AMERICA'S FORGOTTEN PEOPLE AND PLACES: ENDING THE LEGACY OF POVERTY IN THE RURAL SOUTH: DISCUSSION

These comments discuss the presentations by Christy, Wenner, and Dassie ("A Microenterprise-Centered Economic Development Strategy for the Rural South: Sustaining Growth with Economic Opportunity") and Freshwater ("What Can Social Scientists Contribute to the Challenge of Rural Economic Development?") in three sections. These are (1) a brief overview of the Southern Black Belt and its rural development needs, (2) an assessment of the microenterprise-centered economic development strategy for the rural South, and (3) a quick review of what social scientists can contribute to the challenges of rural economic development. This approach also emphasizes the authors' background at a historically black land-grant university, and the belief that as goes the Black Belt, so goes the rural South.Community/Rural/Urban Development,

The Effect of Ethanol Production on Agricultural Production in the State of Alabama

This research assessed the economic effect of corn-based fuel ethanol production on agriculture and the state economy in Alabama. The results showed that in the short run a 15 million gallon per year plant will be profitable. This will have farm income and a multiplier affect in the rest of the state economy.ethanol, corn producers, farm income, price elasticity, economic impact, Resource /Energy Economics and Policy,

The Decline of Black Farmers and Strategies for Survival

By most accounts, black farmers in the United States are categorized as either limited resource or subsistence producers given an historic lack of access to credit, mechanical, and land resources. Additionally, advanced age and limited education have placed black farmers on the endangered list. Given these constraints to financial and human capital, black farmers have adopted survival strategies in an attempt to maintain their farms. Results presented here from research conducted in the Black Belt region of Alabama indicate that there is a high degree of participation in the off-farm workforce and reliance on off-farm income for black farm family survival. On the other hand, research findings also indicate that the disposition of farm land from one generation to the next continues to follow informal and traditional paths that may not be conducive to farm preservation strategies. The minority farm constituency can benefit greatly from programs that develop and encourage strategies to save the farm. Examples discussed include special education, efforts by minority owned financial institutions, access to expertise programs job training, and off-farm employment opportunities

New Opportunities for Social Research on Forest Landowners in the South

Many of the issues of importance to forest management and policy have important social components. Yet, in the South, social research on forests has lagged behind economic and biophysical research. In this paper we identify some important new opportunities for social research on forests in the South, focusing on non industrial private forests because they represent the majority of the South\u27s timberland. We identify six important areas for social research. One, research on diversity of forest land owners and how different landowners relate to and use their forests. Two, social relationships of forest landowners, including household and family structure and social network analysis. Three, research that applies recent advances in common pool resource management to issues such as forest health and water quality. Four, qualitative research that seeks to understand how environmental values are constructed and operate in complex decision-making processes and social relationships. Five, work on forest-related rural development, particularly the in poor, non-urbanizing areas of the South that have been affected by globalization and declines in agriculture. Six, research on urbanization and forests

Participation in Selected USDA Programs by Socially Disadvantaged Farmers in Selected Black Belt Counties in Georgia

This study examines the characteristics of African American Farmers (AAFs), a significant subgroup of socially disadvantaged farmers (SDFs) in the U.S. South, and their overall awareness of USDA programs. Specifically, these programs include the Farm Ownership Loan (FOL) and Operating Loan (OL) programs, the Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP), and the Value-Added Producer Grant (VAPG) program. It also investigates the main reasons for participation and non-participation in these programs, assesses the relationship between program application and the rate of approval, and examines the relationship between USDA program outreach to SDFs and program implementation. Using convenience sampling, data collected from respondents in southwest Georgia were analyzed and presented descriptively in tables and graphs. Results indicate that awareness was high with the FOL/OL programs but applications and approvals were low for FOL. Equally, awareness was high for EQIP but not the VAPG program, while participation was low for both. Reasons for non-participation were AAFs thinking they did not qualify for all programs, lack of collateral, complicated reporting requirements, and incomplete applications

An Assessment of Microlending Programs in the Alabama Black Belt Region

Abstract The objective of this study was to assess the impact of selected socioeconomic factors on microlending in the Alabama Black Belt. It used logistic regression to identify the link between borrower socioeconomic characteristics and loan repayment rate from existing and previous microloan programs. It was hypothesized that borrower gender, age, level of education, household income, and credit score has a major impact on loan repayment. The results of study indicated that only credit score had a statistically significant effect on loan repayment. This finding underscores the importance of credit score and credit repair management in existing microloan programs, given the socioeconomic characteristics of microloan program participants in the Alabama Black Belt. It was recommended that microloan programs should incorporate the requisite personal finance management outreach and Extension components due to the need to rebuild credit for those interested in microloans for personal or business use. Keywords: Black Belt, Microlending, Socioeconomic Characteristic

Assessing Marketing Alternatives for Small Farmers in Selected Alabama Black Belt Counties

Abstract Market access is an important factor for the success of small farmers. In Alabama rural counties, farmers are in search of alternative market outlets to broaden their sales and make a profit. The purpose of this research was to assess marketing alternatives for small farmers in selected Alabama Black Belt Counties because local markets are essential to the economy and the overall well-being of local communities. Ethnographic field research was used to collect data by interviewing participants in selected rural counties, as well as from the Alabama Farmers Market Authority and USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service. The findings indicate that farmers markets were the most popular of the direct markets in these rural counties. Participants believed that produce at farmers markets was fresh and of high quality. Government programs and resources should be used to promote direct markets, especially farmers markets, in rural minority communities in the South. Keywords: Marketing Alternatives, Direct Marketing, Small Farmers, Alabama Black Bel

Determinants of Consumer Preference for and Expenditure on Rice in the Kilimanjaro Region, Tanzania

The primary objective of the study was to examine determinants of consumer preferences for and expenditure on rice in the Kilimanjaro Region, Tanzania. Data were collected from a random sample of 230 participants, and analyzed using descriptive statistics and regression analyses. The descriptive statistics revealed that domestic rice was preferred by a majority of the participants over imported rice. The most important attribute for consumers was aroma, followed by taste, cleanness, and price. The logistic regression analysis showed that price of a substitute, quality, and household size had significant effects on preference for rice, domestic or imported. The OLS analysis revealed that the price of rice, income, frequency of consumption, and household size had significant effects on expenditure on rice. It is suggested that domestic rice should be promoted, and influential factors should be considered in any consumption and policy changes in the rice industry

Consumer Demand and Willingness to Purchase Asian Fruits and Vegetables in Selected Korean Communities in Alabama and Georgia

This research analyzed the demand for fresh Asian fruits and vegetables by Korean immigrants in central and east Alabama and west Georgia. The growth of the Korean population in these two areas is due to the opening of two automobile manufacturing plants: Kia in West Point, Georgia in 2009 and Hyundai in Montgomery, Alabama in 2005.The study’s objectives were to: 1) establish what demand exists for fresh Asian fruits and vegetables among Korean immigrants in central and east Alabama and west Georgia; and 2) examine the opportunity for a niche market in ethnic vegetables for small and medium-sized farmers. This was accomplished by collecting socio-economic data on Korean residents in central and east Alabama and west Georgia; estimating consumer buying patterns of Asian fruits and vegetables; and developing a list of Asian fruits and vegetables for potential local farm production as a niche market.A survey instrument was developed and used to collect data on consumer preferences, socio-economic factors, willingness to pay, and buying patterns. The instrument was translated into Korean to be more attractive to the respondents, and images of selected fruits and vegetables were attached. The survey was administered at Korean churches in Lee and Montgomery counties in Alabama, and Muscogee and Troup counties in Georgia. The results demonstrated that 81% of respondents were willing to buy Asian/Korean fruits and vegetables grown locally, and that 82% of the participants were willing to pay (5 or > 20%) more for the produce   grown by local farmers. A list of preferred fruits and vegetables by the customers was also established. Keywords: Asian fruits and vegetables, Korean community, locally grown produce. DOI: 10.7176/JESD/10-22-13 Publication date: November 30th 201