Intersecting Dynamics of Agricultural Structural Change and Urbanisation within European Rural Landscapes: Change Patterns and Policy Implications

Abstract

European rural landscapes are, with few exceptions, characterised by farming and forestry as key functions. Whilst farming has been dominant historically and is still a significant dynamic in most regions, urbanisation is also a vital factor. This involves rural–urban emigration, urban expansion and migration from cities into the countryside (counter-urbanisation). A conceptual framework for the analysis and understanding of change patterns in European rural landscapes is presented and then applied at two spatial scales. First, the combined effect on local landscapes of agricultural structural changes and counter-urbanisation is analysed using data from two Danish case studies. Second, their expression at a wider European scale is explored using available regional statistics. Research and policy implications of the change patterns are identified and discussed, highlighting data limitations and challenges of managing the organisational and regulatory interface between local landscapes and international market policy institutions.