Applying a community capitals framework to compare rural, farming-dependent counties in Oklahoma

Abstract

Many rural communities are declining due to compounding factors. The loss of rural communities would result in the loss of American culture and essential agricultural production. This study aims to identify resources present in two rural counties in Southwest Oklahoma, Harmon and Tillman, through a comparison eight other rural, farming-dependent counties in Oklahoma. Resources present in these counties were identified as various capitals using a Community Capitals Framework. Selected indicators were measured across all seven community capitals using established databases and secondary data. This study found Harmon and Tillman Counties to possess all capital types at varying levels. The capitals identified range in presence in the ten farming-dependent counties and were found to impact each another. It was concluded that Harmon and Tillman Counties ranked above all other counties regarding assets revealed through the community capitals framework. Therefore, hope exists for renewal potential in these two counties, and the other farming-dependent counties featured in the study, based on the various availability of assets.