Rural Development Policy Research Articles

Measuring Rurality and Analyzing the Drivers of Rurality in Megacities—A Case Study of Shanghai, China

The Rurality Index is an important reference for the formulation of rural development strategies and policies, but the evaluation of the rurality of megacities based on the township scale is relatively limited. Based on the perspective of spatial governance, this study constructed the evaluation index system of Shanghai’s rurality and carried out the evaluation of Shanghai’s rurality at the township scale from 2005 to 2020. The article adopts the MGWR model to analyze the driving effects of five key driving factors (the proportion of foreign population, per capita industrial output value, public finance revenue, social fixed asset investment, and rail transit coverage), and adopts the Geo-Detector model to analyze the interactive driving effects of two factors. The results indicate that the rurality index of megacities and townships as a whole shows a weakening trend, and the above factors have a predominantly negative impact on rurality, with differences in the intensity of the impact in different periods. There is an obvious interactive additive effect between the factors. When formulating policies for township development, government departments need to take into account the functional positioning of the region and comprehensively adopt targeted policies on population, industry, transportation, finance and investment to regulate and guide the transformation or sustainable development of the countryside.

Towards Sustainable Rural Development: Assessment Spatio-Temporal Evolution of Rural Ecosystem Health through Integrating Ecosystem Integrity and SDGs

Rural ecosystem health (REH) serves as an effective metric for assessing the damage degree and stability state within rural systems and their components. It reflects the interaction and the balance among rural subsystems, emphasizing the harmonious development of resources, agriculture, environment, economy, and society that are fundamental to sustainable rural development. Most regional-scale ecosystem health assessments primarily focus on either the natural state of the ecosystem or external disturbances affecting it, often neglecting human ecological systems characterized by economic and social dimensions. Taking Chongqing as an example, we established an improved REH assessment framework by integrating ecological integrity from the perspective of a social-economy-natural compound ecosystem. Furthermore, we innovatively incorporated the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into the formulation of the REH indicator system to quantitatively elucidate the spatiotemporal characteristics. The results indicated that: (1) The REH in Chongqing exhibited an evolutionary pattern characterized by a subsequent rise, maintaining values between 0.363–0.872 from 2000 to 2018. This trend reflected a distinct two-stage development characteristic, with the rural socio-economic subsystem contributing the most at 33.36%, followed closely by the rural environmental subsystem at 27.84%; (2) In 2018, the REH across the 36 districts and counties in Chongqing displayed spatial differentiation patterns described as “collapse in the west, high levels in the northeast, and localized surges”. The areas ranked from smallest to largest REH were metropolitan, western, southeastern, and northeastern areas; (3) Four levels (e.g., disease, single health, compound health, and comprehensive health) and twelve sub-levels of REH were defined using a dominant factors method. Finally, we analyzed the driving factors from four aspects of urbanization development: policy regulation, urban-rural factors flow, and regional differences. We also proposed differentiated planning and policies for sustainable rural development in Chongqing.

Exploring Diversification Strategies among Italian Farms

The multifunctionality model is receiving more and more attention from policymakers as a result of recent initiatives to build more resilient and sustainable food systems as well as the potential for increased farm revenue. This paper explores the role of multifunctional farming in the Italian agriculture viewed through the lens of an entrepreneurial strategy grounded on-farm diversification. Farm diversification strategies, which broaden the farm’s traditional boundaries to include additional activities at the farm level, help the evolution towards multifunctionality. A policy-driven transition towards multifunctional farming has been noticed in Italy during the past few decades, which has prompted a strategic reconfiguration of the farm’s business models. Drawing on the identified activity of portfolio diversification, this study provides an overview of the analyzed 49,429 Italian farms, by articulating diversification strategies into four entrepreneurial activities, which are related to on/off-farm/farm-related or farm-diverse diversification strategies. This article has attempted to verify the presence of farm types that responded to portfolio diversification management strategies through the use of a cluster analysis on data from the general census of Italian agriculture. Supporting new patterns in the adoption of business models focused on multifunctionality should be considered in European rural development policies.

Rural E-commerce, Digital finance, and urban–rural common prosperity: A Quasi-natural Experiment Based on China's Comprehensive Demonstration of E-commerce Entering Rural Areas Policy

This study examined the impact of China's Comprehensive Demonstration of E-commerce Entering Rural Areas Policy (hereafter “the Policy”) on urban–rural shared prosperity. The empirical analyses indicate that the Policy has significantly elevated urban–rural common prosperity while exhibiting regional disparities. China's eastern region has shown the most substantial positive impact, followed by the central region and the western region. The findings illustrate the pivotal role of digital finance as a mediating factor in enhancing common prosperity through e-commerce initiatives in rural areas. These findings offer empirical evidence for formulating and refining urban–rural development policies in China.

The Role of AI and Machine Learning in Optimizing Taxation Policies for Rural Development and Infrastructural Upgrades

The Role of AI and Machine Learning in Optimizing Taxation Policies for Rural Development and Infrastructural Upgrades

Effect of Rural Banditry on Food Security and Poverty Reduction in Nigeria

This research investigates how rural banditry hinders sustainable food security and poverty reductions in Nigeria. The Food and Agricultural Organisation, the International Monetary Fund, the National Bureau of Statistics, the United Nations Development Programme, scholarly journals, and field surveys were the sources from which the data were gathered. Three hundred questionnaires were administered to farmers in six states via Plateau, Nassarawa, Kaduna, Benue, Oyo and Niger, in addition to a focused group discussion with selected farmers in each of the study areas. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Findings show that unemployment, poverty, poor governance, inadequate infrastructure, insufficient security measures and lack of effective institutional coordination, create a network of individuals who support or engage in banditry; farmers experienced disruptions in farming activities, psychological distresses and loss of livestock. Among the socio-economic impacts of banditry include: loss of income and economic opportunities, displacement and migration of the rural population, reduced productivity and infrastructural degradation. These led to food shortages, hikes in food prices, malnutrition and increased poverty level in Nigeria. This study emphasizes the urgent need by the federal and state governments to tackle the problems of unemployment and poverty; develop infrastructure; increase security expenditure; and implement targeted rural development policies. These solutions will curb rural banditry, ensure food security and reduce poverty in Nigeria. Keywords: Rural Banditry, food security, poverty reduction, food production, development policies, farmers.

Constructing Ubudehe? Farmers’ perceptions of drought impacts and resilience capacities in Bugesera, Rwanda

Purpose This paper analyses Rwandan farmers’ perceptions of historical drivers of landscape vulnerability (past), current livelihood assets (present) and existing or potential capacities (future) to increase resilience to drought. The specific focus is on linking experiences from the past and present with ideas for a drought-resilient future. It explores how farmers' perceptions of past droughts and future visioning can contribute to rural development policy and multi-level collaborations. Design/methodology/approach This study was conducted in Bugesera, a drought-prone district in south-eastern Rwanda. Empirical data was collected through participatory observation, semi-structured interviews and focus groups. The analytical points of departure are based on sustainable landscapes and livelihood approaches, combining spatial and temporal perspectives on challenges and opportunities identified by farmers’ communities in addressing droughts. Findings All respondents had a high awareness of the impact of droughts. Perceived drivers of landscape change include historical climate events, such as droughts and floods, immigration and agricultural expansion, which have led to demographic pressure on land, deforestation and infringement on natural resources. Factors enhancing resilience capacities include access to diversified sources of livelihood, knowledge of appropriate irrigation techniques and availability of safety nets and credits. Furthermore, farmers identified collaborative opportunities as important for resilience capacity, including peer learning, and sharing best practices through knowledge exchange and on-field training. In addition, farmers brought up the need for innovative institutions that can facilitate access to markets and enable collaboration between different agricultural sectors. Originality/value This study analyses farmers’ perceptions of resilience capacities to droughts through a spatiotemporal lens of past droughts, present capital and future challenges by linking scales, knowledge and human–environment nexus. This paper contributes to the knowledge of climate adaptation in Rwanda and to discussions about smallholder farming in the literature on climate change adaptation.

The Impact of Kano State Rural Development Policy in Kano South Senatorial District since 2023: An Assessment of Community Empowerment Initiatives Since 2023

This study analyzes the impact of community empowerment initiatives on the socioeconomic landscape of the Kano south senatorial district. Over the years, successive Kano state government has been implementing series of the rural development initiatives. Significant efforts have been directed towards fostering community empowerment in the Kano South Senatorial District. Preliminary findings from this study suggest that the rural development policy has yielded notable improvements in the provision of livelihoods, social cohesion, and enhancing economic opportunities within the communities of Kano South. Infrastructure projects have enhanced accessibility and connectivity, while vocational training programs have equipped residents with skills to engage in various income- generating activities. Moreover, the provision of improved healthcare services has contributed to better health outcomes among residents, leading to a healthier and more productive population. Agricultural support initiatives have also played a crucial role in enhancing food security and promoting sustainable farming practices. However, some challenges and areas needing improvement have also been identified, including issues related to sustainability, scalability, and long-term impact assessment of the community empowerment initiatives. Overall, this research provides valuable insights into the effectiveness of the rural development policy in Kano State, shedding light on the successes achieved and areas for further enhancement in empowering rural communities in the Kano South Senatorial District. The recommendation made through this paper could inform policymakers, academics, and development practitioners on the strategies that can be employed to bolster community empowerment efforts in other districts. Ultimately, the paper could contribute towards sustainable development and improved well-being for residents in rural areas.

From sectoral policy change to cross-sectoral (dis)integration? A longitudinal analysis of the EU's forest and rural development policy

Policy integration (PI) is critical to address cross-cutting challenges like climate change and biodiversity loss holistically. In the European Union, forests are confronting increasingly adverse climatic conditions and numerous stressors that impact their biodiversity. Political efforts to counteract these trends are mainly channeled through funding from the rural development policy as a pivotal part of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). In contrast, forest policy is hardly institutionalized at EU level. This study employs process tracing using 65 EU forest and rural development policy documents, including legal acts, preparatory documents, communications, related working documents and evaluation reports, predominantly produced over the last 25 years. By doing this, it examines the development of sectoral policy changes over time and their implications for the cross-sectoral integration of EU forest policy into rural development policy as part of agricultural policy at EU level. Results suggest that the adoption of the EU Forest Strategy for 2030 represented a provisional paradigm shift in EU forest policy. This shift is characterized by a substantial reprioritization of policy objectives, transitioning from an emphasis on economic aspects to a more climate- and biodiversity-centric approach, alterations in supported policy instruments and the introduction of various new regulatory instruments. On the other hand, the CAP and its rural development policy remain characterized by a path dependent incremental change and the latest reforms hardly reflect ambitious forest policy objectives both from budgetary and content perspectives. The findings suggest that the latest seemingly decoupled developments within both policy areas have led to an emergence of forest policy fragmentation at the EU level.

Trade‐offs and synergies between dimensions of well‐being among smallholder farmers in Savannakhet province, Lao PDR

AbstractAgrarian transition is often seen as a pathway towards sustainable development and increasing well‐being for rural households. However, empirical evidence on trade‐offs and synergies between different dimensions of well‐being as a result of agrarian transitions is lacking. We conducted a cross‐sectional survey of 360 households across 12 villages in Savannakhet province, Lao PDR. We find evidence of synergies across different farmer types and between all included well‐being dimensions; economic, food security, health, and gender equality. However, for intensive paddy rice farmers, synergies are predominantly positive, while for non‐intensive cash crop farmers synergies are mostly negative. These findings indicate that development in one well‐being dimension may provide improvements in other dimensions, but that benefits can be difficult to achieve for some types of farmers. Our results further suggest that rural development policies focussing on a single well‐being aspect, for example supporting non‐farm incomes, may have co‐benefits beyond the immediate development targets.

The Different Strategies of the Italian Regions within the 2023 2027 Rural Development Programme

Following the European Commission’s approval of the CAP Strategic Plan and the 21 Italian region (CSR)-related strategic documents, the financial aspect that characterized the single national CAP plan was made available. Here, we present and analyze the final data on the distribution of public resources for interventions between 2023 and 2027. This marks a pivotal period of strategic information for those who follow the evolution of the rural development policy, providing vital indications of policymakers’ priorities. In Italy, where rural development policy is highly regionalized, it is difficult to acquire an overall view of the strategic choices adopted by the individual regions. The primary objective of this article is to offer a comprehensive and enlightening synopsis of the regional choices in the CSRs. It aims to identify shared strategic paths in rural development, with a specific focus on the financial allocation in each of the three historical macro-objectives of the CAP: the competitiveness of the agri-food sector, the protection of the environment, and the revitalization of rural areas. Cluster analysis classification allows for aggregating the strategies adopted, allowing for comparisons across the Italian regions. The results show three regional groups focused on environmental strategy, structural investment measures, and resource distribution that is more balanced between these two approaches. Identifying the strategic choices made by the regions allows policymakers to predict different development trajectories and the progress of the expenditure indicators over the years. At the moment, it is impossible to verify whether the policy mix defined in the budget allocation is consistent with the strategic statements.

Student`s Understanding toward Rural Development Development after Learning from Local Visit by the Faculty of Education Souphanouvong University; During Academic Year of 2018 - 2020

This research aimed to investigate the students’ understanding toward rural development after learning from local visit at rural areas by Faculty of Education Souphanouvong University, which is a subject that belongs to the political science curriculum of Faculty of Education, Souphanouvong University. The research was to gain insights regarding the understanding level by using the pretest and posttest to assess their learning progress, then compared means of those scores with the variable of their residence origins, The sampling students focused on 58 students (27 Women students included) of political science department, the instrument of this research was an objective test with multiple choice with IOC = 1.00 and difficulty level ranged between 0.40-0.86; and the reliability was of 0.84; there are two steps of assessment including of before and after local visiting with the same questionnaire The research findings revealed that 1). The students` understand about rural development policy after local visit was significant higher with the compared mean of posttest remark after local visit was significant different Sig .05, and 2). The students` understand about rural development policy after local visit compared to residence origins were not significant different.

Quality of Life and Attachments to Rural Settlements: The Basis for Regeneration and Socio-Economic Sustainability

Balanced territorial development and improving living conditions have become the focus of rural development policies. As the number of young people moving to cities or other countries is increasing, rural settlements face serious demographic disbalances and aging societies. Quality of life and place attachment are both key variables in enhancing the social and economic capacities of rural and undeveloped communities and reducing youth out-migration. However, this topic remains underexplored, especially among younger generations, who are critical for further socio-economic sustainability. Thus, the main goal of this study was to explore young residents’ perceptions about quality of life, level of attachment to their rural homes, and their interrelationship. This study was conducted among 299 participants in rural areas of Serbia and Croatia. The results identified two quality of life factors: (1) satisfaction with the quality of infrastructure and (2) satisfaction with culture and education. Three attachment factors were extracted, among which place identity was the strongest. Additionally, the influence of quality of life and socio-demographic characteristics on place attachment was confirmed. These results provide new insights that could be very useful in creating strategies and initiatives for rural planning and strengthening rural areas’ social, economic, and environmental sustainability.

Exploration of the Influencing Factors of Farmers' Willingness and Behavior in New Media Marketing under the Background of “Digital Commerce and Rural Development”

Under the background of “Digital Commerce and Rural Development”, utilizing new media for marketing has become the main way to expand the sales of agricultural products.This paper takes farmer survey data as a sample, based on the theory of planned behavior, explores the influencing factors of the “Digital Commerce and Rural Development” policy, and establishes a model of the influencing factors of farmer’ new media marketing willingness and behavior in the new media environment.Research has found that subjective norms have become the most important factor influencing farmers’ attitudes towards using new media for marketing agricultural products. The policy of Digital Commerce and Rural Development’ has become the most important factor affecting farmers’ intention to use new media for marketing agricultural products. Perceived behavioral control does not have a significant impact on farmers’ attitudes and intentions towards using new media for marketing agricultural products.From the aspects of strengthening the concept of new media marketing, carrying out training of new media marketing, building a public service support system, and cultivating and introducing professional and technical personnel, this paper provides policy suggestions for enhancing farmers’ willingness to carry out new media marketing.

Modernization and underemployment in a dual agrarian sector: The case of Brazil (1950–1980)

This paper presents a case study of employment trends in Brazilian agriculture between 1950 and 1980. Using primary data, I document the displacement of workers from large and mid-sized establishments and the expansion of self-employment in an increasingly fragmented smallholding sector. I compute novel measures of rural population and find significant corresponding trends in employment-to-population ratios, thus contributing new evidence of the persistence of rural underemployment in a period of fast industrialization and growth. I conclude by examining the main rural development policies adopted in the period within a coherent framework for understanding the adoption of technical innovations. I argue, in particular, that the State concentrated price and credit subsidies on large and mid-sized producers and neglected investments in research, extension, and rural infrastructure. This policy mix interacted with Brazil’s dual agrarian structure and enhanced the incentives for the adoption of labor-saving innovations.

Evidence of Factors Hindering Establishment of Viable Rural Development Action in Eastern Cape Municipalities

Efforts aimed at assuaging rural areas in South Africa date back to the post-transition-to-democracy era in 1994. During this era, reforms and policy interventions aimed to enhance rural development, with a focus on economic growth within rural landscapes. The main argument in this article is that implementing viable rural development action requires a collaborative effort to address complex aspects of societal and economic transformation. The article draws from a study that examined factors hindering the successful establishment of viable rural development actions in the O.R. Tambo and Amahlathi District municipalities. Qualitative data were collected through in-depth interviews with 19 participants, including local economic development officers, entrepreneurs, NGOs, and councillors. The data were analysed using Atlas ti 9 software. The findings highlight several limitations in addressing local development actions, including malfunctioning leadership, climate change, criminal activity, limited access to reliable markets, and funding and skills deficits. To drive change, collaborative action platforms should be established to facilitate the sharing of traditional and innovative knowledge among rural communities and other non-state agents. Leveraging this knowledge and skills can lead to the adoption of best practices and new technologies. The article contributes to a body of knowledge that informs rural development policies and explores alternative ways of achieving development goals such as the infusion of best practices from exclusive top-down approaches to bottom-up approaches. Keywords: Viable rural development action, Economic growth, Bottom-up approach

EUROPEAN POLICY OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OF AGRICULTURE: CHALLENGES FOR UKRAINE

Ukraine, despite the damages and losses inflicted on agriculture by Russian large-scale aggression, actively participates in the implementation of the main tasks of the global goals defined by the European strategy for sustainable development. The purpose of the article is to analyze the relationship between the policy of sustainable rural development of the European Union and the possibilities of its implementation in various spheres of life, economic, social, ecological, and institutional to support sustainable rural development in Ukraine. Ukraine is an active participant in the implementation of the system of transfer of knowledge and innovations in the agricultural sector – Agricultural Knowledge and Innovation Systems at the regional level, since the rural population needs to increase its own level of awareness of opportunities and potential risks in conducting economic activities and understanding of rational use of resources. The methodology includes analysis of the report on monitoring progress in achieving the goals of sustainable development in the context of the EU, which are directly related to agriculture or the development of rural areas, directives of the Commission of the European Union, statistical data of the State Statistics Service of Ukraine, primary and secondary sources. The originality of the article lies in the fact that in the article for the first time covers a detailed analysis of the indicators of the goals of sustainable development of agriculture and rural areas and their correspondence to the tasks of the strategy of the common European agricultural policy. The results of the analysis can be used in planning future projects for rural communities or agricultural enterprises to improve their social and economic situation

A return of dominant paradigm in China: making Alibaba a development solution for rural China and the globe

ABSTRACT In 2011, Alibaba launched the Taobao Villages initiative, which enables rural e-commerce and connects rural sellers with urban buyers, highlighting the role of e-commerce platforms in reducing rural poverty. This approach was later integrated into national rural development policies. As the Digital Silk Road initiative progresses and Alibaba expands globally, Taobao Villages’ development experience is being promoted worldwide. Using Taobao Villages as a case study, this paper integrates the agrarian question in Marxian political economy with critical development communication studies. It explores why rural areas’ underdevelopment is perceived as a problem solvable by digital platforms, why this development approach emerged in post-socialist China, and its potential impacts. This paper argues that the Taobao Village exemplifies a dominant paradigm of development communication, produced by Alibaba, development experts, and government officials through shared knowledge practices. It examines the texts, intellectual frameworks, and diffusion processes involved in this knowledge production by employing critical discourse analysis. The study highlights how Taobao Villages reinforce the notion that informatization facilitates marketization, thus perpetuating and adapting three mainstream rural development ideas in post-socialist China. The underlying issue of rural China’s underdevelopment, the privatization and capitalization of rural social reproduction driven by China’s neoliberal globalization, sets the stage for another wave of digital labor exploitation. Furthermore, the widespread neoliberal ideology that advocates using e-commerce to foster social development creates internal challenges and generates external pressures within China.

Understanding the impact and driver of digital divide to support rural development policy: a review

Abstract Rural development requires the internet and digital technologies for sustainable development. There is ample evidence that rural communities have less contact with the internet and digital technologies than urban communities. This digital divide will hinder development. Therefore, efforts to bridge the digital divide are essential for better development policies. On the other hand, studies on impacts and the factors that drive this gap have not been explored. This study aims to explain the digital gap’s impacts and its causal factors in rural development. This research is a narrative review of 16 articles from reliable sources such as scopus.com. The results of the literature review are summarized to answer research questions. The study found that the digital divide impacts rural socio-economy, rural socio-culture, rural socio-politics, and rural environments. This study’s drivers of the digital divide include demographics, human resource capabilities, geographical conditions, limited infrastructure, internet networks, uneven economic development, and policy failure. The impacts and drivers of the digital gap described in this study contribute to some of our efforts to bridge the digital divide while providing insights for future research.

The Mechanism of Socio-Spatial Evolution in Rural Areas Driven by the Development of the Planting Industry—A Case Study of Yuezhuang Village in Shandong Province, China

Rural industrialisation in China, which has historically been restricted by urban–rural dual development policies, has been largely encouraged since the Rural Revitalisation Strategy released in 2018. Industrialisation has deeply influenced socio-spatial evolution by providing job opportunities and promoting the construction of infrastructure and public services, accelerating the two-way flow of urban–rural factors in rural areas. However, this may lead to social and spatial issues, such as social inequalities and unsuitable living conditions, to some extent. This research aims to investigate how the socio-spatial evolution of rural areas was influenced by rural industrialisation and the two-way flow of urban–rural factors. The cherry planting industry and an active “industrial centre”, Yuezhuang Village, in Linqu County, Shandong Province, China, were selected for the empirical study. This research analysed the evolution of the cherry planting industry, the formulation of rural social networks, and the spatial adaptation of the two using mixed qualitative and quantitative methods, followed by a discussion on the current rural planning policies in China. The results show that the cherry industrial chain largely extended the planting areas, and the categories of land use generally increased in Yuezhuang Village over the 30 years studied. The average output value per mu (mu is unit of area measurement used in China, where it is officially standardised. It corresponds to 1/15 of a hectare, or about 666.67 m2). In 2021 was 25 times larger than that in 1996. The population involved in industrial activities increased to over 5000 people countrywide from the initial 17 households. The results also show that urban–rural factors, such as capital, population, techniques, and information, rapidly accelerated in the annual peak season of the cherry industry. This research indicates that small-scale, characteristic, and traditional agriculture could become one of the main driving forces in urban–rural integration and may contribute to sustainable and inclusive rural communities and urban–rural partnerships. This provides the theoretical mechanism of socio-spatial interaction in rural industrialisation in China based on the empirical case study.