Rural Development Strategies Research Articles

The Coordinated Development Characteristics of Rural Industry and Employment: A Case Study of Chongqing, China

Developing industries and promoting employment are essential for rural revitalization. This study establishes a theoretical framework to support the coordinated development of rural industry and employment (RIE) with Chongqing, China as the study area. Methods include GIS spatial analysis, the entropy-weighted TOPSIS method, a coupled coordination degree model, and an optimal-parameter-based GeoDetector. The analysis examines the spatio-temporal evolution and driving mechanisms of the coordinated development of RIE. The main findings are as follows. (1) During the study period, Chongqing’s RIE improved significantly overall, although rural industry is relatively lagging. (2) The evolution characteristics of the coordinated development of RIE exhibit “spatio-temporal ripple” and “spindle-shaped” patterns, and the spatial agglomeration has been enhanced. The growth of RIE is accompanied by the spatial diffusion of rural industry and the spatial echo of rural employment. (3) The primary driving mechanism for the coordinated development of RIE is “human-centered, natural resource-based socio-economic development.” Finally, this study discusses employment-centered strategies for rural industrial development, providing a theoretical foundation for policy-making in rural industrial development.

Rural development strategies

Rural development strategies

Research on Rural Industrialization Development Strategies under the Perspective of Rural Revitalization

With the continuous promotion of rural revitalization strategies in our country, the development of rural agricultural industrialization has gradually become a key part of our social and economic development. This study, based on the significance of innovative agricultural industrialization development, addresses the current issues facing agricultural industrialization development, such as weak awareness of industrialization development, insufficient labor force in rural areas, lagging industrialization infrastructure, and low investment in industrialization development under the perspective of rural revitalization. It proposes strategies such as actively promoting the concept of industrialization development, implementing talent introduction policies, strengthening the construction of industrialization infrastructure in rural areas, and enhancing financial support for agricultural industrialization, with the aim of providing useful references for innovative agricultural industrialization development in the context of rural revitalization in our country.

Research on the Impacts of Homestay Program on Rural Areas in Case of Homestay Program in Jingxian County, Anhui Province, China

This paper examines the development and impact of homestay programs in Jing County, Xuancheng City, Anhui Province, China, with a particular focus on the rural Cai Cun Village. Homestay programs have gained popularity among urban Chinese tourists seeking respite from city life, offering them immersive experiences in rural environments. The study underscores the importance of homestays as a rural development strategy, highlighting their role in enhancing local infrastructure, boosting economic growth, and fostering community cooperation. By analyzing demographic, social, economic, political, cultural, and geographic factors, as well as interviewing local homestay operators, the research identifies both the benefits and challenges associated with homestay operations. Key issues such as management inefficiencies, audience limitations, seasonal unemployment, and non-committing participants are discussed. The paper proposes solutions, including the integration of agricultural activities, targeted advertising, and increased government intervention to address these challenges. The findings offer valuable insights for potential homestay operators and contribute to the broader discourse on rural revitalization, emphasizing the potential for homestays to drive sustainable development in less-developed regions.

Bioenergy for Sustainable Rural Development: Elevating Government Governance with Environmental Policy in China

Energy is not only the crucial driver of economic activities within rural areas. Conventional energy sources are crucial for the prosperity of rural areas; however, they also prove detrimental to the rural ecosystem. To achieve sustainable rural development, increasing the consumption of renewable energy sources can prove vital. Among all the renewable energy sources, bioenergy is the cheapest and easiest to produce in rural areas. Therefore, it is crucial to estimate the impact of bioenergy on the rural development of China. Thus, the primary purpose of this analysis is to analyze the impact of bioenergy and environmental policy stringency on the rural development of China from 1995 to 2022 by employing the autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) and quantile autoregressive distributed lag (QARDL) framework. The results highlight the significance of bio-energy for rural development in the short and long run. Likewise, environmental policy stringency is also a vital factor in fostering short- and long-run rural development. Based on these outcomes, it is recommended that policymakers integrate bioenergy development policies into broader rural development strategies.

Analysing Rural Development Models Based on Intangible Assets and Socio-Economic Development

Despite the existence of a variety of conceptual approaches to rural development, there is a lack of methods that take into account intangible assets, such as, for example, social capital, leadership, and local identity. A more effective design of the rural development strategy may be achieved by uncovering knowledge regarding the manifestation of various intangible resources. Territorial development policies, both in terms of the level of socio-economic development and the presence of intangible resources in rural areas, are investigated in this study. The main objective is to determine how intangible resources manifest in specific empirical models of development policy for rural settlements. A novel ensemble of indices and indicators of socio-economic development and the manifestation of intangible resources, calculated based on the method of analytical hierarchies and frequency analysis, are provided. These allow for a comprehensive study of the development of rural areas by clustering settlements with a similar level of development. Patterns and deficits of resources in rural settlements are analysed according to empirical models. Verification of the empirical models is carried out by assessing the level of socio-economic development and indicators of intangible resources for 12 rural settlements in the south of Russia. Therefore, several groups of factors of intangible resources splitting the factors related (reflect the current state) and unrelated (reflect the development potential) to the socio-economic development of rural settlements have been specified.

Integrating Short Supply Chains and Smart Village Initiatives: Strategies for Sustainable Rural Development

A profound transformation of the entire food system is necessary to achieve sustainable development in the agricultural sector. This pertains to the production, distribution, and consumption of food. In the case of distribution, this transformation involves changes both at the beginning of the chain, namely, in the agricultural structure, and at the final stage, in consumer behaviour. By analysing the existing literature, we identify key areas where the principles of short supply chains can be harmonised with smart village initiatives. The concept of smart villages itself is based on using modern technologies and innovative practices to improve the quality of life in rural areas and support sustainable development. Consequently, as mentioned, one of the critical elements of this concept is the cooperation of farmers for sustainable short supply chain management. This study analysed statistical data from the Central Statistical Office of Poland and unpublished data from the General Veterinary Inspectorate, complemented by desk research on relevant reports, scientific literature, and legal documents concerning local food systems. The study investigates local food systems in the Mazowieckie region, where 9% of Polish entities operating within local food systems are registered. Activity within this framework is characterised by significant spatial diversity across the region. The spatial distribution is mainly related to the location of the raw material base, e.g., the concentration of specialised agricultural production, distance to the sales market (proximity to consumers), and other broadly understood conditions for conducting business activity. The paper highlights the need to transform food systems to support sustainable agricultural development, focusing on short supply chains and smart village initiatives. By examining local food systems in Poland’s Mazowieckie region, it identifies how spatial and resource factors impact local food distribution and rural sustainability.

How melon farmers’ networks enable greenhouse technology adoption? A social network analysis

ABSTRACT Purpose The study aims to investigate the connections and interactions of the melon farmers in the social network related with greenhouse adoption for the cultivation. Design/Methodology/Approach This research employed the Social Network Analysis (SNA) approach from the field survey data in the dry-land areas in Indonesia. Findings The study results indicate the presence of polarity within the social networks of farmers. The proliferation of innovations is motivated by individuals who actively develop their skills and knowledge, employing a combination of experimentation and online resources to enhance their capabilities. Dissemination is a result of the extensive collaboration among farmers who are located near each other. In addition, the trust and connection among farmers who have successfully experimented and achieved results fosters a collaborative and knowledge-sharing environment. Practical Implications The results of this study provide implications for appropriate rural extension and community development strategies. Theoretical Implications This research broadens the scope of innovation diffusion theory by examining social networks and their role in the proliferation of modern agricultural cultivation technology in marginalized areas. Originality/Value The study presents empirical evidence that highlights the successful adoption of modern agricultural cultivation technologies by fringe groups. It emphasizes the significance of locally established, self-sustaining social networks in facilitating this proliferation, marking the novelty of this study, especially in developing countries.

RURAL TOURISM DEVELOPMENT: HOW TO ATTRACT THE RESIDENTS’ PARTICIPATION? A STUDY OF THE CENTRAL HIGHLANDS, VIETNAM

The main aim of this study is to measure the impact of factors including sense of place, perceived benefits, perceived costs, and quality of life on the residents’ willingness to assist in rural tourism development in the Central Highlands, Vietnam. SPSS software was used to check the suitability of the model, and partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was used to run a regression analysis of the balance equations and to measure the level of impact between factors. The regression equation then provided the interaction between the variables as the explanation for the hypotheses. The statistical results of 443 survey responses were analyzed from five provinces of this region. Quality of life showed a positive impact on residents’ willingness to support rural tourism development, while perceived benefits related to cultural and social issues had negative impacts. These findings and the discussion may aid policymakers in planning strategies for rural tourism development in the Central Highlands, Vietnam.

Formation of Food Supply of the aAgrarian Sector of Ukraine on the Basis of Restoration of the Development of Rural Areas

This article is relevant because it examines the food supply system in the agrarian sector of Ukraine, considering the socio-economic component of rural development and the integration of sustainable agricultural systems. The research aims to explore and propose a functional model for the food supply of the agrarian sector in Ukraine. The research involved analysing the differentiation in food costs among different social groups of the population. The findings of the study present a hierarchical five-dimensional framework for the formation of the agrarian sector’s food supply. The article provides insights into the assessment of food supply stability, food costs, food independence, economic accessibility, rural household trends, and strategies for rural development in Ukraine. It can be useful for policymakers, agricultural economists, researchers, and organizations involved in rural development, agricultural planning, and food security.

Strategy for the development of Dermaji Village Tourism

This research aims to identify the tourism potential and formulate competitive rural tourism development strategies in Dermaji Village, Lumbir District, Banyumas Regency, Central Java. The study employs a qualitative descriptive approach using an exploratory case study. Primary data were obtained through in-depth field observations and interviews with key informants, while secondary data were sourced from literature reviews and documentation. The research utilized the analysis of 11 tourism components, modified from various experts, CHSE analysis, government work programs, market preferences, and SWOT analysis, including SWOT Matrix. The findings reveal significant potential and 15 main strategies for developing Dermaji Village into a competitive rural tourism destination. The village has already undertaken initiatives such as collaborating with Perum Perhutani and local community efforts to create unique rural tourism destinations. Active and adaptive strategies are required to develop Dermaji Village into a competitive rural tourism destination with unique offerings in Banyumas Regency, considering both micro and macro perspectives.

Performance of cash transfer program on farmers’ livelihood: evidence from PM-KISAN scheme of India

IntroductionResearch into various aspects of vulnerability and poverty has played a key role in shaping cash transfer systems. Cash-based direct benefit transfers (DBT) are frequently discussed, as they help reduce corruption and limit intermediary involvement, which often impedes policy implementation in countries like India. Small and marginal farmers (SMFs), constituting 86% of India’s farming population, are essential for sustainable agricultural growth and ensuring food and nutrition security. The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme provides Rs.6000 annually to the farmer families via DBT mechanism. Despite reports and information from various government sources, significant concerns remain regarding the performance of PM-KISAN scheme in improving living conditions of SMFs.MethodsFor having the highest number of SMFs, a research study was conducted in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. Two cluster of villages from each of these two states were chosen by simple random sampling (SRS) method. An ex post facto research design was used; data was gathered from 240 SMFs, with 120 beneficiaries and 120 non-beneficiaries, using a stratified disproportionate simple random sampling technique. The study used 18 indicators related to livelihood assets—human capital, social capital, natural capital, physical capital, and financial capital—to generate a Livelihood Index (LI) through Principal Component Analysis (PCA).ResultsThe beneficiaries of the scheme had an average LI score of 0.396, while non-beneficiaries had a score of 0.366. Propensity Score Matching (PSM) was employed to compare the beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries in order to determine the impact of the scheme. In the Livelihood Index of beneficiaries, in comparison to non-beneficiaries, there was a significant improvement of 3.34 to 4.13 percentage points, according to the analysis, which utilized a variety of matching algorithms.DiscussionImplications from the study suggests that PM-KISAN should be integrated into a broader rural development strategy to maximize multiplier effects. By combining cash transfers with complementary initiatives like modern technology adoption and high-yield seeds, farmers can make productive investments that could enhance their livelihood status.

Youth Well-Being and Economic Vitality: Fostering Sustainable Development Through Green Leisure Sports

This study delves into the transformative potential of low-carbon leisure education (LCLE) in promoting sustainable development within rural lake regions, focusing particularly on its impact on youth well-being and regional economic vitality. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, we surveyed 650 participants and conducted interviews with experts, visitors, and locals to gauge the effectiveness of LCLE initiatives. The findings indicate a significant positive correlation between LCLE engagements and improvements in the leisure environment, economic development, and ecological conservation. However, the study reveals a youth welfare divide, whereby younger individuals are unable to fully benefit from LCLE programs due to gaps in environmental consciousness and accessibility. The paper proposes a holistic approach to LCLE that includes enhancing environmental awareness among youth, making participation in low-carbon leisure activities more accessible and affordable, and fostering a culture of sustainable enjoyment. The expected outcomes suggest strengthened rural economies, enriched leisure and ecological environments, and a healthier, more sustainable lifestyle for the younger population. This research underscores the importance of integrating educational initiatives into rural development strategies, thereby contributing to the knowledge economy through innovative approaches to sustainability and youth engagement in rural settings.

The Endogenous Motivation and Cultivation Strategies for Rural Teachers' Professional Development from the Perspective of Social Support Theory

Based on social support theory, this paper aims to explore the sources of endogenous motivation for rural teachers' professional development and the cultivation strategies. Due to the influence of factors such as the urban-rural dual structure and the specific geographical environment of rural areas, rural teachers often face the challenges of lack of resources and isolation. Social support can provide emotional support, information help and resource support, thereby enhancing the endogenous motivation for professional development. On this basis, this paper proposes a series of cultivation strategies for rural teachers, including providing institutional guarantees for the professional development of rural teachers, establishing a platform for rural teachers' cooperation and co-construction, providing continuous professional development training, and establishing a supportive education community network, so as to improve the endogenous motivation of rural teachers.

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.

PERFORMANCE MEASURES OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIES IN IFELODUN LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF KWARA STATE

The study assessed the performance measures of rural development strategies in Ifelodun LGA of Kwara State. The instruments used in this study are questionnaires, key informant interviews, and observation. The adopted sample size for the study is 384 persons. Simple random sampling was used to distribute questionnaires proportionally to the nine districts according to population size. Data analysis for this research was descriptive and inferential. Multiple regression analysis was used to measure the performance of development strategies in the study area. The result from the socio-economic characteristics of respondents revealed that 66% of the respondents were male, while 34% were female. Most (51.3%) of the respondents are within the age bracket of 31-45 years. It was also observed that over 90% of the respondents have attained one level of formal education or the other and apart from 17.13% and 28.73% that engage in civil service and business enterprises other than farming, 44.20% of the respondents are solely farmers and 94.5% earn above ₦20,000 monthly. Furthermore, the State Government was the major contributor to health, transport, agriculture, and education with a percentage contribution of 28.2%, 30.4%, 29.6%, and 44.8% respectively. The regression analysis result revealed that 82% of the impact of development strategies implemented in the study area could be explained by the transport, health, and agricultural sectors. Therefore, the study recommends that the federal government be more involved in the development of the study area and rural dwellers should be involved in the initiation, planning, and execution of development programs.

Financial Inclusion and Rural Development: Empowering Micro-entrepreneurs in Lubuk Beringin, Bungo Regency, Jambi, Indonesia

Micro-entrepreneurs in rural Indonesia often face challenges in accessing financial services and developing sustainable business practices. This community service initiative aimed to empower micro-entrepreneurs in Lubuk Beringin, Bungo Regency, Jambi, Indonesia, by promoting financial inclusion and rural development. A mixed-methods approach was employed, incorporating surveys, focus group discussions, and in-depth interviews to assess the needs and challenges of micro-entrepreneurs. Based on the findings, a comprehensive program was designed and implemented, encompassing financial literacy training, business development workshops, and access to microcredit facilities. The program resulted in increased financial literacy, improved business skills, and enhanced access to financial resources among the participants. Data indicates a 20% increase in average monthly income and a 15% rise in business savings among participating micro-entrepreneurs six months after program completion. Additionally, the program fostered a sense of community and collaboration among the participants. This initiative demonstrates the vital role of public administration in empowering micro-entrepreneurs through financial inclusion and rural development strategies. By providing access to financial knowledge, skills, and resources, public administration can contribute to sustainable economic growth and improved livelihoods in rural communities.

Managing Trade-Offs Between Communities’ Welfare and Nature Conservation: The Case of Wildlife Management Systems in and Outside Protected Areas in Africa

Successfully analyzing and managing trade-offs between community welfare and wildlife conservation are complex tasks that require a multidisciplinary approach and consideration of various factors. Bioeconomic modeling provides a structured quantitative framework for understanding and evaluating the complex interactions between biological systems and economic activities, aiding in the crafting of more effective and sustainable conservation and rural development strategies. Combined with results from other methods such as economic valuation, institutional analysis, impact evaluation, and framed-field experiments, they can provide guidance on reaching the social planner's optimum. The literature suggests significant roles for comanagement, benefit-sharing, and sustainable financing of conservation as the key ingredients for managing the trade-offs between communities’ welfare and nature conservation in Africa. However, comprehensive research tackling multiple problems simultaneously is required to fully understand and manage the trade-offs. Further, mainstreaming gender and climate change in studies of the trade-offs is increasingly becoming an obligation.

Engendering Rural Tourism as a Viable Strategy for Poverty Alleviation and Rural Development in the Southern Tourist Circuit of Tanzania

This article employs a systematic literature review to present the need to innovate and engender rural tourism as a viable strategy for poverty alleviation in the Southern Tourism Circuit of Tanzania—one of the regions with many rural tourist opportunities that are unexplored and yet to be utilized to transform local peoples’ livelihoods. The study explores why the circuit is underdeveloped in terms of rural tourism as compared to other tourist circuits and maps the existing rural tourism opportunities in the region. The impacts of colonial legacy, limited financial capability, policy issues and poor infrastructure are the main factors for the under-exploitation of tourist resources in the southern circuit. Rural tourism assets such as natural, cultural, agritourism/farm-based, and culinary assets in this circuit still need to be utilized. Innovation and utilization of these rural tourism opportunities could be one of the appropriate strategies to improve residents’ livelihoods. Rural tourism could help to boost individual economies and government revenues and enhance community development. The study highlights the importance of effective collaboration among stakeholders and multisector linkage while putting the local community at the core of rural tourism.

Evaluation Method of Implementation Effect of Rural Revitalization Strategy based on Wavelet Analysis Algorithm

This study presents an innovative approach to evaluate the implementation effects of the Rural Revitalization Strategy R2S, utilising the robust capabilities of the wavelet analysis algorithm. The proposed methodology integrates the strength of wavelet transform, an advanced mathematical tool for signal processing, with the entropy weighting method and the Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to the Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) model. This integration creates a comprehensive framework for assessing the multifaceted impacts of rural revitalisation initiatives. The wavelet analysis algorithm is the cornerstone of this approach, enabling the decomposition of complex rural development data into different frequency components, thus facilitating a more nuanced analysis. The entropy weighting method contributes by objectively determining the weights of various evaluation indicators, ensuring that the most relevant factors in rural revitalisation are emphasised in the assessment process. The TOPSIS model complements this by clearly ranking the analysed strategies based on their proximity to an ideal solution, thereby enabling decision-makers to identify the most effective strategies for rural development. Together, these techniques form a powerful tool for evaluating the effectiveness of rural revitalisation strategies, offering critical insights for policy formulation and implementation in rural areas. This study’s methodology not only enhances the accuracy of evaluation but also provides a replicable model for similar assessments in other contexts, contributing significantly to rural development and policy analysis.