How Special Are Rural Areas? The Economic Implications of Location for Rural Development

Abstract

Despite on-going change, rural areas remain characterised by relative abundance of natural capital, and by distance and the relatively high cost of movement. They are also home to most of the world's poor. Compared with urban areas which enjoy proximity to customers and producers, rural areas may have comparative advantage only in primary activities based on immobile natural resources and closely related activities. There are differences, however, between 'peri-urban', 'middle countryside' and 'remote' areas. In some areas, economic growth, urban expansion, and improved transport and communications create new urban-oriented opportunities for rural services and labour. Remote areas will continue to present special difficulties, however; and, in general, the potential for nonagricultural diversification is less than is sometimes argued.

Young People, Agriculture, and Transformation in Rural Africa: An “Opportunity Space” Approach

“…The interaction of resource quality and market accessibility goes a long way to determining the kinds of economic activities that are likely to be viable in a particular location. 9 It is important to note, however, that as far as agricultural production is concerned, the relationship between natural resources, market accessibility, and economic viability is not always straightforward. For example, the urban demand for perishable horticulture products can be so strong that nearby producers invest heavily to overcome natural resource limitations, such as soil quality or the availability of water.…”

Introduction: The Young People and Agriculture ‘Problem’ in Africa

“…Opportunity space might be described in terms of how dynamic, large, rich or diverse it is, reflecting in part differentiation among rural areas (e.g. in terms of access to markets and quality of natural resources) (Wiggins and Proctor 2001). An individual's ability to successfully exploit a given opportunity space is then a function of: their access to key resources; support from social relations and networks; information, knowledge and skills; attitudes (e.g.…”

The Misconception of Rural Development in South Africa: A Recipe for Socio-Economic Stagnation

“…Ashley & Maxwell (2001) identified five principles for a successful rural development strategy as follows; the strategy should recognise the great diversity of rural situations; favour livelihoods strengthening diversification options for multi-occupational and multilocational households; recognise the importance of investment in infrastructure; and, human capital. Concurrently, such a rural development strategy will have to focus on issues of rural community development, incorporating strategies for the sustainability of the economy, social and cultural sphere of rural life, thus, emphasising participatory process that will empower rural dwellers to take control of their own priorities for change (Wiggins & Proctor, 2001). This spatial approach implies an attempt to co-ordinate a range of activities i.e.…”