Journal of Rural and Community Development
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Transition to a Bio-economy: A Community Development Strategy Discussion
No full textMany jurisdictions are questioning existing practices in making effective use of forest resources. Even in Europe, considered one of the more advanced in value-added production, Engelbrecht (2006) identified that European companies by and large produce low value-added products and that innovation could help them to make more of their environmental advantages. Schaan and Anderson (2002) categorized the forest sector system opportunities into innovations around forest management, harvesting, primary manufacturing, services, and manufacturing suppliers. They found, as did Wagner and Hansen (2005) that firms in forest harvesting and primary manufacturing tend to concentrate on process innovation rather than the development of new products. As a result, forestry industry cutbacks in employment are hardly surprising. Clearly, future job growth will need to come from elsewhere, and many from the forest, which is still considered as holding a wealth of resources and opportunities. Ontario (Canada) and perhaps other similar jurisdictions have a number of communities reliant on the forest economy, most of which suffered severe cutbacks. These communities are beginning to feel the need to diversify and encourage innovation. Although not a panacea to their problems, the bio-economy provides some opportunities worth investigating including a more thorough use of forest products. This article adopts an economic development approach and explores the challenges in getting involved in the bio-economy, it offers a list of opportunities, and a framework to analyze challenges
Transportation Economic Issues in the Proposed Annexation of Wendover, Utah
Get PDFIn 2002, the residents of Wendover, Utah voted in favor of annexation by the adjacent West Wendover, Nevada. While Wendover is blighted, West Wendover thrives in a gaming-based economy. The legislative process is lengthy because of the proposed realignment of the Nevada-Utah boundary. This paper examines the transportation-related implications of the proposed annexation. The capital value of Wendover’s transportation assets is about 2003), although attention has been directed toward the Wendover Airport and an associated debt that had grown to 22,800 to 725 per household in Wendover from higher licensing and registration fees, insurance premiums, and fuel taxes. City and county officials in Nevada were wrestling with being responsible for the airport’s debt, forcing officials in Utah to consider alternatives to annexation. One alternative would be to further develop the airport, and establish stronger linkages to nearby attractions
Hunted, Harvested and Homegrown: The Prevalence of Self-provisioning in Rural Canada
No full textThis research examines self-provisioning activities in rural Canada and describes their prevalence both in terms of participation and the degree to which they make material contributions to households. Self-provisioning is correlated with a number of household characteristics, such as employment, income, and length of residency. Results show that self-provisioning activities are still common in rural Canada, particularly those requiring low capital investments such as gardening and wildcrafting. However the analysis reveals weak associations between socio-economic variables and self-provisioning, providing further evidence that, in aggregate, rural households have complex motivations for participating in self-provisioning activities and that economic need is not always the main driver. The data demonstrate a low level of participation amongst the very poorest households, implying structural barriers to participation for some of these activiti
Communications & Capacity Building: Exploring Clues from the Literature For Rural Community Development
No full textIt almost goes without saying that communication lies at the root of all human development, in any context. Thus, capacity building for rural development takes place in the context of communication practices and processes. Historically, much rural development has taken place through communication in terms of education through university extension programs, radio and other traditional media, and perhaps most importantly, through the communal ties which are created and fostered by face-to-face communication. In today’s world, rural development is also becoming increasingly tied into new information and communication technologies (ICTs) such as the internet. Further, an examination of the literature surrounding rural development and capacity building reveals that in virtually all of it communication is inextricably involved in the process. The literature also provides some important clues as to why those involved in rural development for the new rural economy in a North American context need to pay attention to existing and potential communication tools and practices (or the lack thereof) when building capacity in their communities.
With this end in mind, this article will present an overview of the literature concentrating on the following ideas: communication as a framework of oil, glue, and web; communication and capacity building, i.e., the role of communication in enhancing capacity and the capacities that good communications creates; participatory communications strategies; and communications capacity and conflict resolution in rural communities. While looking at literature concerning both the developed and developing world, the emphasis will be upon work which has a direct rural North American application. Finally, the article will discuss what this foregrounding of communication means in concrete terms to Canadian rural communities caught in the midst of global economic shifts, i.e., those trying to engage and sustain themselves in the New Rural Econom
Internet Connectivity: A Churchill, Manitoba Case Study
Get PDFThe Churchill Community Network (CCNet) was a community based Internet
business in Churchill, Manitoba. The company was established in 1997, at a time
when Internet connectivity was just gaining momentum, particularly in rural,
remote and northern areas. CCNet members successfully established broadband
connectivity in Churchill prior to nationwide initiatives to address bandwidth
needs (Cameron, et al. 2005). This case study contributes to an understanding of
connectivity barriers, decision-making processes, government involvement, and
economic opportunities for a northern community through connectivity
infrastructure. It demonstrates the way in which one community achieved
connectivity on its own, illustrates the reasoning behind it, and shows why it is
important. The research also provides a basis for comparison to other communities
as they address Internet connectivity
The Role and Impact of Community Newsletters in Fostering Social Cohesion and Community Development
Get PDFTraditional forms of communication - printed newspapers and newsletters, personal conversation, and much more - are often forgotten in the rush to embrace new forms of information and communication technologies. In small rural communities these more traditional forms have been important tools for facilitating community development while fostering a sense of belonging and attachment to the community. This paper assesses the impact of the creation of a community newsletter by volunteers in the small rural unincorporated community of Lot 16, Prince Edward Island in March 2004. The results of a household survey and key informant interviews reveal that the newsletter is widely read, has contributed to a greater sense of awareness about community activities and people, and a greater sense of interest in the community as a whole. Furthermore, the newsletter is thought to be building some potential or capacity in the community for other activities in the future
