Rural Development: Goals, Dynamics, Crises and Recommendations

The continuing transition of rural development from its old to present day form is discussed, treating varied perceptions of its goals and the continuing resolution of approaches through legislation and appropriations. Some of the goals are community development, human resources development, natural resources preservation, and a more equitable distribution of benefits. The rural development dynamics to accomplish these goals include appropriations, the projects developed by State Agricultural Experiment Stations, and community improvement research. The Rural Development Act of 1972, the first concrete legislative commitment for a joint research-extension effort toward solving rural development problems, includes program, for education, research, credit and other financial assistance, and planning. The paper also cites some rural development crises--lack of organization of development efforts, the underdevelopment process and lack of alternatives (especially in relation to the land grant universities), food and energy shortages, and the depletion of natural resources. Overall, though, the assumption is made that despite a slow start and lack of strong viable support, rural development will continue as a program of interest and action for some time to come.