Project title: Rural territorial development based on goods and services with identity.

Project objectives. The general objective is to understand the determinants and the institutional processes that can assist in spreading the positive effects of market access based on good and services with identity, so that this access impacts on the social, economic and cultural development or poor rural territories. The specific objectives are: i) to establish a dialogue and collaboration platform involving diverse stakeholders interested in the issues of market access based on goods and services with identity; ii) to understand the determinant and the dynamics of institutional transformations that facilitate pro-poor market access of goods and services with identity; iii) to obtain recognition by opinion and policy decision makers of the issue of rural territorial development based on goods and services with identity, making recommendations based on strong empirical evidence and rigorous analysis.

Main activities. The main activities are: i) a process of dialogue with other initiatives, including a regional workshop, to obtain a 'map' of specific topics, innovative experiences, and stakeholders, and, on that basis, establish dialogue and collaboration agreements with other initiatives; ii) production of a 'state of the art' document that will set the basic framework for the case studies: definition of specific issues that need to be researched and of hypotheses for the research questions, as well as solid criteria for selection of the case studies; iii) four case studies, using a multidisciplinary approach and qualitative and quantitative methods, so that the results, conclusions and recommendations are grounded on high quality data and analysis; iv) workshops with local stakeholders, in the context of the case studies, to identify and document testimonies and experiences that can aid in the interpretation and 'sense-making' of the case study results, as well as to produce materials for communication to opinion and policy makers and the public at large; v) synthesis and communication of results, including a final workshop.

Results. The main results will be: i) a regional map of issues, stakeholders and experiences; ii) a 'state of the art' document; iii) analytical, policy-oriented articles; iv) attractive written and audiovisual products documenting specific development experiences; v) articles and other communication products aimed at a broad urban and rural audience.

Outcomes. The main outcomes will be: i) a multi-stakeholder regional platform for dialogue and collaboration; ii) improved understanding by opinion and policy makers and local actors of the dynamics, determinants and effects of rural territorial development based on goods and services with identity; iii) recognition by development agencies of the opportunities for broad-based, pro-poor rural development, based on goods and services with identity.