Self-reliant development

This chapter explores the concept of self-reliance as used and referred to in various contexts, including development discussions, and goes on to examine some of the essential characteristics of self-reliant individuals, families, communities and societies as perceived by various writers. Additionally, it examines policies and programs that are oriented toward fostering self-reliance and the economic and social independence of people and communities. There is also a brief discussion of some proposed strategies that promote self-reliant growth and development. The impact of globalization challenges and of the global economy on people, communities and nations are explored. Finally, it discusses some of the internal and external threats to development that are structural and functional in nature, and which in turn impact on self-reliance and local development endeavors at the local and national levels.