Issues of Integration, Participation and Empowerment in Rural Development... The
Case of LEADER in the Republic of Ireland |
| Author: |
Storey, D.
|
| Author Background: |
|
| Date |
7/99
|
| Type |
Journal
|
| Journal Title: |
Journal-of-Rural-Studies
|
| Volume/Pages |
151(3) 307-315
|
| Publisher |
|
| Subject Matter |
Community Development; International; Ireland
|
| Population |
|
| Pedagogies |
|
| Abstract |
There is increasing emphasis in the European Union on devising innovative development strategies for
rural areas. Considerable stress is laid on integration, participation, &
empowerment. Integration implies a need for cross-sectoral harmonization of
developmental objectives as well as increased coordination between agencies
involved in the developmental process. Participation implies consultation with
local rural dwellers in the development process. Empowerment suggests a greater
degree of influence being wielded by local residents &, thus, some shift in the
power balance between center & periphery & between professionals & amateurs. In
practice, this has resulted in a plethora of initiatives for a more locally
attuned, bottom-up approach to rural development. This approach is seen as a
more appropriate mechanism than traditional top-down strategies. Evidence from
ongoing research on LEADER II in Ireland suggests that a number of issues with
regard to current initiatives need to be addressed. Power relationships at both
national & local levels need to be explored. It might be more valid to view
current developments in terms of a process of incorporation, rather than a move
to a bottom-up participatory model. 1 Figure, 33 References. Adapted from the
source document
|
| Website: |
|
| email: |
|
|
