A problem seriously limiting the potential impact of development organizations in participative rural development is the lack of effective coordination and cooperation. The problem is outlined, the conditions for its solution discussed and an organizational model suggested that provides an enduring linkage structure between the local community and various development agents. It offers a functional alternative to well-intended but usually only temporarily successful efforts that rely on fortuitous and unstable personal relationships. The basic assumption of the model is that effective coordination and cooperation is only possible when planned on a long-term basis through and with the community.