Rural Comprehensive Development As Prosperity Engine

Abstract

In Nova Scotia an increasingly number of people abandon the countryside moving toward urban districts so that rural areas suffer social impairments and unhealthy conditions. In contrast with the high dearness of traditional interventions (social support and healthcare), we propose a “Rural Comprehensive Development” model as practicable way to invert this trend.

• Poster:
• Full Document: “Rural Comprehensive Development as Prosperity’s Engine“

Introduction: The Countryside Exodus

The migration of population from rural to urban areas is a global challenge. Our work looks for possible answers, taking the Nova Scotia, Canada as an example.Nova Scotia is more rural than the rest of nation and since 1986, despite the population increased in the Capital districts, declined in the rest of the province.

The Yarmouth County Example

In the last 15 years the county of Yarmouth has lost the 25% of the age group 25-34, the 5% of 15-24 and the 16% of 1-14. The whole population change was -2.7%.This exodus of young people drain economical and social vitality out of rural counties and represent a major reason for increasing aging in the countryside with impacts at a social and public health level.In a general scenario of “lack of perspectives” many of those that remain often consider themselves as unsatisfied, facing depression, social deviance or drugs dependence.

Social Impairments and Unhealthy Conditions of the Countryside

In fact Nova Scotian rural areas have daily smoking, obesity, depression and heavy drinking rates significantly higher of the national.To face such problems the regional administration is undertaking traditional intervention policies increasing the health care centers and the social support.

Outcome: the Ecovillage as alternative development model for Nova Scotia

Nevertheless for this trend doesn’t exist a concrete exit strategy except to “act over the symptoms”.To stop the escaping of youth and attract new forces (internal and external immigration) new ways should be considered.
The synergy between a beautiful natural environment, new social models (intentional communities), bioarchitecture, information technology, alternative energy and permaculture, represent the Rural Comprehensive Development” (RCD)Model.RCD offer a better quality of life through:

• retrieving a sense of growing community.
• (re)creating Small green Business
• Being focused more on health enhancement/maintenance rather than disease care.

RCD allows two strategies:Restructurating existing communities: creating coaching tools to forge social cohesion and discover possibilities.Building new communities:Designing financial tools and promulgating directives (inserting RCD in the Nova Scotia Nominee Program), the administration can also support a new development of the countryside.Nova Scotia has the advantage of an astonishing landscape that can attract qualified immigration.For all the above reasons the region is an ideal field for a RCD. The necessary funding will be rewarded by the economical and social renewal of the region with a guaranteed return of investment.