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Views from Below on the Pro-poor Growth Challenge: The Case of Rural Rwanda

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  18 October 2013

An Ansoms
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Abstract:

This article focuses on the Rwandan peasantry to confirm how “views from below” can contribute to a better understanding of the ”pro-poor” growth challenge. Based on micro-level evidence gathered in 2007, it examines local peasants' perceptions of the characteristics and degree of poverty for different socioeconomic categories (i.e., peasant groups). It looks at the various opportunities and constraints that influence the potential of these categories or groups for social mobility and their capacity to participate in growth strategies. Further, it considers how local peasants perceive specific policy measures in the Rwandan government's “pro-poor” rural strategies. Their insights could inspire Rwandan policymakers and supporting donors to redirect their efforts toward distribution-oriented growth strategies.

Résumé:

Résumé:

Cet article se concentre sur la situation des fermiers ruandais pour soutenir le fait que les perceptions venant “du bas” de l'échelle sociale peuvent contribuer à une meilleure compréhension des obstacles du progrès “pour les pauvres.” En me basant sur les observations d'une étude locale conduite en 2007, j'examine les perceptions que les paysans locaux ont des caractéristiques et niveaux de pauvreté pour différentes catégories socioéconomiques (groupes paysans). J'examine les différentes opportunités et contraintes qui influencent la mobilité sociale de ces groupes ou catégories et leur capacité à participer aux stratégies de croissance. De plus, cet article montre comment les paysans locaux perçoivent certaines mesures stratégiques mises en place “pour les pauvres” par le gouvernement. Ces aperçus pourraient inspirer les responsables politiques et les financeurs à rediriger leurs efforts vers des stratégies de croissance basées sur des principes de distribution.

Type
Articles
Information
African Studies Review , Volume 53 , Issue 2 , September 2010 , pp. 97 - 123
Copyright
Copyright © African Studies Association 2010

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