Rural areas traditionally have been at a disadvantage financially compared to urban areas. With their relatively high unemployment and low average incomes, they have experienced a drain of skilled people. The only hope for successful development planning is through multi-county cooperation in order to attract necessary skilled personnel. To succeed, the area must provide desirable goods and services. For example, a heavy initial investment in a revised educational system, by attracting better educators and new industry, would result in a constantly improving school system, and a healthier local economy. Intergovernmental cooperation could provide the resources to make this possible. Other attractions, such as reduced tuition for future teachers, could induce further inflow of skilled people. Education can thereby play an important part in an area's development plan.