Learning routes background documentation

This document describes the process and methodology of "learning routes", a training program designed to share knowledge about rural development. The program involves multidisciplinary groups visiting rural communities and businesses that have addressed development challenges. Participants learn about the factors that contribute to success or failure. The summary describes: 1) Learning routes bring groups to visit rural projects and businesses, allowing participants and hosts to discuss experiences and lessons learned. 2) A 2007 route in Ecuador and Peru visited 5 small businesses, with participants from 8 countries, to determine the factors that make or break rural businesses. 3) Participants studied the successes and failures of the businesses in areas like markets, organization, innovation, and management to understand the complex factors involved in