In this paper, the idea and planning method of a comprehensive rural planning in rural districts will be discussed.
So as to solve agricultural and rural problems, to protect living environment of their own region and improve it, rural people should take the initiative in making a comprehensive district project and put it into practice. In order to realize this idea, there is necessity to develop planning methods suitable for the respective region.
As one example of the methods, “Kande” system is proposed. Even if there is not, among inhabitants, a capable area leader in the public eye, one will be able to play a role as an area leader in the process of creation of the planning when being supported by a local self-governing body ; agricultural co-operative association and agricultural improvement agency, and planning consultants. As a result, rural community development would be achieved by participation of the rural population for themselves.
Kande's methodology requires following three necessary conditions. First is multi-steps of decisionmaking through investigation and consensus of the plan among people in the following steps : organization for planning, formation of check-list of self-survey, and proposal of a pilot plan and a master plan by themselves. Second is to take an investigation according to the above mentioned steps. Last is to form the project team consisting of the comprehensive district planning council and supporting organization in order to carry out the measures.
Effectiveness of this “Kande” system was verified by six case studies which have been performing in the rural part of Kobe.