Planning, Housing and Infrastructure for Smart Villages

Rural areas are home to 3.4 billion people, accounting for 55-80% of the world's poor. This book provides an overview of current thinking and practices for uplifting rural communities in developing economies, with a focus on incorporating issues of resilience, resourcefulness, and community involvement.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 20 December 2018
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Inc

The world is home to a staggering 7.3 billion people, with 3.4 billion residing in rural areas. While in a few regions like Latin America, the Middle East, and North Africa, less than 50% of poverty is concentrated in rural areas, the majority of the world's regions, spanning between 55% and 80%, still witness a significant presence of poverty in rural communities. Despite progress being made, much of the knowledge and expertise required to empower rural communities remains confined to a small group of professionals working in this field. In recent years, urban development has garnered significant attention, and it is crucial that poorer rural areas receive the same level of attention and receive the necessary knowledge for empowerment.

This book offers a comprehensive overview of the current thinking and practices that have emerged over the past thirty years to uplift rural communities in developing economies. Drawing on a wealth of knowledge from various relevant disciplines, this book presents a diverse range of innovative ideas for rural planning, housing, and infrastructure development.

Governments in many emerging economies, where rural poverty is often most acute, have undertaken efforts to improve livelihoods. However, approaches and techniques commonly employed for urban development may not be readily applicable to rural communities. Studies have shown that allocated funds for rural development often fail to achieve their intended outcomes due to factors such as distance, lack of infrastructure, inadequate education, poverty, and other challenges. Meanwhile, the gap in development between cities and rural areas continues to widen, posing social and political instability in both developing and developed countries.

This book aims to serve as a guidebook for addressing these challenges. Through in-depth inquiry into global practices and perspectives on rural development, along with selected case studies, it provides valuable insights and strategies for promoting sustainable rural development. By understanding the unique characteristics and needs of rural communities, policymakers, practitioners, and community members can work together to create inclusive and prosperous rural landscapes.

The book begins by exploring the historical context and drivers of rural poverty, including factors such as land tenure, access to resources, and social exclusion. It then delves into the various approaches and strategies employed to address rural poverty, including community-based development, rural entrepreneurship, and government interventions.

The book also highlights the importance of gender equality and social inclusion in rural development, recognizing the unique challenges faced by women and marginalized communities in rural areas. It provides examples of successful initiatives that have promoted gender equality and social inclusion, such as women's empowerment programs, community-led development projects, and inclusive infrastructure development.

In addition to these thematic chapters, the book includes case studies from various countries and regions, showcasing successful examples of rural development initiatives. These case studies provide practical insights and lessons learned from real-world experiences, allowing readers to apply the theoretical concepts discussed in the book to their own contexts.

Overall, this book offers a comprehensive and timely examination of rural development, providing valuable insights and strategies for promoting sustainable and inclusive growth in rural communities. It is a valuable resource for policymakers, practitioners, researchers, and community members interested in addressing rural poverty and promoting sustainable development.

Weight: 362g
Dimension: 232 x 167 x 13 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780815365655