Desafios para o desenvolvimento das regiões rurais [Challenges for the development of rural areas]

The article addresses the planning challenges involved in the territorial development of rural areas in Brazil. Its main concern is that the country needs intermediary organizations, beyond the municipal limits, yet inside the state boundary, which could embody the joint construction of strategic projects allowing the active participation of interested social groups. These projects will be the foundation of a new relationship between local players and the State, built on development contracts rather than on the controlled transfer of funds.