Rural Development Research Programs of Southern 1862 and 1890 Land Grant Institutions: Characteristics, Needs, and Priorities for the 1970's

Abstract

Acceptance and increased interest in rural development as a legitimate concern of land grant institutions is well documented. Although rural development research is not “new” for the discipline of agricultural economics, there is little doubt that the area has experienced renewed and greatly expanded interest at both the national and regional levels by the passage of the 1972 Rural Development Act.While much has been written on the importance and need for a direct frontal attack on this traditionally underfunded and low priority research area, the sad fact is that the profession is still without a clear sense of direction regarding research and extension needs and priorities. The establishment of state and regional rural development centers is a positive step toward directing and coordinating the limited resources available in this area. Many southern states have demonstrated significant leadership roles in this first step, obviously recognizing the massive rural development problems of the region.