Local level development administration and training needs in Zaire

Survey results are herein presented. Factors examined included the role perception of interviewees and their assessments of their own training needs, perceived obstacles to increased rural production, factors limiting the effectiveness of extensionists, and the importance of and the time spent on different work activities. Analysis of the data (by a variety of univariate, bivariate, and multivariate techniques) led to the conclusion that while external structural factors are perceived as more important than internal factors in retarding rural development, internal behavioral factors, particularly a lack of coordination, are also significant retarding factors. A model training program aimed principally at altering the perceptions, interactions, and behavior of local government personnel is outlined. The French version of the questionnaire is appended.