Rural Issues Introduction

Rural zones are rich in its ecological and cultural diversity. The size and complexity of rural communities make it difficult to generalize about its problems or assets, though some common characteristics exist. For much of their existence, rural communities have relied on the wealth of natural resources found in the landscape. But in the 20th Century great changes -- technological, political and economic -- have brought a profound transformation to agriculture and other renewable resource industries and to the rural communities dependent on them.

And while such changes have yielded social benefits, they have also carried with them a cost. Today, we see small and medium-sized farms struggle in an increasingly concentrated and global economy. Similarly, forest communities grapple with a change in natural resource management priorities and mounting environmental concerns. A "digital divide" threatens to exclude some rural communities from the benefits of the new information economy. Some rural communities face a drain of population, while others, particularly those with high scenic or recreational value, struggle with burgeoning populations placing new demands on ecosystems and traditional ways of life.

Despite these challenges, there is still plenty of cause for optimism. Resilience and self-determination are two traits that characterize many rural communities. For rural zones, the rapid pace of change brings with it not only challenges but opportunities as well. In some ways, sustainable development aims to manage change that is inevitable, and to do it in ways that are economically sound, environmentally responsible and socially equitable. The most successful communities strive to build on local assets and abilities while adopting and adapting new ideas and technologies to the local context.

Rural Issues -- Community Development

As well as pursuing changes in agriculture, rural communities are working to better their own lot. Community development aims to empower local residents, to improve infrastructure such as utilities, housing, community facilities, and to diversify their economic base without undermining their rural assets. This section offers some of the tools and resources needed to assist rural communities pursue their own course of sustainable development.