The rural counties of America have about 46.2 million residents who are spread all over the 72 percent of U.S. land area (Weeks, 2012). The U.S. rural population declined in the period between 2010 and 2012. Growth in the suburban areas has slowed down significantly and affected population trends in urban and rural areas (Weeks, 2012). The growth of the population in areas that are dependent on recreational based economies reduced due to demand of housing (Weeks, 2012).
According to Korgen and Furst (2012), 50 percent of the counties have recorded a decline in population. There is a diminishing impact of rural America as demonstrated in the farm bill which the congress was unable to pass. The data available shows that more than eighty percent of lawmakers are not representatives of rural areas. This makes it almost impossible for the rural folks to voice their needs through senators and representative who do not fully understand the role that agriculture plays in the United States (New Atlantis 2007).
Brain drain is the migration of educated persons from rural areas big cities where there are better paying jobs. It creates a great threat to the social and economic growth of the American country side (Weeks, 2012). Achievers are the people who want to leave the community in search of opportunities whereas stayers are those who are willing to stay behind and find the limited employment opportunities in the country side.
The use of combine-harvesters, tractors and new farming technologies has led to a gradual loss of human capital which has in turn caused the reduction in population growth. While towns shrink, there is less need for services that can create job opportunities. For example, a school with a class of few students would abandon its plans to develop a new branch leading to the reduction of jobs and reducing the taxes that are necessary for improving roads and providing necessary services (Korgen&Furst, 2012).
There should be incentives that can attract returners so that they can create opportunities in the rural areas. Technical training can also be provided to Stayers so that they can develop the necessary skills for innovations. Rural America is still, important and there is a need to create coalitions that can emphasize the importance of the forgotten areas on America’s well-being (New Atlantis, 2007). Moving back to rural areas can reduce social problems that are prevalent in the mega cities such as congestion that has led to the growth of ghetto residences and high unemployment rates.
References
Korgen, K. &Furst, G. (2012).Social problems: Causes & responses. San Diego, CA: Bridgepoint Education, Inc.
New Atlantis. (2007). Great cities: Rise of the megalopolis. Retrieved from http://digital.films.com/OnDemandEmbed.aspx?Token=40204&aid=18596&Plt=FOD&l oid=0&w=320&h=240
Weeks, J. (2012). Population: an introduction to concepts and issues. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth, Cengage Learning. p. 353-391.
