Agriculture Commons^™

Factors Associated With Attracting Business And Industry To Selected Black Belt Counties Of Alabama, Andrew Zekeri

Professional Agricultural Workers Journal

There is limited recent research on the economic development strategies that local officials, state, and federal governments are employing in rural Alabama. To better understand these strategies, the data were collected from local community officials in two rural Alabama counties. The objectives are to examine what efforts are being used, and what resources are available for economic development efforts. Data were analyzed using hierarchical regression analyses to test the hypothesis that past community action and community solidarity variables can contribute to a higher probability of recruiting business and industry than will be predicted by the ecological characteristics of the communities …

Toward Effective Rural Community Development In Black Belt Counties: Conceptual And Methodological Issues, Andrew Zekeri

Professional Agricultural Workers Journal

Abstract

The objectives of this paper are to (1) specify what “rural”, “community”, and “development” mean, and (2) what should be the essential steps to be taken to achieve an effective rural community development. Rural is a territorial concept, and it means an extent of dispersion of people in a local ecology. Community is a natural disposition among people who interact with one another on different matters that compromise a common life. Development is an organized intentional effort of local people to work together towards a shared goal. Community development is building the capacity of community residents to act effectively …