OECD reviews of rural policy

At a time of increasing globalisation, the need for rural development is greater than ever before. The concept of partnership is a particularly effective instrument in this respect, making it easier to harmonize and coordinate central and grass-roots policy approaches. The United States provides an illuminating example. Development programs used traditionally to be designed and implemented independently by Federal ministries, but the introduction of different forms of partnership over the last few years has shifted the focus towards a global approach to rural development. This publication examines the mechanisms for establishing and running successful partnerships. Although each country has its own traditions and a specific admistrative culture, this review offers some valuable lessons for coordinating horizontal policies, both at central and sub-national level.