ABSTRACT
Acquiring a voice and political influence is a natural effect of people in rural areas federating into higher-level DROs. This study finds that with the numbers of rural people organized, and the volume of economic activity, comes not only influence but also vulnerability, as the DRO is exposed to reactions from political and economic elites. The chapter further finds that advocacy is most effective when the agenda reflects the policy needs of DRO members, rather than a policy discourse set by the supporting NGO. DRO leaders standing for political office can support rural development, but this also entails risks for the DRO, depending on the political context.
