Building social infrastructure for sustainable development

In chapter 7, Moore et al. describe the development of the commune-level NRMAC providing the social infrastructure that is both adapted to the exigencies of recent governmental decentralization and compatible with customary governance structures at the village level. They argue that it is not sufficient to simply assemble a group of men and women representing various ethnic groups and occupational categories, but it is also necessary to develop each member's individual capacities (functional literacy, leadership skills, association management, knowledge of codes and laws, etc.) in order to stimulate mutual trust and network building (social capital formation) between villages and clans and to help them to define their mission. Of particular importance is training in conflict management to build individual self-confidence and to provide a credible and valued service in the eyes of villagers.