An Overview on Neoendogenous Approach to Rural Development and Its Applicability in Iranian Sustainable Rural Development Programs

Rural development programs are always in search of appropriate and effective solutions to improve the quality of life in rural areas. Therefore, given the conceptual and structural changes in rural areas, it is necessary to change our view of rural development in Iran and the global development terminology. Neo-endogenous development approach is one of the latest approaches to rural development after exogenous and endogenous approaches, which aims to induce and improve the concept of well-being and quality of life in rural areas. This perspective emphasizes the social economy, networking, human and social resources, and the central involvement of local communities in development programs. It also pursues public, private, and third sector collaboration with a synthesis of up-down and bottom-up approaches. Considering the changes in rural areas of Iran and the country's numerous capacities and potentials, such as the presence of social and human capital, a large number of educated rural youth, social activists, and civil societies, as well as many new rural empowerment and capacity building projects that have been implemented in rural communities in recent years, the neoendogenous development approach seems to be an appropriate pattern to promote development in rural areas.