Why has it ended up here? Development (and other) messages and social connectivity in northern Orissa

In northern Orissa, official messages about government schemes and UN millennium development goals arrive in the villages; but the subsequent action is perceived as unpredictable, with latent costs, and often not matched to community demands. Messages sent by villagers illustrate the principle of ʹself-organizing connectivityʹ; they travel along complex, indeterminate, social routes yet arrive in good time and without charge; and bring new ways of coping with poverty. The research suggests that significant social development gains are at risk from over-concentration on global millennium development goal supply targets. Insufficient attention is being paid to community demands. Context sensitive and democratised social analysis as a key part of implementation is recommended.