A scan of rural civil society
Abstract
PLAAS commissioned Phuhlisani to undertake
a review of rural civil society, to explore
innovative ways in which researchers and
organisations in rural civil society can work
together in linking research to policy engagement
from ‘below’. PLAAS, being a research
institute, is interested in how research can
best empower rural civil society organisations
(CSOs) in their dealings with government and
other role players, and how to strengthen the
democratic policy process.
This review seeks new information that goes
beyond the usual discussions of rural civil
society to help inform fresh-thinking and a
deeper understanding of the strategic issues
involved in relations between poor, marginalised
rural people, their organisations, and
organs of the state.