The population of Alabama continues to grow with increasing percentages of citizens residing in urban areas. Two thousand (2000) Census data reveals that Alabama's urban population now stands at 70% compared to a little over 60% in 1990. Urban areas are defined by large population centers that extend into adjoining communities to create metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs). The state of Alabama has 10 metropolitan areas, including the central counties of Jefferson, Mobile, Madison, Montgomery, Tuscaloosa, Morgan, Houston, Lauderdale, Calhoun, Etowah and other outlying counties.
Metropolitan areas are characterized by high economic growth and development. Whether we label the growth as urban sprawl, urban interdependence, or the urban/rural interface, the fact remains that there is an outward movement into areas that were once identified as rural farmland. This movement brings about change and challenges that citizens must deal with in order to manage issues at the crossroads. Interface is defined as that common boundary between regions where diverse groups interact. Over the past decade, increased emphasis has been placed on decreasing farmland, air quality, water contamination, alternative animal and crop production, growing dependence on foreign trade, and community diversity. These are but a few of the emerging urban/rural interface issues.
Truly, clear divisions between urban and rural areas are becoming more blurred. And yes, there are some community issues that cross boundaries that affect citizens in both urban and rural environments. Moreover, we must understand that rural development and sustainable agriculture do not exclude urban interactions, but represent part of the total agricultural system involving those who produce and those who consume. But a mere admission to the obvious links between rural development and urban consumers is less than adequate to resolve interface issues. Upon examining the concept of "urban/rural interface," one analyzes how to manage issues to sustain agriculture, while simultaneously encouraging the economic growth of urban centers. The ultimate goals are to ensure a smooth interaction at common boundaries and to promote quality of life for citizens who dwell there.
The concerns of Alabama's citizens regarding interface issues have not gone unnoticed. The Alabama Cooperative Extension System's Urban Affairs and New Nontraditional Programs unit, in its 2002-2005 Plan of Work, has established a state goal to "increase the capacity of urban communities to respond to urban/rural-interface issues through engaged partnerships, community building and diversity councils." Through programs that address the interface, the Urban Affairs unit seeks to:
Programs have already been put in place to support collaborations and exchanges crucial to resolving interface issues. The annual Urban/Rural Interface Conference conducted each spring is an approach used by the Alabama Cooperative Extension System (ACES) to bring together potential community partners to focus on shared resources and opportunities that address complex interface issues. A primary objective of the conference is to provide training models, information, and educational resources that will prepare participants to build partnerships and plan successful programs to enhance their communities. This conference is implemented in conjunction with Alabama A&M University's School of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Week held in April.
Ongoing programs such as Greenspace Mile, Small Ruminant Care and Production, indoor air quality (radon), and organized diversity councils are other examples of Extension's commitment to new initiatives to help individuals, families and communities make real urban/rural connections and transition into change. For more information about these programs visit ACES online at www.aces.edu.