Training as a tool for community development: 25 years of experience in sparsely populated rural areas in Cuenca, Spain

Abstract

Training is a key tool for community development processes in rural areas. This training is made difficult by the characteristics of the rural areas and their population. Furthermore, the methods used by traditional training bodies are not adapted to the peculiarities of these areas. This article analyses the training methodology used by the Institute of Community Development, Cuenca (IDC Cuenca). For 25 years, this association has been applying a training method specifically conceived and designed for sparsely populated rural areas. This methodology, known as ‘training/development’ is characterised by the implementation of a professional project, the creation of work groups, adaptation and flexibility. The results show that this type of training is a tool for promoting and developing human resources; a catalyst for starting economic and personal promotion projects; and a means for involving the rural population in community development processes.