The Nebraska Model of Rural
Development:
Partnerships and Leveraging
Presented by
John C. Allen, Director
Center for Applied Rural Innovation
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
at the
Southern Institute for Rural Development
Sept. 8-10
Fort Meyers, Florida
In Nebraska
The Nebraska Model of Rural Development:
An Organizational History
1991
Creation of the
Rural
Development
Commission & the
Center for Rural
Community
Revitalization &
Development
The
Commission’s
focus is the
rationalization of
the government’s
rural development
efforts.
The UNL Board
of Regents created
the Center as a
design to facilitate
the University’s
rural development
efforts.
1992
1992
Creation of the
Nebraska
Development
Network
Creation of the
Nebraska
Community
Foundation
The Network
contributes to
cooperation
and
collaboration
among rural
development
entities. The
Network laid
the groundwork for
collaboration
among the
ultimate
Partners.
The
Foundation
secured initial
funding for the
Partner-ship
and plays a
critical role in
procuring
alternative
resources to
support
collaborative
efforts
1993
Initial
discussions
for formation
of the
Partnership
for Rural
Nebraska.
Negotiations
surrounding the
merits and
feasibility of the
Partnership
began between
the State of
Nebraska, the
University of
Nebraska, and
the Federal
Government.
1994
Creation of the
Partnership for
Rural Nebraska
August 9, 1995
1998
2001
Nebraska
Development
Network
becomes a
Partner.
Center for
Applied Rural
Innovation
Created
CARI Mission:
UNL President
Dennis Smith,
Nebraska
Governor Ben
Nelson, and
USDA
Representative
Art Campbell
sign the
Charter
Agreement
creating the
Partnership for
Rural
Nebraska.
Amendment
of the
Partnership
for Rural
Nebraska
Charter to
reflect the
addition of
the Nebraska
Development
Network as a
core Partner.
To help create a
rural community
and agricultural
structure that is
economically
viable,
environmentally
sound, socially
acceptable and
sustainable into
the future. Our
focus is
leadership.
Sustainable
agriculture,
economic and
community
development
through education
and research
*Department of
Environmental
Quality Added
2002
2003
Nebraska Rural
Initiative
•Increase business
startups or retool
those that hold
potential for highpaying jobs that
are compatible
with Nebraska's
strengths.
•Fill emerging
vacancies in
critical
professions.
•Encourage
communities to
identify their
strengths.
•Increase the
awareness of
Nebraska's
strengths to attract
venture capital and
development,
Center for Applied Rural Innovation Programs
The Center for Applied Rural Innovation (CARI), an
interdisciplinary research and extension center, uses a
holistic approach to development that focuses on the
economic and social interdependence of farming,
communities and families
CARI is the focal point within the University of Nebraska
for communities and individuals to obtain information and
program support needed to enhance their economic and
social well-being. Made up of a team of professionals,
CARI has developed some of the most community-driven
and impact-oriented programs focusing on rural viability
in the world.
The Nebraska Rural Poll
Begun in 1996, Nebraska Rural Poll findings quickly
made their way into news reports, legislative
committee hearings, and planning by government
agencies and corporations.
The Nebraska EDGE
(Enhancing, Developing and Growing
Entrepreneurs) is a community development strategy
designed to enhance the economic vitality of a
community
coNEcting Nebraska
This team of extension educators conducts
community-based technology training and assists
communities in technology planning and assessment.
Sustainable Agriculture
Projects include research on the Integrated Farm at
the Agricultural Research and Development Center
near Mead, Nebraska, education in agroecology and
other integrative themes, and outreach programs
related to land use.
Nebraska Cooperative Development Center
The Center assists agricultural producers and multi-owner
businesses with cooperative development efforts.
Initiative for Small Farm Profitability
Designed to increase small and mid-size farm
profitability, this four state initiative is a unique and
powerful blend of market research, economic analysis,
case studies, and most importantly, farmer and rancher
“clusters” or groups.
Community Leadership
CARI programs strive to improve decision making and
strategic planning skills of individuals.
Collaborations
CARI Fellows
Rural Policy Research Institute (RUPRI)
Partnership for Rural Nebraska (PRN)
• The Nebraska Rural Institute
• Rural News Bits
Funding
Key Assumptions
1.
2.
3.
4.
Rural Development is multi-disciplinary
Research must support outreach
Funding provided for core activities
Program funding developed through grants and
contracts
Lessons Learned
1.
2.
3.
4.
Keep working with partnerships
Non-partisianship is very important
Take a short and long-term view
Focus on those areas you have expertise in
Contact
John C. Allen, Director
Center for Applied Rural Innovation
jallen1@unl.edu
http://cari.unl.edu