ABSTRACT
The social science community on the whole has a much larger and substantive role to play in the development of assistance strategies than has been the case heretofore. A decentralized approach to rural development focusing on the village also has distinct advantages for participation by donors. The ORD approach in Upper Volta also reveals a very important element in supporting the village-based development system. By promoting the village development through an understanding of the village dynamics the role of women can, should be, and must be factored into future Sahelian development programs. Agency for International Development, the World Bank, the Canadians and other donors agree that Integrated Rural Development is a system of related economic, cultural and social changes which are designed to improve material welfare of rural people in terms of minimum levels of food, clothing, shelter and vital services such as health and education.
