Problems Of Rural Development Research Articles

Excellence in the management of local action groups: an empirical investigation of critical success factors

PurposeThis study aims to evaluate the extent to which the criteria of the EFQM Excellence Model and the relationships between them are relevant in the management of rural territory development. Verifying this relevance is crucial as a first step to determine how the adoption of an excellence model could enhance the results of the local action groups (LAGs) in managing their territories. If successful, the benefits for the management of territorial rural development in Spain could be highly significant.Design/methodology/approachField data were collected through a questionnaire distributed to the managers of 253 LAGs in Spain during the first quarter of 2021. Hypotheses were formulated to evaluate the significance of the EFQM model in the outcomes achieved by LAGs. The data were analysed using partial least squares-structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) and necessary conditions analysis (NCA).FindingsThis study validates all the formulated assumptions regarding the EFQM model, including the mediating role of process management in the impact of strategy and the technical team (people) on outcomes. Based on the obtained results, it can be concluded that the adoption of a model of excellence could increase the effectiveness of LAGs in managing the development of their territories.Research limitations/implicationsLike all research, this study has its limitations. For example, the data used responds to an indirect approach to the criteria of the EFQM model. Direct measurement of the criteria was not possible because there were no LAG evaluations with the EFQM model or any other model of excellence. Additionally, the LAG sample used does not equally reflect the reality of the different autonomous communities, which, together with the relatively small nature of the sample, does not allow comparisons of the autonomous communities. The age of the participants was not included in the analysis, so it was not possible to evaluate the effect that this variable could have on the results. There are LAGs in other EU countries as well. It would be interesting to see whether the results obtained in this study with Spanish LAGs are consistent with those in other countries. The study was conducted at the criterion level. It would be of interest to delve deeper into the subcriterion level in future work. Finally, this study was based on the EFQM 2013, while the most recent study was from 2020, which is a limitation. When the study was designed, there was not yet sufficient experience with the 2020 model. It will be interesting to see in future work the extent to which the results and conclusions obtained remain consistent with those of the 2020 model.Practical implicationsApproaches to tackling the problem of rural development have often relied on intuitive and practical trial-and-error methods in the implementation of public policies rather than on a solid and validated theoretical foundation. Therefore, verifying the relevance of the criteria and their interrelationships, intrinsic to models such as the EFQM 2013 model, in the context of managing rural territories, can greatly aid the management of these types of organisations.Social implicationsThe development of rural territories is a critical issue that remains unresolved in many countries. Failure to address this, or not doing so in a timely manner, has consequences for equity and migration to large urban centres. Enhancing the effectiveness of the LAGs can improve the living conditions of people in rural areas and contribute to the overall development of rural territories in Spain. This can simultaneously help mitigate the depopulation of rural areas.Originality/valueTraditional approaches to rural development have often relied on practical trial-and-error methods in implementing public policies. The decision to adopt an excellence management model for the development of rural territories hinges on the validity of criteria and their interrelationships, such as those intrinsic to the EFQM 2013 model, within the context of rural development.HighlightsThe EFQM model of excellence is applicable in managing the development of rural territories, although some relationships between criteria, such as the case of Partnership and Resources on Results, are affected by the context in which local action groups currently operate in Spain.This study applies PLS-SEM in the analysis of the relationships between criteria of the EFQM model in the context of managing the development of rural territories.

REGARDING THE ISSUE OF INSTITUTIONAL ENSURING THE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OF RURAL AREAS

The need to improve institutional approaches to the socio-economic development of rural areas is outlined, primarily from the side of the effectiveness of state administration in promoting the sustainable development of rural areas. Emphasis is placed on the need to form effective institutional support that will meet modern challenges in overcoming the problems of rural development, regulate the socio-economic and ecological aspects of development in the period of post-war reconstruction of Ukraine. It was found that in order to increase the effectiveness of the implementation of strategic tasks and regulatory and programmatic documents in achieving the goals of sustainable development of rural areas, they should be determined by rural administrations and rural communities.

Inclusive Development of Rural-Urban Agglomerations of Ukraine: Capacity, Sectoral and Socio-Economic Orientation, Trends

Abstract Ukraine, as a large Central European country, because of its available natural resources, has stable traditions of agriculture. However, the unsatisfactory state of the rural socio-spatial environment, the low standard of living of the rural population do not correspond to the country's achievements in the field of agricultural production. The reform of decentralization of public power and management, launched in 2015, created prerequisites for solving not only the problems of rural development but also overcoming spatial disparities, inequality in the incomes of the rural and urban population. The article presents a view of United Territorial Communities and new districts as rural-urban agglomeration formations that differ from urban agglomerations in terms of population, resources and functions. The inclusive capacity, sectoral and socio-spatial focus, development trends of these agglomerations based on inclusiveness are determined. These processes have many common features and characteristics that are characteristic of similar socio-spatial formations of other countries, which gives the investigated problems international significance. Solving the problems formulated and solved in the article will contribute to the successful post-war reconstruction of Ukraine on an inclusive basis.

Development of Rural Tourism in China in the Context of Rural Revitalization

Rural revitalization is an important development strategy in the new era of China, and rural tourism is a new industrial form that has flourished in recent years. As an important way to realize the strategy of rural revitalization, the impact of rural tourism on the countryside involves the rural economy, ecology, culture, governance and other levels, echoing the overall requirements of the country's five aspects of rural revitalization. At present, although the development of rural tourism in China has achieved certain results, there are still many deficiencies. Therefore, this paper first explores the role mechanism of rural tourism to promote rural revitalization, and then describes the current situation and problems of rural tourism development in the context of rural revitalization in China, and puts forward countermeasure proposals for rural tourism development on this basis.

Innovation of Cultural Education Mode in Agricultural Higher Vocational Schools from the Perspective of Rural Revitalization

In recent years, rural revitalization has become a national strategy, aiming at the problems of unbalanced urban and rural development and lagging rural economic development, aiming at building a socialist modern country in an all-round way. Based on this, the research content of this article mainly focuses on the innovation of cultural education mode in agricultural higher vocational schools from the perspective of rural revitalization. Through in-depth study of the existing cultural education model, combined with the strategic needs of rural revitalization, this article puts forward an innovative cultural education model. Through practical exploration, agricultural higher vocational schools can form a cultural education mode with local characteristics, agricultural culture subject, industrial culture support and social culture assistance. This not only helps to improve students' cultural literacy and vocational skills, but also helps to promote rural revitalization and agricultural development. In addition, this article also puts forward some suggestions for future research to promote the sustainable development and optimization of cultural education mode in agricultural higher vocational schools. In order to provide strong talent support for rural revitalization and promote agricultural higher vocational schools to play a greater role in cultivating outstanding talents.

Analysis of the Factors Influencing the Participation of University Students in Rural Education for Poverty Alleviation

The principle of “poverty alleviation first helps the poor” is fundamental to poverty alleviation through education in rural areas. It serves as an important foundation for improving the soft power of rural culture and promoting the development of rural cultural construction. However, college students, being one of the main participants in educational poverty alleviation, have not been equipped with a well-established institutionalized participation mechanism and a sufficient awareness of participation. To enhance college students’ awareness and participation in rural education and poverty alleviation and to improve the institutionalization, this research focuses on college students as a group, delves into the current situation and willingness of college students to participate in rural education and poverty alleviation, and analyzes the influencing factors affecting college students’ participation in rural education and poverty alleviation by means of a questionnaire and a computerized statistical algorithm. Lastly, based on mathematical and statistical analysis, the research puts forward corresponding optimization countermeasures and suggestions from the perspectives of the government, colleges and universities, and villages, so as to provide decision-making guidelines for solving the problems of rural education development and talent constraints.

Research on the Application of Wechat Mini Program in Rural Revitalization – Taking Yanping Jukou Township in Nanping as An Example

In the current wave of digitization, the application of small programs has penetrated into the lives of urban residents. In the current environment of vigorously promoting digital rural construction in China, this article studies empowering rural public services with digital technology through WeChat mini programs to promote the extension and coverage of "Internet+government services" to rural areas, and focuses on solving practical problems in rural development. Through tourism, rural research, and other means, it expands the business of rural economic development and expands application scenarios, At the same time, the rural government module facilitates the lives of villagers and helps them become wealthy.

Применение метода районирования при оценке туристско-рекреационного потенциала сельских территорий Новосибирской области

The article deals with the methodology of assessing the development of rural tourism in the region based on the application of the zoning method. The article is devoted to the study of key problems of rural tourism development in modern realities, taking into account the existing limitations and outlines the prospects for the implementation of this type of tourism in the Novosibirsk region. The authors critically analyze the scientific works of domestic scientists devoted to the development of agrarian (rural) tourism. 
 In the process of research, the author’s method of assessment of tourist and recreational potential of the Novosibirsk region was developed, criteria for calculating the potential of priority components of the tourist infrastructure were selected, the opportunities for the development of agrarian (rural) tourism were assessed with the selection of the most promising administrative-territorial (municipal) districts of the Novosibirsk region. The article is intended for managers of tourist business, students, any interested users.

Ukraine’s rural areas in the conditions of decentralization and local self-government reform: challenges and prospects

Purpose. The purpose of the study is to determine the state, identify the main challenges and risks affecting rural development in Ukraine, and assess their influence on the effectiveness of functioning and financial capacity of rural territorial communities in the conditions of power decentralization and self-government reform.
 Methodology / approach. The methodological basis of the research was a systematic approach to the study of the investigated phenomena and processes and the dialectical method of cognition, as well as general scientific and special methods. In order to assess the state and trends of rural development in Ukraine, economic and statistical methods were used in analytical studies (comparative analysis to compare the results obtained in certain years, average and relative values, trend analysis, index analysis, etc.). This was done to establish certain relationships, such as identity, similarity, or difference between characteristics and facts. To determine the influence of individual factors on the operational efficiency and financial capacity of territorial communities, multiple correlation and regression analysis was used. A number of abstract-logical techniques made it possible to formulate intermediate and final conclusions and proposals.
 Results. Current conditions are analyzed and trends of rural development in Ukraine for 1990–2022 are determined. It was found that over the past 32 years, the socio-economic crisis in rural areas continues to worsen, which is manifested in declining employment rates, increasing unemployment, rising poverty, mass migration of peasants, deterioration of infrastructure and access to social services. The main challenges and problems of rural development have been identified and systematized by groups: socio-demographic, economic, environmental and nature protection, institutional, political. To assess the factors influence on the effectiveness of functioning and financial capacity of territorial communities, a multifactorial correlation and regression analysis was conducted. It was found that the level of capital expenditures is most affected by the fiscal return of the community territory per 1 inhabitant. 
 Originality / scientific novelty. The elements of scientific novelty consist in the introduction of a systematic approach to generalizing challenges and problems affecting the development of rural areas and communities, which were systematized by groups: socio-demographic, economic, environmental and nature protection, institutional, political. The scientific and methodological foundations of studying the socio-economic situation in Ukraine’s rural areas in terms of determining the factors and assessing their influence on the effectiveness of functioning and financial capacity of rural territorial communities have been further developed.
 Practical value / implications. The identification of factors and their influence on the functioning effectiveness and financial capacity of rural territorial communities can be taken into account by state institutions when reviewing previously adopted documents and elaborating strategic plans for the restoration and development of Ukraine’s rural areas, taking into account internal threats and the long-term external aggression of the russian federation against Ukraine.

Hygiene of planning and building of settlements: significant achievements and prospects

Annotation. The National Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine over its thirty-year history has made, without exaggeration, a tremendous contribution to the field of theoretical, clinical and preventive medicine both in Ukraine and abroad, which fundamentally changed the quality of human life in all spheres. The NAMS of Ukraine today has a powerful creative potential, a high reputation in Ukraine and abroad. The Laboratory of Hygiene of Planning and Development of Settlements of the SI “IPH NAMSU” has been developing preventive medicine and standing guard over public health for 90 years and strengthening the prestige of the NAMS of Ukraine in this field. This is the only laboratory of this profile both in the system of the National Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine and in the healthcare system of Ukraine. The purpose of the study is to reveal the formation and development of scientific research of the Laboratory of Hygiene Planning and Development of Settlements and to highlight scientific achievements to mark the 90th anniversary of the laboratory of the same name and the 30th anniversary of the National Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine. Research methods: the analytical method is used in the work (studying the results of the laboratory of hygiene planning and development of settlements); the method of hygienic substantiation of the reconstruction of settlements. Results: the article highlights the activities of the hygiene laboratory of planning and construction of settlements of the State University “IHZ NAMNU”, which is aimed at solving the most urgent sanitary and hygienic problems of urban and rural construction, regional planning and development of territories and industrial development, environmental protection of settlements, as well as issues ensuring favorable living conditions for the population to preserve and strengthen their health. So, the activities of the Laboratory of Hygiene of planning and construction of settlements of the State University “IGZ NAMNU” on its glorious 90th anniversary, its scientific achievements, which were reflected in sanitary and urban planning legislation and implemented in the public health system of Ukraine, bodies of the State Production and Consumer Service, divisions of the Ministry of Regions, have of particular importance for the further stable development of domestic production of independent Ukraine and the preservation of public health, and strengthens the prestige of the NAMS of Ukraine on its 30th anniversary from the day of its establishment.

Regulatory and Legal Support for the Development of Digital Infrastructure in Rural Areas as a Factor in Improving the Level of Sustainable Development and Quality of Life of the Rural Population

Widespread problems of rural development have been the subject of scientific analysis and discussions for many years. The current debate is the result of reflections on improving the effectiveness of rural development policy and the search for new approaches to their development at the local level. They are also the result of the need not only to implement the Sustainable Development Goals more effectively but also to reduce the social and economic inequality between the village and the city, which is possible through the development of the digital infrastructure of rural areas. The purpose of the article is to identify priority areas and institutional and legal barriers to the development of digital infrastructure, the tools necessary to overcome them, and regulatory and legal support for the development of digital infrastructure in rural areas. The article identifies the advantages of digital infrastructure for the socio-economic development of rural areas, the priority level of the introduction of digital infrastructure and technologies for various sectors in the life of the rural population, institutional and legal barriers to the development of digital infrastructure of rural areas, as well as tools of regulatory support for the development of digital infrastructure of rural areas. It is concluded that the creation of the necessary regulatory framework that would stimulate the formation of digital infrastructure while protecting the interests of rural residents is the most significant of the problems of rural areas.

Green Financial Services for Rural Revitalization in Xinjiang — — Taking Changji Prefecture as an Example

In the report of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, it is emphasized that efforts should be made to solve the urgent problems of the people and promote common prosperity. To solve the problem of rural development and achieve common prosperity, we must continue to promote the strategy of rural revitalization. Under the dual-carbon vision of "carbon peak, carbon neutralization", green finance, which has dual functions of green ecological function orientation and economic development, has become an important driving force for rural revitalization. In 2017, Changji Hui Autonomous Prefecture, Hami City and Karamay City in Xinjiang were approved as green financial reform and innovation pilot areas. Among them, Changji Prefecture is a national demonstration area of rural governance, with 17 demonstration villages of Rural Revitalization in autonomous regions, and the demonstration of Rural Revitalization is representative. Therefore, taking Changji Prefecture as an example, this paper studies the current situation of rural revitalization of green financial services, and on this basis, puts forward reasonable and effective suggestions from three levels of government, financial institutions, agricultural operators and rural green industry enterprises for future development. This paper provides a theoretical basis and reference for the development path of rural revitalization of green financial services in remote rural areas of Xinjiang and the whole country.

СОЦІАЛЬНО-ЕКОНОМІЧНЕ ПЛАНУВАННЯ ТА УПРАВЛІННЯ ІНФРАСТРУКТУРНИМ РОЗВИТКОМ У СІЛЬСЬКИХ ГРОМАДАХ

Currently, the level of development of social, production and market infrastructure in agriculture remains very low, which has led to the devastation of Ukrainian villages and, as a result, to the disruption and decline of the reproductive process in the agro-industrial complex. Therefore, the formation and development of infrastructure is a necessary condition for the effective interaction of the subjects of primary and secondary production and contributes to the creation of general prerequisites for the growth and development of agricultural production. The article examines the management of infrastructural development of rural communities. The functions of the village infrastructure, state programs for the development of rural communities were considered. It is necessary to continue to work on state programs and projects, to improve the process of financing and control over its implementation in order to ensure their effectiveness, to take care of the sustainable development of the infrastructure of rural communities, to create new jobs, and to attract investments in the agricultural sector. The shortcomings of the development of the infrastructure of the village were studied. The interrelationship of production, social, and organizational-management aspects of village development and the interrelationship of the infrastructural complex of rural areas are schematically displayed. Increasing the level of control functions in unitary enterprises takes place in three stages: municipal level, regional level, interregional level). The socio-economic development of rural communities is analyzed. The number of the rural population for 2018-2022 has significantly decreased, the state of the labor market has worsened, the number of productive livestock has decreased, and the total area of residential buildings put into operation increased. To solve the problems of rural infrastructure development, it is necessary to train production personnel, experts and young scientists, as well as to develop special standards for training specialists to work with rural infrastructure equipment.

Analysis on the logic and key problems of rural tourism resources development under the goal of common prosperity

Analysis on the logic and key problems of rural tourism resources development under the goal of common prosperity

Dalit Community, Political Paradox and Problems of Rural Development

This paper argues that the excluded communities of south Asian continent are not conscious of their basic human rights, they usually face several sorts of discriminations from their companions. The conventional politics of Nepal has not focused to their upliftment despite the state has prioritized structurally. Even the investment of abundance state capital and narratives for development could not transform livelihood of rural strata. It aims to explore the existing condition of the excluded and marginalized communities, describe contemporary development comprehension and evaluation of the dynamic contributions from the political forces in context of the rural development. The political forces, in the name of facilitating the development process for comprehensive wellbeing of citizens, have grasped politics as a tool for opportunities multiplier for their extensive vested pursuits. Politics is reliable force for structural transformation of a society that enhances citizens' sovereign thought, but the political performance in Nepal is questionable. It discloses that the excluded communities are beyond the access of contemporary development and political participation because of paradigmatic complexities. The data were accumulated from primary as well as the secondary sources, personal communication, participant observation and focus group discussions. It explains development is not a mere installation of physical infrastructure to facilitate society; it is the conglomeration of attitude, thought and perfect demeanor and it is significant for the inquisitive individuals as it disseminates enriched notions. Ultimately, it influences as the milestones for structural changes in the rural society of Nepal where modern amenities are in short.

THE IMPORTANCE OF RURAL TOURISM FOR THE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OF MONTENEGRO

The aim of the research is to examine the attitudes of respondents related to the problem of rural development and the importance of rural tourism from the aspect of sustainable development of Montenegro. The sample consisted of 150 respondents living in rural areas of Montenegro, including households already engaged in rural tourism, as well as those who plan to engage in and participate in the development of rural tourism. The research was conducted in May 2021 in rural areas of Montenegro. The results obtained by the research show that ecotourism is associated with the concept of sustainable tourism; In order to contribute to the development of rural tourism, it is necessary to improve living standards in rural areas, increase public awareness and participation, and include rural tourism in regional initiatives.

Data-driven evaluation framework for the effectiveness of rural vitalization in China: an empirical case study of Hubei Province.

Rural vitalization (RV) has attracted more and more attention in China, especially since the Rural Vitalization Strategy (RVS) was proposed to restrict rural decline in 2017. The evaluation of RV is an effective means to objectively identify the characteristics and problems of rural development, so exploring scientific and rational evaluation methods is important for sustainable rural development. Therefore, this study builds a data-driven evaluation framework from a "bottom-up" perspective, and selects Hubei Province as the object to evaluate the effectiveness of RV. The evaluation index system is formed based on the concept and connotation of RV, which contains six dimensions, namely thriving businesses (TB), pleasant living environments (PLE), social etiquette and civility (SEC), effective governance (EG), living in prosperity (LP), and organization system (OS). The empirical results indicate that there is a low level of variation of the total scores but an obvious disparity in the dimensional scores in 13 prefecture-level and 83 county-level regions. At county-level, the regional development stage has an impact on the effectiveness of RV, and regions with a higher economy or endowed with better resources perform better. The results of spatial analysis further reveal that there is regional agglomeration as well as differences in various dimensions, and regions with characteristic industries or policy support perform better. Compared with the traditional evaluation method, differentiated evaluation objectives and diversified data are considered in the evaluation process of this study. The results and discussion shown in this study could provide empirical evidence for policymakers to effectively promote RV in the future.

FORMATION OF VECTORS OF MANAGEMENT OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT OF RURAL AREAS

The article presents the results of research on the main indicators of business development management in rural areas. Accordingly, the theoretical and methodological principles of modeling rural business development management are formed and substantiated, in particular, the main problems of rural business structures development are identified, vectors in managing the development of existing rural potential are identified, approaches, methods, modeling tools are determined, which facilitates their selection and application. As a result of the study, a system of indicators for assessing the processes of differentiation of business development management, which comprehensively reflects its main characteristics, and is based on the calculation of an integrated indicator to assess the level of diversification of rural business, identify its parameters get options for combining results with the selection of alternative activities. The necessity of creating centers of economic growth by stimulating the development of innovative entrepreneurship in rural areas is substantiated and proved, first of all, due to the processes of diversification of business development management taking into account the specifics of a particular rural area. as well as their continuous improvement for the full use of the potential of each rural enterprise individually and the comprehensive development of local communities, increase new jobs, increase the competitiveness of rural areas and more.

VARIASI PRODUK UMKM DESA BENTENG HILIR SEBAGAI PILAR MEMBANGUN EKONOMI DESA

Benteng Hilir Village is a fairly large village with a total area of ??15,426 hectares or equal to 154.26 km2. Benteng Hilir village is located in Mempura sub-district, Siak district, Riau province, Indonesia. This village consists of 14 Neighborhoods and Hamlets . The livelihoods of its citizens are diverse, namely: Breeders, Farmers, Entrepreneurs, Employees, Civil Servants, POLRI, Contractors, Drivers and so on. This village has a lot of potential that can be developed by the residents or the local community here. The development of the potential of this village is carried out by residents through the development of various MSME products. There are various kinds of MSME products developed by the community, namely; MSME products are cassava, kelulut honey, sugar cane juice and others. Kukerta students, Riau University, Benteng Hilir Village themselves have a role in helping MSME actors in the production process or making MSME products. The real results of these MSME activities can be seen from the opening of employment opportunities so as to reduce the number of unemployed people. This activity is carried out by students as a form of concern to the problems of rural economic development. Hopefully, with this activity, village MSMEs will continue to progress, so that they can help build the village economy.
 Keywords: Community Service, UMKM, Village potential

From action to theory building: an action research of rural social work practice in China

ABSTRACT In recent years, action research has gradually been accepted by social work educators and practitioners in Mainland China. Some have tried integrating action research into social work education and practice. However, many people only learn the form but do not seriously uphold the spirit of action research and understand its mission of knowledge building. Therefore, this article first introduces the key elements of participatory action research (PAR) and then uses a PAR project of rural social work as an example to demonstrate how researchers collaborate with frontline practitioners and local villagers to co-create knowledge in pursuit of a practical solution to problems of rural development in post-reform China. Finally, the paper will conclude with a theory of rural-urban alliance which has been generated in the PAR process. I hope this article will become the text for dialogues within the social work action research community in Mainland China.