Assessing Rural Development Programs for SDG 1 Progress

Abstract

The global commitment to Sustainable Development Goal 1 (SDG 1) – ending poverty in all its forms everywhere – has led to a proliferation of rural development programs across low- and middle-income countries. This study critically evaluates the design, implementation, and outcomes of key rural development interventions in countries such as Brazil, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Ethiopia, and Sierra Leone. Employing a mixed-methods approach, it integrates quantitative data on poverty indicators with qualitative assessments of program governance, community participation, and SDG alignment.Findings reveal that programs adopting integrated and locally adaptive models, such as BRAC’s microfinance initiatives and Brazil’s Bolsa Família, demonstrate substantial progress in reducing income poverty, improving education access, and empowering women. Conversely, programs limited to short-term relief or hindered by governance constraints show weaker alignment with SDG 1 targets. The research emphasizes the need for scalable, context-sensitive solutions that embed monitoring frameworks tied directly to SDG metrics. Policy recommendations include decentralization, women’s economic empowerment, and the institutionalization of SDG-aligned planning tools. These insights aim to inform governments and development partners on enhancing the effectiveness and equity of rural poverty alleviation efforts.