Conceptualizing inclusive development: with applications to rural infrastructure and development assistance

Abstract

This paper undertakes three tasks. The first and major task is the definition of inclusive development, in particular distinguishing it from growth, pro-poor growth and inclusive growth and differentiating these from each other. The paper then proceeds to apply this definition to specific issues focusing on rural infrastructure. The second task is to discuss the relationship between rural infrastructure and inclusive development. The third and final task is to draw out the implications of the recent literature on development assistance and its effectiveness, for donor support of rural infrastructure with the objective of inclusive development.