The administration of a rural development project: Part 1—A case study from higher education in Malawi

Abstract

Rural development projects embrace a broad spectrum of professional disciplines which must be administered to facilitate convergence on relevant problems and issues. Out of a pragmatic philosophy to contribute toward teaching necessary knowledge and skills, the Rural Development Department, along with the three other departments of Bunda College, University of Malawi, were established to meet the needs of trained personnel for rural economic development, currently manifested in the National Rural Development Programme, in which most students find employment on qualifying from Bunda College. Experience of administering the Rural Development Department (1975–1978) and subsequent associations have provided case study material for Part 1.

Naturally occurring professional divergences lead to the identification of extra-departmental linkages for maintaining the Department's pragmatic and integrative functions and supporting professional interests. As a pragmatic department, the ethos of rural development is reflected in its functions and their administration. The insights thus provided may be of guidance, generally to the administration of rural development projects.