The role of rural community enhancing rural social infrastructure changes

Vaznoniene, G., Aleksandras Stulginskis Univ., Akademija, Kauno reg.

The role of rural community enhancing rural social infrastructure changes

2015

Vaznoniene, G., Aleksandras Stulginskis Univ., Akademija, Kauno reg. (Lithuania)

This article presents analysis of the role of rural community in enhancement and implementation of changes in rural social infrastructure. Rural social infrastructure is a key part of rural social and economic system, the development level of which predetermines satisfaction of needs of rural residents, fulfilment of their range of choices and alternatives. The main objective of this article is to deploy the fact that application of “bottom-up” approach could stimulate rural community to make decision intended for promotion of positive changes when straining after the attractiveness of their locations through the rational development of social infrastructure facilities, supply of target, high-quality and multiple services. The following research question has been addressed – what is the potential contribution of rural community towards promotion of changes in social infrastructure of rural areas. The research aim is to disclose the role of rural community in enhancement of rural social infrastructure changes. An anonymous survey using questionnaire was implemented in five pilot rural areas and the summary of results is presented. It has been determined that activity and citizenship of rural community in assumption of liabilities for the wellbeing of all rural residents predefines the relevancy of their decisions and opinions before the local authorities and other concerned local or regional institutions. Consequently, the challenge for mentioned rural development actors is to identify or recognise the constraints on rural community participation in forming social infrastructure at local level, and to develop and enable specific initiatives in their favour.

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