Suggests the need for more emphasis upon popular participation as a means of rural development. Proposes alliances between governments and people's organizations to cooperate in research, education and training, and mobilization. Describes contributions of international organizations toward this goal. (SK)

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)

The organization of adult basic education (ABE) in Thailand is outlined, including instructor training, curriculum building, government objectives, and evaluation and administration of ABE programs. (SK)

Information from a two-state statistical study provides a basis for evaluating the effectiveness of community programs to attract industry, plant site development, industrial bond financing, and improved support to schools. A linear probability model is used to estimate chances of success of such efforts. (JOW)

Details several agricultural and health development programs initiated during the past decade in the Cauca Valley in Colombia. Introduced through nonformal educational strategies making use of media, these programs have had mixed results. (LLS)

Article examines the inequity of government efforts to address rural problems, the unique aspects of social work administration in rural areas, and what must be done in the policy-planning arena in order to deliver rural social services with greater equity. (DS)

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.…

With the help of grants for upgrading public facilities and with planning assistance, a small rural community in Alabama has succeeded in attracting 10 new industries and expanding 7. (Author)

A national sample of 305 rural development administrators was used to define "green" rural development officials (GRDOs). GRDOs were found to possess strong environmental attitudes in three areas: (1) rural environmental problems; (2) environmental policy options; and (3) environmental policy considerations. (JOW)

Examines indigenous capacity for local community development. Examines new economic development initiatives by communities, nature of relationships between local and larger economies, and how relationships affect local capacity for new economic activities. Discusses benefits of spatial framework in rural development and planning. (TES)

A study of three Nigerian villages produced the following suggestions for improving the problems facing rural community development: democratic participative decision making, care in project selection, government incentives, promotion of adult literacy, and well-trained community workers. (SK)

Among nonmetro retirement counties, those with a relatively high (over 16 percent) proportion of elderly were economically much stronger than total retirement counties. Strengths of retirement counties included rapid growth in population and employment and moderate increases in income. Potential weaknesses were reduced public spending for…

Describes study that was conducted to determine which conditions are most likely to encourage individuals to participate in non-formal education (NFE) programs in developing countries. Use of the Delphi Technique is explained, and a listing that ranks the conditions in order of importance is provided. (15 references) (LRW)

Adventuresports Institute offers a two-year degree program at Garrett Community College (McHenry, Maryland) that combines courses in adventure sports with economics, marketing, environmental science, and events management. The goal is to develop an infrastructure for the adventure sport industry and promote economic development in Appalachia based…

An essential component of community-based rural development is the leadership and problem-solving abilities of local people. The Colorado Rural Revitalization Project--a joint venture of two universities and a state agency--provided educational, consultative, and technical assistance services for a 1-year capacity-building program in 47…