Why Researchers Choose Journal of Rural and Community Development for High-Impact Publications
The Journal of Rural and Community Development stands as a vital resource for scholars focused on extension and outreach initiatives. Established to bridge gaps in rural research, it provides a platform for innovative studies that address real-world challenges in community building and sustainable development. Researchers value its commitment to open access, ensuring wide dissemination of findings without barriers. With a focus on interdisciplinary approaches, the journal attracts contributions from fields like sociology, economics, and environmental science, all applied to rural contexts.
Publishing in this journal offers visibility among policymakers, practitioners, and academics interested in rural revitalization. Its rigorous peer-review process upholds high standards, enhancing the credibility of accepted manuscripts. For those exploring PhD programs in rural development, understanding this journal's role can inform thesis topics and publication strategies. The journal's emphasis on practical implications makes it particularly appealing for extension professionals seeking to share outreach successes.
As rural areas face evolving issues like climate change and economic shifts, the Journal of Rural and Community Development remains relevant by prioritizing timely, actionable research. Submit your work to contribute to global discussions on community resilience. Explore opportunities in higher ed jobs in extension while advancing your publication record here.
Overview & History
Founded in 2006 by the Rural Development Institute at Brandon University, the Journal of Rural and Community Development emerged to fill a niche in scholarly publishing for rural-focused studies. Initially launched as an open-access publication, it aimed to democratize access to research on community dynamics in non-urban settings. Over the years, it has grown into a respected outlet, publishing biannually with volumes that reflect evolving rural challenges.
The journal's history is tied to Canada's rural research landscape, supporting initiatives that align with national priorities in agriculture and community sustainability. Key milestones include its inclusion in major open-access directories and the expansion of its editorial board to include international perspectives. Today, it serves as a cornerstone for academic calendars in rural studies programs, where faculty often reference its articles in curricula.
Scope and Disciplines Covered
The journal encompasses a broad yet focused scope, emphasizing extension and outreach in rural and community contexts. It welcomes manuscripts on topics such as rural policy, community engagement, sustainable agriculture, and social innovation in underserved areas. Contributions must demonstrate practical applications, making it ideal for interdisciplinary work.
| Discipline | Description |
|---|---|
| Rural Development | Studies on economic and social growth in rural regions. |
| Community Development | Approaches to building resilient local communities. |
| Extension and Outreach | Educational programs extending knowledge to rural populations. |
| Environmental Sociology | Impacts of environmental changes on rural societies. |
| Agricultural Economics | Policy and market analyses for rural economies. |
This table highlights core areas, ensuring alignment with rate my professor reviews for relevant courses.
Key Journal Metrics
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Impact Factor | Not publicly disclosed | Clarivate JCR |
| SJR | 0.15 (2022) | Scopus |
| h-index | 12 | Google Scholar |
| Acceptance Rate | Approximately 40% | Publisher data |
| Average Review Time | 3-6 months | Journal guidelines |
These metrics underscore the journal's solid standing in niche fields. For career advancement, consider how publishing here boosts profiles in community development jobs.
Indexing and Abstracting
The Journal of Rural and Community Development is indexed in DOAJ, Scopus, Google Scholar, and EBSCOhost, ensuring discoverability. It is also listed in the Directory of Open Access Journals, affirming its commitment to transparency. These affiliations enhance citation potential for authors. Access full archives via the official journal homepage or DOAJ.
Publication Model and Fees
As a diamond open-access journal, it offers free access to readers and no article processing charges (APCs) for authors. Funded by the publisher, this model removes financial barriers, promoting equity in scholarly communication. All content is licensed under Creative Commons, allowing reuse with attribution.
Submission Process and Guidelines
Submissions are handled through the journal's online portal at the official site. Manuscripts should follow APA style, with a maximum of 8,000 words. Authors must include abstracts, keywords, and declarations of interest. The process involves initial screening, double-blind peer review, and revisions. For detailed guidelines, visit https://www.jrcd.ca/. This streamlined approach suits busy researchers balancing extension education PhD programs.
Editorial Board Highlights
The board features experts like Editor-in-Chief Dr. Ryan Gibson from the University of Saskatchewan, specializing in rural policy. Other members include international scholars from Australia and Europe, bringing diverse insights. Their expertise ensures balanced, high-quality reviews.
Why Publish in Journal of Rural and Community Development?
Publishing here provides targeted exposure to rural research audiences, fostering collaborations. Its open-access nature amplifies impact, especially for outreach-focused work. Authors benefit from supportive editing and global reach, aiding tenure and grant applications. Integrate this into your strategy alongside rural studies calendars.
Comparison with Similar Journals
| Journal | Focus | Open Access | APC |
|---|---|---|---|
| Journal of Rural Studies | Broad rural social sciences | Hybrid | Yes |
| Community Development Journal | Community practice | Hybrid | Yes |
| Journal of Rural and Community Development | Extension and outreach | Diamond OA | No |
| Rural Sociology | Sociological rural issues | Subscription | N/A |
This comparison highlights its unique no-fee, open model. For peers, check community sociology professors.
Researcher Tips for Successful Submission
Align your manuscript with the journal's emphasis on practical rural applications. Use clear, concise language and robust methodologies. Engage with recent issues for context. Network via rural policy jobs to strengthen submissions. Revise based on feedback to maximize acceptance.