Regional development — overcoming sectoral development approaches

Goals and approaches of developmental policy have changed since the 1960s. At first, attempts at technology transfer and sectoral concepts were most important. Though multisectoral projects were soon formed which pointed more towards a connection between economic and social aspects (Salim, Mandi), still the emphasis remained sectoral for a long period. Industrialization was the goal, and agriculture was supposed to make its contribution. In time the effects of successful growth would trickle down.

Distribution issues did not come to the fore until it became apparent that in the rural sector as in other areas, successes in sectoral development only led to an increase in poverty and it was recognized that deficiencies in the system like those typical of underdevelopment cannot only be overcome using a sectoral approach.

Regional development tries to eliminate or at least reduce the difference in incomes between various regions. The integration of the poor into the production process is focused upon, enabling them to have access to income-bound goods and public services. Regional development, as far as this concept is practised, means the overcoming of sectoral efforts without excluding them completely. Regional development is a program, i. e. a group of projects (in different sectors), in one area. This is based on the knowledge that poverty is caused by deficiencies in the system and not of individual deficiencies.

It is true that "backward areas" have always played an important role in regional development, but for a long time the "growth centres", i.e., induced urbanization, were the usual method, with agriculture being included, as it were, thanks to spreading effects. Lack of success caused a shifting of goals in regional development planning towards overcoming the contrast between rural and urban areas and building a new relationship between the two. Progress for "backward regions" comes from spatial and functional integration, that is, mobilization of the forces already existing within the region and functional integration of the individual parts.

Overcoming sectoral development approaches offers more opportunities for including the poor in the development process. It must be taken into account that the price for progress is a high one. It requires more complex programs, more coordination effort by all those involved and thus higher costs.

And what of the so-called marginal locations, those areas with the highest poverty rates, where the resource situation is so poor that there are few sources within the area that can be mobilized and put into a functional context? Is this where regional development reaches its own limits, since after all, you cannot get water out of a stone?