This study examined community leadership education programs employed in rural communities and organizations of several states to empower both local leaders and residents. In particular, the study investigated the relationships between community leadership education program design and structure (contact hours and content) and six outcome indices of…

Discusses the value of a state rural policy center and identifies seven policy program areas. Presents the role of community development practitioners in contributing to the development of rural policy initiatives and implications for initiative development. (JOW)

Although failures have been encountered in the West African cooperative movement, farm cooperatives are an indispensable tool for rural development. They can generate an investment budget at the village level and can provide a stimulating framework for education. The Senegalese farm cooperative movement has experienced a number of problems. Three…

This model for promoting rural community development through adult education is particularly valuable for rural areas because these areas often lack adult education opportunities. There is a need for access to information in isolated areas, and changes in the rural economy require diversification. The model shows the necessity of nontraditional…

Each year thousands of people travel to Penland School of Crafts in rural Mitchell County, North Carolina, to receive instruction in pottery, sculpture, drawing, glassblowing, metalworking, photography, printmaking, weaving, and woodworking. Established in 1929, the school has become a catalyst for economic growth by pumping millions of dollars…

In recent years, service programs targeted for Georgia's rural communities have decreased proportionately in relation to those intended for the state's rapidly expanding population centers. At the same time, erosion of traditional manufacturing industries and an adverse agricultural economy have decreased the ability of rural communities to…

Since the start of the second Five Year Plan (1969-74) in Tanzania, the national focus has been on developing and extending adult education (largely literacy) in general, and rural programs in particular. Systematic program evaluation is needed so that scarce human and financial resources can be used effectively without needless duplication of…

This book contains 10 case studies of rural community development in England, Wales, Scotland, Ireland, and Catalonia, as seen from the perspective of community-work practitioners. Development projects encompassed such activities as promotion of tourism, establishment of community centers, vocational training for school dropouts, adult community…

Grassroots efforts were examined through a survey of 103 self-development projects across the United States, enriched by an indepth study of 8 successful and unsuccessful cases. They were as follows: Revolving Loan Fund, Mankato, Kansas; Orofino Unlimited, Orofino, Idaho; Center for Industry, Rome, Georgia; Windmill Market Farm and Craft Co-op,…

A study examined efforts to promote community-based economic development in 103 communities that adopted self-development strategies involving local governments working with other public and private entities providing employment, income, and services to local communities. Based on data collected from these communities, the study evaluated how and…

The report presents summaries of presentations given at a December 1986 University Forum in which leaders from government, higher education, and the private sector examined trends behind the current decline in the rural economy and identified areas offering potential for revitalization. An introductory paper by William H. Gray is titled,…

Examines linkages between adult continuing education and rural economic development strategies. Categorizes educational program responses to human capital investment needs of adults, and indicates the economic impact in rural areas of such responses. Discusses social roles as a motivator for educational participation. Contains 29 references. (SV)

Nearly half of Quebec's municipalities have fewer than 800 inhabitants and are struggling with conditions of economic decline, outmigration of youth, and political marginalization. In 1991, a regional coalition called Coalition Urgence Rurale was formed in the Lower Saint Lawrence area to support initiatives that promote community empowerment,…

This chapter reports on the activities of the Rural Continuing Education Centre (CREPA), a nongovernmental organization run by volunteers from small agricultural villages in the Las Villas area of Salamanca, Spain. The organization was founded in 1983 with the goal of improving living conditions and community life for villagers through social…

Rural Josephine County, Oregon, used federal Enterprise Community funds to revitalize its communities. The elementary school serves as a hub, sharing resources with a parenting and preschool center, a coalition of 26 service providers, and the Enterprise Community organization. Describes how communities cooperate in providing adult education,…