Multifunctional Rural Development Research Articles

APPLICATION OF STRATEGIC PLANNING IN RURAL DEVELOPMENT: THE CASE OF POLAND FOR UKRAINE

The paper presents theoretical, methodological and practical principles for creating a coherent system of strategic planning, taking into account European experience in organising this process. The characteristics of the Ukraine 2020 Sustainable Development Strategy and the rural development strategy are outlined. The methodology of strategic planning is examined, analysing the system and hierarchical construction of development strategies. A general logical sequence of procedures for developing and implementing development strategies at different levels is formulated. Approaches to strategic planning for rural development are also analysed, emphasising the importance of rural development in European Union Member States and outlining sources of agricultural funding. It is noted that in the current economic conditions European countries are shifting from subsidy strategies to grant strategies for specific agricultural development programmes. The situation of strategic planning in Ukraine is presented in comparison with the Polish system, highlighting its development stages and strategic planning principles. Special attention is given to the Polish experience in multifunctional rural development planning. The aim of the paper is to study the peculiarities of the use of strategic planning for rural development in Ukraine and Poland. The research is based on the analysis of statistical data, scientific literature and strategic documents, using dialectical methods for understanding the impact of economic laws, systematic approaches to studying economic phenomena, as well as monographic, abstract-logical and abstract methods. The research findings propose recommendations for further effective planning in Ukraine based on the Polish experience. Ukraine is in the early stages of strategic planning, and monitoring and evaluation of strategies are still of a recommendatory nature. Comprehensive evaluations have not yet been included in academic publications. In this context, it would be particularly important to incorporate insights and content guidelines from Polish strategic documents in order to better conceptualise and subsequently implement new strategy editions more effectively. The research led to the development of a comprehensive and logical sequence of procedures for preparing and implementing rural development strategies at different territorial levels. The paper emphasises the priority of rural development in EU Member States. The state of strategic planning in Ukraine is compared with Poland, taking into account both stages and principles. The paper highlights the Polish experience in multifunctional rural development planning, covering three planning perspectives: 2004-2005, 2007-2013 and 2014-2020.

Social assessment of the paradigm of multifunctional rural development – A case study of the Mazowieckie voivodeship

The objective of the paper is the identification of priority directions of activities for multifunctional rural development, followed by their social assessment in the context of the paradigm of the multifunctionality of such areas. Consequently, the current assumptions of the idea were confronted with reality, and expectations were confronted with need. The analysis also covers the activity of respondents in the scope of activities for multifunctional development. According to the obtained results, progress and activities in the scope of the economic (development and modernisation of technical infrastructure, technological progress, innovativeness) and social function (development and modernisation of social infrastructure) are of key importance. The paper is based on the results of a survey conducted in 2021. The survey covered residents of rural areas in the Mazowieckie Voivodeship.

Models of farms in spatial terms in sustainable and multifunctional development of rural areas in Poland

AbstractThe study aimed primarily to develop spatial farm models in sustainable and multifunctional development of rural areas. The secondary objective was to define the matrix of possible farm models, visualize their dislocation, and recommend multifunctional rural development. It was assumed that the types of model farms depend on the criteria that make it possible to assess the agricultural development potential and the size of agricultural production. Thus, it was assumed that agricultural production conditions influence the farm model but are not always of crucial importance. There are many possibilities for developing various production activities that are not strictly related to agricultural production conditions. The research was carried out with the GIS tool using multi‐criteria and spatial analysis techniques. The research made it possible to determine the models of farms in the rural areas in a specific region, however, the proposed model is suitable for use in other regions or countries.

Multifunctional rural development in China: Pattern, process and mechanism

Multifunctional rural development provides a powerful entrée into understanding sustainable rural transformation development against the context of rapid socio-economic growth with cascading effects on human-land relations. This paper attempts to summarize the stage characteristics of the multifunctional rural development and categorize China's rural areas by using both multi-factor comprehensive evaluation method and spatial analysis. Rural areas in China were encapsulated as four functional types-agricultural production function, economic development function, social security function, and ecological conservation function, and it was divided into 4 categories and 16 subcategories. The results indicated that the rural multifunctionality index presents obvious spatial heterogeneity during 2000–2015. Both the agricultural production function and social security function have shown an obvious increase, while the economic development function has much room for improvement. Recognizing the interaction between multiple functions is of great significance for implementation of strong multifunctionality pathways. The evolution of multifunctional rural is driven by both policy-oriented and market-induced forces. The results provide evidence for the cognition that multifunctionality is spatially complex, and contribute to the geography of multifunctionality.

The Impact of RDP Measures on the Diversification of Agriculture and Rural Development—Seeking Additional Livelihoods: The Case of Poland

The paper’s main aim is to assess the measures implemented within the Rural Development Program (RDP) 2007–2013 in Poland. This programme is dedicated to the diversification of business activities in rural areas and rural livelihood and, thus, the improvement of the multifunctionality of rural areas. The analysis covered two measures from Axis 3, Improvement of the quality of life in rural areas and diversification of rural economy: M311, diversification into non-agricultural activities; and M312, Establishment and development of micro-enterprise. The study and the discussion are presented from a geographical perspective and, in a broader context, take into account several conditions (natural, urban, agricultural and historical) and the spatial diversity of the allocation of European Union (EU) funds. Models of a policy of multifunctional rural development, implemented after accession to the EU, are presented. The research’s spatial scope covers Poland’s territory on two spatial scales: the system of regions (16 NUTS2 units) and poviats (314 LAU level 1 units). The analysis covers all the projects implemented in Poland under the two measures of Axis 3 of the RDP 2007–2013. A set of conditions was prepared for all LAU1 units, forming the background for assessing the impact of the EU funds on the development of non-agricultural activities. To determine the relationship between the RDP measures and the selected groups of conditions, a synthetic index and a correlation index are used. They are also used to determine the mutual relations between the two analyzed activities in terms of the spatial scales used. Access to the EU funds (RDP) has considerably enlarged the opportunities for accelerating agricultural modernisation and restructuration towards multifunctional development, as well as the opportunities for implementing new development and work methods in the countryside in Poland. The attractiveness of the two studied RDP measures varied across regions. The beneficiaries’ activity depended on the local potential (resources), culture and tradition of the region, and size and potential of the farm. In the areas where agriculture is deeply rooted, beneficiaries were more willing to engage in ventures tapping into the resources available in their farms. Thus, they create additional livelihood of income and workplaces for household members. In turn, the beneficiaries from the areas where farms are smaller and economically weaker often undertake activities related to setting up a new business (outside farming).

Sustainable development of agriculture - theoretical aspects and their implications

The objective is to provide a systematization of concepts connected with sustainable development of agriculture (SDA) as the basis for indication of directions of changes in Polish agriculture. The author applied descriptive and comparative analyses based on a survey of the literature to indicate the differences between the described concepts. Both sustainable agricultural and rural development (SARD) and multifunctional rural development (MRD) could be connected with reduced agricultural production, which would bring positive and negative environmental consequences. The multifunctional agriculture cannot exist without production, so it is more favourable for SD, however it should be based on environmental requirements. Then it is close to sustainable agriculture. Considering these concepts, the author formulated and used his own definition of the SDA and its objectives. The sensitive rule of sustainability with secured critical natural capital is the proper one for agriculture in Poland. Currentl , Polish agriculture is in dual development (industrialisation and sustainable transition). For the SDA, the support for agriculture should be conditioned by compliance with basic environmental standards and by provision of public goods. It depends on properly directed and effectively implemented environmental and economic measures of the CAP.

Conception of multifunctional rural areas regional development

Priorities of conception of regional rural areas multifunctional development are revealed in the article. Experience in European Union countries and European Green Deal policy is taken into account for rural areas development in regional level. Priorities of sustainable development policy in rural areas and regional agri-food industry are certainly in ground of strategy development due to cluster initiatives in the Lviv Region. Certainly priorities and advantages of cluster development strategy in rural areas recognition experience and prospects of transborder cooperation initiative. Possibility in farms economic development providing is examined within the framework of clusters for achievement of synergy effect and positive influence on the economic, ecological and social sphere in region. Cluster conception of development is realized in the Lviv Region allowed to provide economic support of farms, develop infrastructural ecosystem of business support and complex to define priorities of multifunctional rural areas development in regional level. Perspective directions of integrated development of craft food producers within the framework in regional clusters at the level of counties in Lviv Area are grounded. Offered approach of institutional development in regional level with the purpose of multifunctional rural areas development with balance between economy, ecological and social constituents within the framework to the cluster for realization of farms competitive edges during the correct keeping of products in the internal market. Certainly priorities of state business support in regional agri-food industry during realization of cluster development initiatives and measures of stimulant influence are for providing modernization changes on principles of Smart Specialization.

Functional changes in peripheral mountainous areas in east central Europe between 2004 and 2016 as an aspect of rural revival? Kłodzko County case study

The aim of the research was to identify functional changes of villages in peripheral area of Kłodzko County in the Sudetes Mountains in southwestern Poland. The study area has for many decades been classified as a marginal and problem region, mainly due to a substantial trend of long-term depopulation. However, in recent years the signs of economic revival have been observed. The study innovatively uses the functional typology of the smallest administrative units (villages) to recognize the character and spatial differentiation of functional transformations of these localities in the last 15 years following Polish accession to the European Union. The analyses were based on the data from the National Official Business Register. The results show an increase in the number of villages with dominant service functions, especially in tourism, and decrease in numbers of villages with the dominant agricultural sector. These changes can be interpreted as an illustration of evolutionary multifunctional rural development in marginal areas, which also affects villages previously classified as declining. The findings allow for proposing a new category of a “reviving village”. Significant spatial differentiation of functional changes in the problem region suggests that local conditions exert a considerable influence on the course and scale of transformation in rural areas. Effectively, “problem area” is a heterogeneous category. Therefore there is a vital need for in-depth analyses, including new typologies, of the smallest administrative units (villages), to capture current processes in rural areas and to adapt strategies, support, and development policies to local assets and site-specific needs.

Characteristics of change and vitalization pathways of poor villages based on multifunctional rural development theory: A case study of Zahan Village in Hainan Province

Characteristics of change and vitalization pathways of poor villages based on multifunctional rural development theory: A case study of Zahan Village in Hainan Province

THE ASSESSMENT OF THE SCOPE OF IMPLEMENTATION OF THE IDEA OF MULTIFUNCTIONAL RURAL DEVELOPMENT IN LAND CONSOLIDATION PROJECTS IN POLAND

Land consolidation is considered as a tool for accomplishingthe goals of multifunctional rural development.However, the mechanisms of execution of the idea do not offera clear explanation. The aim of this paper is to assess thescope of implementation of the idea of multifunctional ruraldevelopment in land consolidation projects in Poland. Thispaper attempts to assess whether all elements of the conceptincluded in land consolidation procedures are dealt with ina sufficient manner. The analyses were based on the exampleof 15 selected land consolidation projects carried out indisparate regions of Poland. This paper presents the analysesof design solutions concerning three major aspects: the improvementof efficiency of farming, the preservation of theenvironment and the landscape, the social influence of landconsolidation. According to the results of the studies, for allanalyzed objects, satisfactory economic results were obtainedwhich indirectly influence the social effects. However, environmentaland landscape solutions were only partially considered.The studies have shown, that in Poland it seems necessaryto create appropriate organizational and administrativestructures in order to generate a tool for implementation of themultifunctional rural development idea within the process ofland consolidation.

Status and Development Trends of Agritourism in Poland and the Ukraine

Purpose. The aim of the article is to present the state and prospects of development of rural tourism in Poland and the Ukraine. Method. The analysis included data taken from the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, the Central Statistical Office, the Institute of Tourism as well as domestic and foreign literature. Findings. In 1993, there were around one thousand agritourism farms in Poland, while in 2012, their number increased to 7.6 thousand which represents 0.5% of the total number of agritourism farms in Poland. Country dwellers are increasingly interested in economic activities within the range of rural tourism and propose offers suiting the diverse needs of tourists. At the same time, tourists are deeply interested in spending their free time in the countryside. Research limitations and conclusions. As research studies of many authors show, tourists value the charms of the countryside, i.e. peace, tranquillity and possibilities to make social relationships. However, they expect high-quality services and infrastructure as well as a rich offer of free time animation. Ukraine has great potential for multifunctional rural development and the development of agritourism. Practical implications. Presentation of the most important directions of development regarding rural tourism in Poland and the Ukraine. Originality. The article presents status and developmental trends of agritourism in Poland and the Ukraine. Type of paper. Research article.

Теоретичні засади багатофункціонального сільського розвитку

Теоретичні засади багатофункціонального сільського розвитку

Methodology of Prioritization of Land Consolidation and Land Exchange Interventions

Land consolidation is one of the basic development activities in rural areas intended to comprehensively improve the organization of agricultural production space. Merging and exchange of parcels are aimed at transforming a fragmented and “checkerboarded” landscape containing excessively long fields into plots as large and regular as possible. Land consolidation decisions are based on detailed analyses of relevant parameters. Properly carried out land consolidation creates an opportunity to organize agricultural holdings in an appropriate way, and, at the same time, to preserve the natural environment. Consolidation provides appropriate conditions for sustainable and multi-functional rural development by limiting the harmful influence of intensive agriculture on the natural environment. It also leads to an improvement in living and working conditions for inhabitants of rural areas. The analysis conducted in this study was aimed at singling out villages in the commune of Paradyż in which consolidation of arable land was required most urgently. Factors describing the investigated villages were selected on the basis of a comprehensive analysis of the natural, social, economic and financial conditions found in those localities. The analysis was conducted using data obtained from the Land and Property Register of the District Office in Opoczno and data from the Office of the Commune of Paradyż. The study allowed us to determine which areas required land consolidation and exchange interventions, thus becoming a basis for applying for financial resources necessary to reach the aforementioned goal. A special role in empirical studies, especially comparative studies, of human activity is played by taxonomic methods, which involve linear ordering of items according to a synthetic indicator characterizing those items, which is calculated on the basis of a set of shared features. These methods are widely used in econometrics and socio-economic research to create all kinds of development rankings, based on multi-faceted data concerning the objects under analysis. The aim of the present study was to establish the demand for land exchange and consolidation in the villages of the commune of Paradyż, district of Opoczno, Łódź Voivodeship. The ranking was established using Hellwig’s synthetic indicator of development and the zero unitarization method. The analysis allowed us to answer the questions of how different methods of aggregation of the same diagnostic variables affect the final results and whether these methods could be applied in this type of studies.

The concept of sustainable tourism development in rural areas – A case study of Zbąszyń commune

Abstract Tourism in rural areas has been defined as all tourist activities conducted in rural areas. The development of tourism in rural areas is dependent on external factors (e.g. landscape attractiveness), as well as internal factors (e.g. involvement of local authorities and society). Hence, it is important to increase the tourism potential for further increase of local tourism, and in turn to intensify the social-economic development according to a sustainable policy and multifunctional rural development. The main aim of the present study was to indicate possibilities to improve tourism management of the Zbąszyń urban-rural commune. For this purpose the following detailed aims were set: to evaluate local society satisfaction with tourism development in Zbąszyń commune, to evaluate the natural-landscape state of the analyzed area, to designate a new tourist trail or to revise the existing trails, and to propose modernization of existing tourism infrastructure. The obtained results revealed that in the opinion of local society there is still not sufficient tourism development despite some natural-landscape values. Hence, activities connected with tourism enrichment should be mainly connected with designation of two new cycling trails and supplementation of tourist information signs and tables. All proposed activities leading to an increase of tourism potential should bear in mind social aspects as well as natural values and would have a positive effect on economic income of the area.

The financial independence of rural gminas in the Wielkopolskie voivodship

Financial independence is an important factor in socio-economic development, especially in rural areas. Rural gminas (communities), mainly located peripherally to larger urban centers, have significantly lower revenue potential. This also means a lower level of financial independence of rural gminas, which in turn can be a barrier in multifunctional rural development. This issue is a priority for the European Union. The main objective of this article is a synthetic assessment of the level of financial independence of rural gminas in the Wielkopolskie voivodship in 2013. The basis of information studies, using the method TOPSIS (Technique for Order Preference by Similarity is an Ideal Solution) to assess the financial condition of municipalities, were data from the Central Statistical Office (Local Data Bank — Public finances for 2013) and Ministry of Finance (Indicators for assessing the financial position of local government units in 2011—2013).

Is multifunctionality the future of mountain pastoralism? Lessons from the management of semi-natural grasslands in the Pyrenees

Land abandonment is pervasive in mountainous Europe. In the present situation of price-cost squeeze on pastoral households and general shift in the role of farming, the development of farming abandonment risk regions is generally associated with adoption of new multifunctional rural development strategies, such as farm tourism, which in the end entail less time being devoted to farming practices. We explored the effects of such developmental scheme on the preservation of semi-natural grasslands, in particular, and on the sustainability of mountain pastoralism, in general. While the effects on the preservation of semi-natural grasslands of full abandonment have been extensively explored, this is not the case of partial abandonment. Results showed that the adoption of simplified and low-cost management regimes, associated with partial abandonment and the increased adoption of part-time farming, immerses semi-natural grasslands in processes of secondary succession that undermine both their conservation and pastoral functions. This points the need for caution when endorsing multifunctional developmental schemes in farming abandonment risk regions, particularly when those imply less labor being devoted to pastoral practices. In conclusion, we stress that in farming abandonment risk regions it is possible to guarantee both viable pastoralism and diversified rural economy. However, it is necessary to implement developmental strategies that are centered on stimulating synergies between pastoralism and other economic activities, rather than promoting activities that depend on additional farmers’ polyvalence.

Some context of the multifunctional agricultural and sustainable rural development

The paper first negotiates the concept of multifunctionality, then the main steps of the development of the connection between agriculture and rural development are discussed. It presents the situation of a most disadvantageous sub-region that is aided by a complex program. The local rural resources are estimated by the multifunctional rural resource analysis method considering threefold function of the rural areas. It is concluded, that the land use systems and labour-intensive cropping systems have specific missions in multifunctional agriculture and rural development in the sub-region.

Provided and perceived status quo in choice experiments: Implications for valuing the outputs of multifunctional rural areas

This article presents a choice experiment analyzing multifunctional rural development policies targeting conservation and recovery of environmental, social and cultural assets. In choice experiments a base alternative is usually included in order to estimate the welfare change associated to policy proposals. This study is concerned with the much neglected issue of the impact on policy analysis of the definition of a ‘status quo’ alternative either as an objective assessment by experts, or as a self-reported perception by respondents. Convergent validity analysis and prospective policy scenarios show a significant impact of different status quo specifications on individuals' preferences and related welfare measures when complex and unfamiliar biophysical systems are involved in policy analysis and evaluation.

Comparative analysis of agriculture and rural policies in Västerbotten and Hordaland using the POMMARD-model

Abstract The Towards a Policy Model of Multifunctional Agriculture and Rural Development project explored the complex interrelationships between policies, the multiple functions of farming, the development of rural regions and the quality of life of their inhabitants. It demonstrated that the same policy interventions in different regions could lead to varying outcomes depending on the local economic, social and environmental contexts.This paper builds on previous work by Johnson et al. and Bryden et al. It further explores these relationships and evaluates the extent to which social, economic and environmental variables are affected by the implementation of policy in different jurisdictions. We compare Hordaland in Norway with Vasterbotten in Sweden. Results support the conclusions of Bryden et al. and sustain the notion that Hordaland agriculture is more ‘multifunctional’ than Vasterbotten and stress the link between rural and agricultural policies, and quality of life in rural regions.

The future role of agriculture in multifunctional rural development

This paper is focused on analysis and evaluation of the future role of agriculture in multifunctional rural development in Ukraine and also reviewing of the significant basic factors which have influence on it.