Despite the existence of large urban centers, Pakistan is still predominantly a rural society with approximately 70 percent of the population living in the rural areas. Rural development implies comprehensive and sustainable development for people and places in rural areas. It depends on several interrelated components including development appropriate production technology, dissemination of modern technology to the farming community, formulation of suitable polices for growth in the farm and rural non-farm economies, conservation and sustainable use of natural resources, and provision of infrastructure and social services. All countries in the world are subject to continual social and economic change, and the rural sectors of developing countries and countries in transition are pivotal in this process. It is recognized that in a context of increasing globalization and understanding of the underlying driving forces of this process and its consequences is critical.

Achieving rural development and responding to these global challenges will require trained professionals with a wide range of relevant expertise. These are needed to work in government agencies, non-governmental organization (NGOs) and in the private sector. Professionals are needed who can formulate appropriate policies, plans, design and implement development projects, disseminate appropriate technology and information to farmers and small-scale entrepreneurs and mange business and the efficient delivery of services in rural areas. Recognizing the growing needs and requirements for trained professionals in rural development AIOU has decided to initiate a Masters level program in Rural Development. This program provides graduates with an interdisciplinary base from which to approach the diverse issue involved in rural change. It is designed for students interested in pursuing careers that are interactive with the potential and problems associated with the rural sector. The program is multidisciplinary in its course contents, and will provide an opportunity for in depth study of the key elements of rural development and relevant professional practice.

OBJECTIVES

The program gives students the opportunities to develop: 1. A critical awareness of the social, economic and management issues underlying socio-economic change. 2. Conceptual and analytical skills relevant to the social and economic dimensions of agriculture and related industries. 3. A set of potential skills pertinent to working in the public private or NGO domains. 4. The ability to change with, and influence, rational debates concerning the optimal direction of rural sector change. 5. Sufficient knowledge and understanding of the major problems socio-cultural and economic conditions of rural areas in Pakistan.