on the process whereby well‐being is determined, linking household asset positions, the context where the assets are used, pathways from poverty through specific livelihood strategies, and well‐being outcomes. This in turn identifies entry points for policies and programs to improve the well‐being outcomes that consist in interventions to: increase access to assets, improve context, provide social protection, and achieve social incorporation of the rural poor.