Issues of Integration, Participation and Empowerment in Rural Development: The Case of LEADER in the Republic of Ireland |
Author: |
Storey, David
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Author Background: |
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Date |
July 1999
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Type |
Journal
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Journal Title: |
Journal-of-Rural-Studies
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Volume/Pages |
151(3) 307-315
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Publisher |
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Subject Matter |
Community Development; International; Ireland
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Population |
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Pedagogies |
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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
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