Saemaul Undong: contributions for rural development in Nicaragua

Abstract

The Saemaul Undong is presented as a contribution to rural development in Nicaragua. The study presented here aims to explain the factors that made possible the transformation of rural communities in South Korea and the factors that can make possible its application in Nicaragua from the realities themselves. The methodology used for this study was documentary research, which involved the review, analysis and discussion of the issues addressed. The main result of the analysis is that the agro-export model in Nicaragua has not meant a comprehensive economic development strategy for the country, while the Saemaul Undong, with its elemental or 1.0 principles of Diligence, Self-help and Cooperation, as well as the 2.0 principles of Sharing, Service and Creativity can constitute active principles for achieving community-based rural development. The conclusion is that it is necessary to learn about other countries’ experiences that can contribute to improving the quality of life in the countryside.