Search

This paper contributes to the ongoing discussion about amenity-driven rural development strategies by examining the relationship between quality of life amenities and rural economic development in the Southeast USA. The premise is that what is true at a national level may provide a partial or misleading picture when we look at particular areas. Additionally, data available at the county level can often provide richer and more precise information than what is found at the national level. The paper estimates spatial regression models using county-level data. For the most part, the results suggest that the differences in quality of life and amenities factors can explain a large portion of the trend in per capita income, employment and population change across counties in the Southeast USA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The central government of a developing country assumes the primary responsibility for national development but local government also has its share to contribute. Indeed, national development is not likely to succeed without a genuine partnership between the two. An analysis of the present state of local government reveals basic weaknesses and modernization is necessary in the interest of efficiency and development. Community development has also proved to be an effective means of promoting self help and fostering national development through local government. Before assessing the role of local government in national development in South-East Asia, a few words on the relationship of government in general to development may be useful. In this respect, a distinction may be drawn between so called developed and developing countries. As experience has shown, much of the economic development of industrialized countries has been due to the initiative, capital and management deployed in the private sector. This does not mean, however that government in such countries has been entirely indifferent to economic development.