The Case for Rural Prosperity

Rural development policy in the US lacks coordination and coherence, but sustaining prosperous rural communities should be a primary aim. We identify rural non‐core counties that remained prosperous during the recent recession and use regression analysis to model the relationship between rural prosperity and per capita federal expenditures. The number of prosperous rural non‐core counties increased from 2000 to 2010. Social capital and educational attainment are now more important predictors of rural prosperity than economic diversity. Prosperous rural non‐core counties are associated with higher rates of expenditure and the distribution of federal expenditures across these counties exhibits positive spatial dependence.

Being African American and Rural: A Double Jeopardy From COVID-19.

Challenges of addressing opioid use disorder in rural settings: A state perspective

The rural US includes 72% of the nation's land and 46 million people, and it serves as major sources of food and energy for the nation. Thus rural prosperity is essential to US wellbeing. As a foundation for next-generation rural economy and communities, broadband connectivity is a key driver of rural prosperity. Yet 39% of the rural US lacks broadband access, and most agriculture (ag) farms are not connected at all. To address the rural broadband challenge, we will develop the ARA rural wireless living lab. ARA will not only serve as a first-of-its-kind, real-world wireless experimental infrastructure for smart and connected rural communities, it will also provide the living lab processes, activities, and organizations to engage the broad wireless and application communities in the research, education, innovation, and pilot of affordable, high-capacity rural broadband solutions. Through this visioning article, we illustrate the community, application, economic, and operational contexts of rural wireless, the design of ARA, ARA-enabled research, and how ARA is expected to make rural broadband as affordable as urban broadband today. This article is also a call-to-action for the broad wireless and application communities to participate in the ARA living lab activities and to join the ARA Consortium of public-private partners in shaping the future of advanced wireless, rural broadband, and rural communities in general.

We highlight the tension in food systems between affordable food for all and prosperity of the rural communities that produce most of that food. Over the past six decades, global efforts to combat hunger have centered on boosting the production of basic food staples, leading to significant reductions in hunger. However, progress has stalled, and food insecurity remains a pressing issue for over two billion people, primarily in low-income countries (LICs), where it is closely tied to poverty. Current strategies in LICs, rooted in mid twentieth century paradigms, emphasize increasing staple crop yields by smallholder farmers. These approaches unrealistically assume that smallholders can simultaneously produce low-cost staples and achieve economic prosperity. Moreover, the narrow focus on staple crops overlooks the potential of high-value, diversified agriculture to improve rural livelihoods and provide nutritious, balanced diets. We advocate for a fairer distribution of responsibilities in food provision: smallholders should be supported in transitioning toward higher-value agricultural products and services, with greater emphasis on labor productivity and value chain development. Production of staple foods such as wheat, maize or rice is more suitable for larger areas, and hence mechanization, which further improves labor productivity. Such a more diversified rural economy—extending beyond the farm gate—can foster more prosperous and equitable rural communities, enhance dietary diversity and strengthen resilience to shifting environmental and socioeconomic conditions. Urban food security could be further strengthened by reducing non-food related living costs. Long-term food security depends on ensuring dignified livelihoods for rural communities and farmers. To achieve a more equitable balance between the welfare of producers and consumers will require re-examination of our farm and food systems.

Over the centuries, agriculture has played a dominant role in determining land use, and in exploiting or enhancing the natural landscape. This relationship has generally been portrayed as harmonious, with farmers acting as custodians of the countryside. Historically the fortunes of agriculture have been synonymous with rural prosperity and quality of life. By the 1980s, however, there was widespread concern that the unprecedented expansion and intensification of British agriculture had been achieved partly at the expense of the environment and rural communities. Mounting food surpluses necessitated a fundamental reappraisal of agriculture’s role in the countryside and the rural economy. This chapter examines the measures taken to protect the rural landscape and biodiversity of the countryside. Attention focuses on the development of organic farming and the conservation of traditional breeds of livestock. The chapter concludes with an investigation into the changing role of farmers during this crucial period in Britain’s agricultural metamorphosis.

The increasing environmental pressures and economic challenges unfairly associated with palm oil production have necessitated the exploration of sustainable resource management approaches. This study aims to comprehensively examine how oil palm biomass can drive circular economy practices that promote sustainable resource cycles and enhance rural prosperity. Using a qualitative literature review methodology, this research synthesizes findings from over 60 peer-reviewed articles and authoritative reports identified through systematic database searches. Data were analyzed thematically to uncover key patterns in technological advancements, environmental impacts, socio-economic benefits, and policy frameworks related to biomass utilization. The findings reveal that oil palm biomass, frequently underutilized, presents significant opportunities for renewable energy production, soil quality improvement, and livelihood diversification in rural areas. Adoption of biomass valorization technologies has demonstrated potential to improve energy access, generate employment, and increase incomes among rural communities. Nonetheless, challenges such as limited technology accessibility, financing barriers, and insufficient supportive policies continue to restrict optimal biomass utilization. The study concludes that targeted investments, enabling policies, and initiatives aimed at enhancing capacity are essential for fully realizing the potential of oil palm biomass within circular economy systems. For future research, empirical studies evaluating community-level impacts and scalable business models are recommended to ensure inclusive participation and sustainable development. This review underscores the vital role of integrated approaches in advancing sustainable agricultural systems and rural economic growth through effective resource cycling.

Agriculture is central to Tanzania's rural economy, but its underperformance drives many households in Sumbawanga Rural District to seek non-farm activities to combat poverty. This study investigates the impact of such activities on poverty reduction. It identifies drivers pushing farmers towards non-agricultural work, like low farm earnings and land scarcity, and explores how these activities affect household income. Data from 195 farming households reveals non-farm activities contribute significantly to income, ranging from 43% to 50%. Despite Tanzania's decreasing poverty rate (25.7%) in 2020, around 26 million still live in extreme poverty. The study suggests promoting non-agricultural endeavours like carpentry and animal husbandry to diversify income sources and alleviate poverty. Overall, it highlights the importance of non-farm activities in rural prosperity and recommends their integration into poverty reduction strategies.

Sustainable agricultural ecotourism in small?island environments requires management systems that integrate animal welfare, conservation, and local livelihood goals. This study aims to design a practical, community?based model for agricultural ecotourism centred on Bali cattle husbandry in Sakti Village by linking welfare?oriented pen design, feeding management, and governance processes to broader ecological and cultural objectives. The research employed a design?science approach supported by spatial planning, participatory governance, and field?based assessments to develop siting standards, construction guidelines, operational protocols, and monitoring systems suited to island conditions. Results show that appropriate roofing, ventilation, pen dimensions, sanitation systems, and continuous water access significantly improved cattle comfort, biosecurity, and visitor safety, while balanced feeding strategies supported stable growth and resilience across seasons. Waste?to?resource practices strengthened circularity, and community involvement enhanced policy coherence, social acceptance, and long?term feasibility. These findings illustrate that well?designed husbandry standards can simultaneously improve animal welfare, enrich visitor interpretation, and support community benefits when embedded within adaptive governance. Overall, the study provides an integrated framework for developing livestock?based agricultural ecotourism on small islands and demonstrates its potential to align tourism development with conservation aims, cultural heritage, and rural prosperity. Contribution to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth)SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities):SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production)SDG 13 (Climate Action)SDG 15 (Life on Land)

For older Americans, accessing high-quality care can be a challenge. For those in rural communities, it's even harder.

Entrepreneurship plays a vital role in driving economic development and empowering rural communities. This study examines the competencies, challenges, and opportunities among rural entrepreneurs in Kanchipuram District, Tamil Nadu. A survey methodology was used with a sample of 200 rural entrepreneurs from industries such as textiles and automobiles.The study assessed entrepreneurial competencies based on gender, education, and business background, revealing notable differences. Male entrepreneurs outperformed females in competency measures, highlighting gender disparities. Educational qualifications significantly impacted competencies, with school-educated entrepreneurs achieving the highest mean scores. Entrepreneurs from business families demonstrated greater competencies compared to first-generation entrepreneurs.Key challenges identified include financial constraints, infrastructural deficits, and technological barriers, while opportunities lie in digital platforms and government initiatives. The findings underscore the importance of targeted interventions to address these challenges, enhance entrepreneurial capacities, and promote sustainable development. Empowering rural entrepreneurs is crucial for fostering economic growth and rural prosperity.

Sustainable development of the mining sector for achieving common prosperity in Chinese rural areas

In a retrospective and partly autobiographic text, this chapter argues that rural people in Norway feel their communities are being drained and left to die alone. The politicians that grew up in the 1980s and onwards do not reach them anymore, and people are feeling powerless and betrayed. The traditionally strong Norwegian rural policy has gone slowly from a rural policy where the state took responsibility to a systematic individualisation of the responsibility for the rural communities’ own success. Together with less attention to rural issues, more professionalised politicians and an active degrading of the national state, a feeling of mistrust has started to grow. But there is still time to slow down, observe and listen. Maybe that will help us to rediscover the importance and the mutual benefits of both urban and rural prosperity.

Social capital has enjoyed a surge in popularity in recent years, however debate continues over the concept in policy and community renewal strategies. This paper explores how different interpretations of the concept may affect the role that government is perceived to have in developing ‘social capital’. Empirical research findings are used to explore the relevance of different social capital interpretations to the role of government in rural prosperity. The paper argues that the current dominant interpretation obscures the role that government can play in generating community prosperity. Additionally, this paper argues that the dominant interpretation of the concept does not acknowledge the effect that government actions may have on social networks and, therefore, social and economic outcomes. The paper comments on the implications of different social capital interpretations for policy development focused on the social and economic sustainability of rural Australia. It concludes that the political context of the use of social capital affects how it is interpreted. Further, the interpretation utilised affects government policy responses to the renewal of rural communities, a factor largely unrecognised in social capital debates.

The status of large-scale assessment practices for students with disabilities in rural states compared to urban and other states is explored in this article. Based on responses to a survey of state special education directors, rural states showed more stable assessment participation rates across years than urban states. Fewer rural states had data available about assessment performance levels, but of those with data, more showed an increase in performance levels than urban states. More rural than urban states had data on accommodations use and more of these states showed stable use across years, whereas more urban states showed an increase in the use of assessment accommodations. Nearly all rural states use a portfolio approach to alternate assessment in contrast to urban states in which a variety of approaches are used. Through the story of one rural education cooperative, an illustration is provided that assessment data can and is being used to make a difference in student outcomes.