The massive migration from the countryside to cities in developing countries shows no sign of abating, despite the harsh conditions of urban slums and shanty towns. It is a measure of the desperation felt by the rural poor. Many are propelled toward crowded cities because they feel trapped, with no future and scant prospects for laying claim to the most basic resources.
The crushing population growth in urban areas is leading toward chaos and, ultimately, collapse. The hinterlands must reclaim their historic role as the bread basket and cradle of civilizations if catastrophe is to be averted.
This requires forward-looking community development in rural areas, drawing from both modern innovation and traditional wisdom to forge a web of mutually supportive relationships between inhabitants, and to their natural environment. Lessons learned can be applied to urban settlements as well.
The Tlholego Development Project (TDP) in South Africa is one such project. It blends African tradition, modern technology, and concepts of permaculture and ecovillages to create a healthy, sustainable village life. This month, photojournalist Janet Jarman presents a view of TDP's achievements and underlying principles through her photographs, notes, and audio recordings.
Our second feature spotlights farmers in rural Indonesia who have escaped poverty and relative helplessness by building a new village. With their "whole settlement" approach, they are reviving traditional values of mutual support and cooperation, and breaking new ground in small business enterprise and finance.
Participants in both programs are exhibiting increased self-esteem and self-reliance. They are carving out a future for rural communities.
- Kris Herbst
