Residents’ perceptions of the need and potential for rural renewal in two farming-dependent counties

Abstract

Many rural counties in the U.S. are struggling, particularly farming-dependent counties experiencing persistent poverty. This Rapid Rural Appraisal study focused on two farming-dependent counties in rural Oklahoma experiencing persistent poverty, population declines, and related stressors. In a series of open forums, rural community members most frequently referenced built capital (i.e., infrastructure) as the major reason that prevented the growth of new businesses and suppressed pride in the community. In comparison, community members expressed their greatest accomplishments and sources of hope involved human capital, in the way of the school systems, teachers, and students, and social capital, in the way of their athletic teams, churches, and relationships with each other. Although these counties rely heavily on agriculture as a major contributor to their economy, residents expressed challenges and concerns related to high concentrations of nitrate in the drinking water and seasonal air pollution related to agricultural processing facilities. Recommendations include encouraging residents in these two counties to rally together around their perceived strengths – human and social capital – to actively solve the problems identified during the open forums.