Describes a farmer training program developed in Peru using videotape recorders and audiovisual trainees. Courses are produced and given to rural people on topics such as dairy cattle husbandry, irrigation, potato growing, citrus production, and reclamation of saline soils. (Author/SA)

This case study of a Korean Village's experience with subsidiary income-generating work illustrates one family's role as change agents and the involvement of women in the development of their community. (SK)

A survey of 135 small towns in Nebraska found that half had undertaken economic development projects; development activity and success were related to community size (with the smallest communities lacking both local resources and outside support); and most community leaders perceived their development efforts as unproductive. (SV)

Eight articles discuss the theme of entrepreneurship in the rural United States. Includes results of a survey of vocational agricultural graduates who are either sole proprietors or partners in agricultural occupations and a description of an award-winning program at Western High School in Russiaville, Indiana. Also discusses the economics of a…

Outlines four traditional arguments for rural America, and critiques foundations of each argument, emphasizing different elements at risk. Expresses skepticism for synthesis of approaches given framework of original question. Suggests question of preserving rural America might be misplaced concern for rural social scientists. (TES)

A survey of rural-to-urban migrants in Nigeria found that 58.2 percent contributed financially to community development projects in their areas of origin. Concludes that rural out-migration is encouraged by rural inhabitants to combat poverty and suggests government policies to encourage further migrant involvement. (FMW)

Argues that an effective industrialization strategy must include measures to improve the lot of rural workers and keep them in the countryside. Suggests a combination of measures to increase the flexibility of real urban industrial wages and to create income-generating opportunities for the rural poor. (Author)

Describes locally controlled economic development strategies used by Native American and Hispanic cooperatives and organizations: Ganados del Valle, Madera Forest Products Association, Seventh Generation Fund, and Ramah Navajo Weavers Association. Discusses the issues of cultural and economic survival in isolated rural communities. (SV)

Discusses the use of participatory video in rural underdeveloped countries and describes a video project in Costa Rica that helped farmers with agricultural management and soil erosion problems. Video production considerations are described, and the use of role playing to supplement documentation is explained. (four references) (LRW)

Critically evaluates the literature on timber-dependent communities. Examines methodological and theoretical concerns with concepts of community and resource-based economies. Suggests timber dependency may represent a special case of resource dependency and that study of forest-based communities can contribute to sociological knowledge of rural…

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…

Economic growth increases the amount of money in a community but does not increase the community's capacity to steer its own direction as economic development can. The accomplishments of Rio Arriba County (New Mexico) offer a rare example of successful economic development. Sustainable environmentalism, instead of conservation, considers people as…

Notes changes in the social contract between society and land grant universities and resulting implications for rural sociology's research, teaching, and extension agenda. Traces the legislative, academic, and social contexts of these changes. Suggests new organizational and networking strategies for rural sociology that will foster new…

A project integrated community service learning with community development by involving high school students in conducting a community survey with extension staff. Students learned about needs assessment and their community and were motivated to seek future involvement. The community used information gathered to develop a youth recreation program…

Refutes an article by David Godden criticizing the author's proposed rural development policy for Australia. Points out that the author did not label urban dwellers "parasites," that the literature review was both comprehensive and appropriate, and that there is existing evidence indicating that rural policy is subsumed under…