Discusses Participatory Learning Methods (PALM), a program in which the rural population becomes involved in creative, productive, and sustainable development activities. Describes a typical PALM program and the evolution of PALM methodology. (MDH)

Includes "Introduction to International Perspectives" (Allen); "Volunteerism in the Welfare State: The Case of Denmark" (Habermann); "Grassroots Organizing in Bangladesh" (Chowdhury); and "Volunteerism in Latin America" (Guerra). (SK)

Focus groups of 147 farmers in Geauga County, Ohio, determined that the number of farms declined overall, although townships closer to Cleveland gained farms, including those with the most residential development and highest market value of farmland. Farmers in more rural areas identified urbanization problems; farmers in more urban areas…

Changes in education and agriculture in South Africa indicate that agricultural extension practitioners should facilitate continuous learning among farmers. This requires that extension practitioners acquire new skills. To provide these skills requires a critical examination of agricultural extension curricula in the light of South Africa's…

The impact of HIV/AIDS on food security and rural livelihoods is still insufficiently understood. It is evident, however, that rural development professionals need to respond to the changes that have taken place in rural areas due to the pandemic. This article explores competencies that they need in order to deal with the complex HIV/AIDS issues…

Interviews with Directors of restructured collective farms, private farmers, Rural Development Officers, and Agricultural specialists in the Administration from Suzun raion, Novosibirsk oblast, central Russia revealed a regional response to recent agrarian reforms. Distinct differences emerged between the objectives of the restructured collective…

Consideration is given to the disparity between legislative "hopes" and research findings on rural industrialization in the U.S. (JC)

Prepared by the Southern Rural Development Center (SRDC), this directory identifies personnel working in the area of rural development. Names, addresses, phone numbers, position titles, percentage of time devoted to Title V projects (Rural Development Act), and work classifications (research or extension) are provided for personnel residing in 13…

The proceedings of a national conference to examine the present situation and needs in rural areas of Rhodesia and to formulate a strategy of joint Christian participation in development are provided. The conference program centered around three main themes: Training Schemes, Extension and Development in Rural Areas, and Ecumenical Action in Rural…

Panelists discuss a ground-breaking study of new Pennsylvania firms; examine patterns/needs of small businesses during phases of start-up, growth, maturity, and decline; describe untapped markets in the federal government and through export trade; and review how states can support small business growth by legislative and regulatory change. (NEC)

Reports study of auto supply, apparel/textile, chemicals, tourism, instruments/telecommunications equipment industries, showing how Appalachia's ability to compete with other regions lies in access to capital, technology, and a skilled workforce. Concludes capitalizing on existing strengths will require action by all levels of government and the…

Lists addresses, telephone numbers, and contact persons for each state data center plus those in the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. Describes available rural data and services (mostly free): informational assistance, computer tapes and printouts, maps, assistance using data, and information on new products. (NEC)

Outlines activities planned by the 69 local development districts in the 11 member states to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Appalachian Regional Commission. Summarizes the results of a questionnaire sent to all local development districts to determine the commission's most important accomplishments and remaining needs. (NEC)

A survey of 441 adults from four small rural Utah and Wyoming communities exhibiting highly divergent population growth patterns indicates residents of energy "boom" towns do not report criminal victimization experiences that differ from those in "nonboom" communities, but they do exhibit significantly higher fear of crime.…