This paper begins by presenting the finding that studies about the inter-relationship between the concept of territory and their use for public action are still incipient. It then discusses the territorial approach as an important contribution to the focus on rural sustainable development. Concepts and interpretations related to public policies are discussed, based on an understanding of new institutionalities, the articulation between actors and between public policies and citizen participation in the processes of social management of rural territorial development. It was found that there is no ideal combination, which can be theoretically formulated, for participation in the spheres of the state, civil society and the market in the processes of rural territorial development. The result obtained in the concrete cases is the consequence of political negotiations, the structures of power and the capacity for social protagonism of the territorial actors. There is no a priori guarantee that it will be suitable to the needs of the sustainability of rural development in these territories.