This book endeavors to set forth rural changes in their historical, scientific, and social aspects. The introduction of rural mail delivery and the extension of the telephone system will improve the country environment. But the drift toward the city is determined almost wholly by economic causes, and this book looks at how the existing middle class of country dwellers can be assisted in continuing the universally important practice of agriculture. This volume addresses the social reconstruction and environmental improvements that can help save country towns.

This book analyzes contemporary challenges and solutions to problems facing rural communities. The idea of reinvention is offered as a description of how rural communities adapt by changing focus to alternative economic development strategies and by focusing on improved quality of life. The image of rural given is one of dynamism and resiliency.

Originally published in 1990, this volume addresses issues surrounding global ecological changes and sustainability of present patterns of urbanisation and industrialisation. The book discusses these problems and other issues such as how rural environments in many developed and developing countries have been transformed by a technological revolution. Looking at a diverse range of topics from climate change to slurry pollution and the destruction of genetic resources to the risks of biotechnology, this volume addresses these issues which concern the dynamics and social relations of technological change in rural areas.