This paper isolates critical rural economic development issues and identifies needed federal policy interventions. Despite a long history of federal efforts to improve rural economic conditions, recent policies and programs aimed at stimulating rural development have had little impact. Reasons include: (1) narrowly focused economic development…

Rural revitalization was the theme of the 1970s, and rural economic stress is the overriding issue of the 1980s. This stress is associated with both cyclical trends and with basic changes in the structure of the rural economy. These cyclical and structural changes affect, and are affected by, the human resource base of rural economies. Prior to…

Rural development is broader than just agriculture. Farm policy cannot solve rural community problems. Rural problems are sufficiently unique to require special emphasis and special programs. Since rural development has a broader focus than the local community, its problems need to be addressed by all levels of government as well as the private…

Argues that state government must take a strong lead in promoting rural development. Justification for such a role includes improving the efficiency of the state's economy; making full use of fixed investments; improving rural-urban equity; preserving a rural lifestyle; and responding effectively to population density differences between rural and…

The National Commission on Agriculture and Rural Development Policy, established by Congress to provide broad, long-range policy perspectives, examined rural development policy issues and made many field visits to observe rural conditions and rural development projects. The Commission recognized the diversity of rural communities and identified…

Examines how information technology (IT) might be exploited to promote rural development. Considers how IT impacts on the rural periphery. Implies that using IT for rural development may lead to greater decentralization. Describes the Nordic telecottage experiments in which 65 centers for telecommunications were established. (KS)

Considers rural development in ethical/theological context. Applies idea of Christian salvation to ecology, rural culture, land ownership, land use, and public policy issues. Discusses protection of rural areas from destructive elements of development through liberative sense of salvation. Suggests humans cooperate with nature as "complex…

An issue of growing importance in rural economic development is the role of telecommunications and information technologies. Looking prospectively at the rural economies of the 1990s and beyond, a conference of 25 participants from various fields of expertise met to address the issues of how rural America will be affected, both positively and…

Rural school and community renewal efforts may depend upon a reconceptualization of our democratic institutions and practices. During at least the last 130 years, we have come to judge our democratic institutions on the basis of whether they deliver the goods rather than develop our people. In the name of progress, efficiency, higher standards of…

This discussion of satellite technology focuses on its use for educational and rural development programs and includes cost estimates from several different projects in developed and developing countries. Educational television costs are described, including reception equipment and programing. Support services are also discussed. (LRW)

Examines the need to reconsider spatial conceptualizations and categories such as urban-rural and core-periphery in light of two recent trends: migration out of cities and the geographic redistribution of economic activities. Suggests that these trends and related policy issues would be better articulated in a regional or local economy framework.…

In March 1989 this working group explored how the federal government might better address rural America's problems. The WGRD consisted of key officials from relevant federal departments and agencies, who came together to explore the following areas of rural development programming: (1) rural education and training; (2) rural economic development;…

Summarizes findings of several inquiries into use of media conducted from 1974-1986, emphasizing media use in developing countries and practical lessons and experiences that have surfaced in worldwide rural development programs. New educational technology developments are discussed as potential contributors to formal and nonformal education. (MBR)

The dramatic growth of multinational agribusiness corporations has led to all types of rural decline--social, demographic, institutional, and environmental. Historically, rural inhabitants and rural land have been abused and neglected in the name of progress. Rural development efforts often attract small assembly or light manufacturing plants that…

While most economists agree that educational attainment contributes to national economic performance, studies have not generally confirmed a similar conclusion with respect to rural areas. This paper examines the relationships between rural education and economics. The new aim of American education, restoration of national economic…