THE RURBAN FRINGE

Does Urban Development Drive Rural Growth?

Posted on | February 24, 2009 | No Comments

Short answer, yes. 

As long as cities exist, they will need rural resources.  This reinforces, rather than divides, the survival bond between rural and urban lifestyles.

Rural people and communities provide urban necessities:  food, forestry products, water, natural resources, etc.  In this sense, rural communities can stand alone.  Cities can’t … and so must depend on rural resources to maintain urban standards of living.

And while this is a somewhat simplistic view of increasingly complex rural-urban relationships, the fact is that there have always been rich connections and interdependence between rural and urban places.

But without thriving rural communities, our urban centres will never reach their full potential. 

So make yourself heard … encourage open dialogue on issues that affect your community.  Find common ground.  Nurture partnerships.  Develop opportunity.  Be part of a solution.

We need to ensure that what benefits one, benefits all.

Note:  This post also appears at FarmOn.com … feel free to leave a comment or join in the discussion at either place!

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