Introduction

RuralInvest is an FAO developed free multilingual toolkit that comprises training courses, manuals and custom developed software which provides the necessary support to prepare successful Rural Development projects.

Santia Guillo RuralInvest in pictures Pancun RuralInvest in pictures Income Generating Profile Example RuralInvest in pictures Project Example RuralInvest in pictures RuralInvest Training RuralInvest in pictures Madagascar bridge RuralInvest in pictures Syria lorry RuralInvest in pictures
	Introduction
	Applying RuralInvest
	Software

Some of RuralInvest unique features:

• improve the definition and quality of investment proposals
• help local investment design
• increase access to local investment funds
• better reflect priorities of the applicants
• ensures more sustainable projects
• strengthens local capacity and increase ownership and commitment
• better assessment of project proposals
• provides information for monitoring through the project cycle

Available RuralInvest Modules

Depending on needs, users can select from the following modules:

1. Participatory Identification of Investment Needs
   

   Training Manual [510KB]

   Guidelines to assist local technicians working with communities and other rural groups to:
   
   • assess natural resources, economic and social activities, institutions and infrastructures in the area
   • determine their opportunities and constraints, future priorities and resulting investment needs
   » download module 1 manual as pdf [518KB]
2. Preparing and Using Project Profiles
   

   Training Manual [1.09MB] Software

   Facilitate the conversion of general ideas into specific investment profiles with the participation of applicants.
   Supporting software is available.
   
   » download module 2 manual as pdf [1.09MB]
3. Detailed Project Formulation and Analysis
   

   Training Manual [1.0MB] Software

   Manuals and software to support the preparation of full project proposals, which contain all information required to take informed decisions concerning the viability of the proposed investment.
   
   » download module 3 manual as pdf [1.0MB]
4. Monitoring and Evaluation of RuralInvest Projects
   

   Training Software

   Permits the monitoring of Rural Investments throughout the project cycle and the evaluation of performance against initial projections, using the RuralInvest software.

Next »

Why is RuralInvest different?
RuralInvest is more than just software. It is an approach on how to create successful Rural Development projects.

Is there a cost for RuralInvest?
RuralInvest is provided by FAO free of charge, though some costs are associated with the training.

Is RuralInvest for us?
RuralInvest is applicable for any agency, project, organization or private investor managing funds for small and medium scale agricultural and rural investments (both income generating and social activities).

Currently, RuralInvest capacity is only supported for use by agencies, organizations or projects, not for individual users.

Can I download the software?
No. The correct use of Rural Invest software requires a training course.

Express interest in RuralInvest Training

Who to contact?
Directly contact us by email at FAO.

TCI-Ruralinvest@fao.org