Changes in population growth from urban to rural areas are reviewed and social, economic, and attitudinal explanations for these changes are discussed. In particular, the role of residential preferences in decisions to migrate and the resulting policy implications are analyzed. (Author/KR)

Data from Shiloh County's effort to improve quality of life for its residents lead to three conclusions: political intervention can convert private sector growth into a platform for rural development, exchanges between community and schools are not difficult to understand, and the ethnographer has a function in discovering local contexts to which…

Provisions for rural workers' education programs and for their developing rural organizations are outlined from symposia of the International Labour Office (ILO). Photographs from several IL O meetings are included. (MF)

Utilizing data from Maine, this article suggests that the relatively young, highly educated professionals currently migrating into rural areas should be considered in terms of rural development resources. (JC)

Discusses how rural groups might approach corporations to forge partnerships for a variety of educational and community programs and activities. Makes specific suggestions for selecting corporations, writing the first requests for information, evaluating responses, and following up leads. Includes a section on the workings of Apple Computer's…

Interest rates are the primary channel for transmitting changes in national and international macroeconomic policy to the United States farmer. Interest rates affect demand through exchange rates that determine the prices foreigners pay. They affect supply through farmers' production costs that determine the price they need to stay in business.…

A panel on technology transfer considered ways in which educational instructions and industry could share attempts to innovate. Examples of technology transfer in action included Pennsylvania's Ben Franklin Partnership, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute's program, and NASA's Technology Utilization Division. Results of an Appalachian Regional study…

Defines the field of rural geography. Argues that educational games may be used to introduce students to topics in this field. Describes a role playing and decision making game which focuses on the development of control procedures within the rural planning process. (JDH)

Business incubators can help fledgling firms get off the ground by providing business services and rental space, at below-market costs, for a business's first few years. The payoff for the community is more jobs. Concentrated until recently in urban areas, incubators are now succeeding in rural areas too. (JHZ)

After decade of growth, rural income, population, and overall economic activity have stalled and again lag behind urban trends. Causes include banking and transportation deregulation, international competition, agricultural finance problems. Only nonmetropolitan counties dependent on retirement, government, and trade show continuing income growth…

Explains local development organizations (LDOs), tells how they operate, and gives examples of what they've done. Elaborates on characteristics shared by successful LDOs: flexability, strong and creative leadership, solid local support, adequate funding, and competent, dedicated staff. Recommends strategies for expanding existing industry and…

The Idaho Rural Partnership (IRP) was created within the Idaho Department of Labor to join diverse public and private resources in innovative collaborations to strengthen communities and improve life in rural Idaho. The IRP is an accessible organization that listens to local problems and collaborates to develop systemwide solutions. The board of…

In the last decade, a technological revolution has touched all aspects of business and society in Australia, the Western world, and to a lesser extent, the developing world. This revolution has occurred against a backdrop of long-term fundamental changes in rural Australian communities. The decline in traditional agriculture's terms of trade and…

During the last decade, there has been an internal migration of Latinos to the Southeast. Attracted by the rural South's healthy economy, the Hispanic population in the South is projected to double by 2025. Most in-migrants are seeking permanent rather than seasonal employment. With an increased Hispanic population comes increased purchasing…

A switchover by any government to a more integrated, community-based approach to rural development will inevitably require the recruitment, training, and effective "backstopping" of large numbers of front-line workers. (SSH)