Three recent developments are of interest to all concerned with improving the quality of life in rural America: (1) the federal Small Community and Rural Development Policy (1979), (2) the Rural Development Policy Act of 1980, and (3) the desire for local control made clear by the November 1980 elections. (AN)

Central governments must recognize the need for decentralization of development efforts, to plan programs specific to the needs and conditions of each target population. Development programs are characterized by program overlap because of diversity of sponsorship. A possible mechanism is a training and development center at the subnational level.…

The Home Education Livelihood Program, Inc. (HELP) has been involved in the creation of new mechanisms designed to improve the quality of life in the rural towns, villages, and small cities of New Mexico. HELP assists in the physical, human, and economic development, and provides a multitude of socioeconomic services to such rural residents as…

Changes in population growth from urban to rural areas are reviewed and social, economic, and attitudinal explanations for these changes are discussed. In particular, the role of residential preferences in decisions to migrate and the resulting policy implications are analyzed. (Author/KR)

Utilizing data from Maine, this article suggests that the relatively young, highly educated professionals currently migrating into rural areas should be considered in terms of rural development resources. (JC)

The author's investigation of women's programs in rural development in twelve Latin American countries shows that such programs ignore the time constraints of women's domestic and family responsibilities. She proposes a model for nonoppressive adult education that will enable rural women to integrate their varied roles. (SK)

This state of the art report sees progress toward improving social and economic conditions in rural America, but cites areas where there is lag when compared with metro counterparts. Wage levels, family income, employment opportunities, housing, and access to health and other essential services could be improved. (Author/KR)

From a report of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development, presents the ingredients for a development program to help the world's poorest countries and people meet basic human needs. The program should include provisions for productivity and employment, food security, health services, lower rates of population growth, and…

Describes the world's only solar electric village power system, a photovoltaic conversion installation in a remote Papago Indian Reservation village. Notes comparative costs, electric output, and potential applications of the system, a prototype for remote rural communities and developing nations. Notes outstanding questions and key issues in…