From the Grassroots: Results of a National Study of Rural Self-Development Projects

Gary P. Green, Jan L. Flora, Cornelia B. Flora and Frederick E. Schmidt

No 278723, Staff Reports from United States Department of Agriculture, Economic Research Service

Abstract: In this study we examine efforts to promote community-based economic development, what we refer to as self-development. Self-development strategies involve local governments or quasi-governmental units working with other public and private entities to develop enterprises providing employment, income, and services to local communities. These enterprises are locally controlled. Based on data collected from more than 100 communities adopting these strategies, we evaluate how and why communities pursue this form of development, the relative costs and benefits of these strategies, and the factors influencing the jobs created and income generated in these efforts. Self-development projects face many of the same obstacles as traditional economic development activities. Credit, however, may be more of a problem for self-development efforts than other economic development activities because lenders are hesitant to take the risk. Finally, success at self-development requires adopting the appropriate organizational structure, obtaining technical assistance, and choosing a strategy that fits the local economic and social structure.

Keywords: Agricultural and Food Policy; Community/Rural/Urban Development (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Pages: 44
Date: 1993-11
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:ags:uerssr:278723

DOI: 10.22004/ag.econ.278723

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