Integrated rural development : nine critical implementation problems

in 1973, often encounter similar implementation problems. This report discusses nine of the most frequent and significant of these problems, analyzing their causes and suggesting future research strategies. These problems include: (1) lack of beneficiary participation and inadequate decentralization; (2) non-use of information systems programmed in the project design; (3) political, economic, and environmental factors beyond the control of project management; (4) the scarcity of strong leadership, sophisticated planning skills, efficient logistical support, and a wide range of specialities in support of technical assistance; (5) inappropriate organizational placement and linkages among participating agencies; (6) excessive start-up time, inaccurate time estimates, and inappropriate phasing of project activities; (7) shortages of local counterparts to work with the expatriate team; (8) differing project agendas among project implementors; and (9) sustaining IRD project benefits after project termination.