Deteriorating rural community cooperation

At a time when there is a general awareness of the interdependence of all facets of human society, many Third World villages find the effectiveness of their social and economic operations diminished due to traditional factionalism derived from past necessity. The strain of divisions borne of long centuries of feudal tradition is being exaggerated further in the rural communities of developing nations by the difficult economic situation. This is causing tensions between merchants and farmers and between the relatively prosperous and the less affluent people of the community. Strong family ties further weaken the community spirit as personal needs continue to override those of the community. As liaison with the local government structures increases, communities find themselves undecided about requests and the use of crucially available resources.

The consuming work schedule of villagers, and their individual and family concerns, allow little time for community meetings. Besides, there are generally no long-range plans for various local programmes, despite the general desire that these should exist: bulk buying remains an unused alternative to high-cost individual supplies; special training, a much needed dimension in agriculture remains uncoordinated; over-emphasis on labour results in ineffective efforts as well as an inability to organize community actions. The problem is compounded by the fact that families tend to live in residences scattered over hills and valleys, so that there is obviously more concern focused on isolated family affairs than on effective ways of communication with other village residents.