Rural Policy Research Articles

The relationship between rural credit policy and deforestation: evidence from Brazil

The relationship between rural credit policy and deforestation: evidence from Brazil

Exploring the Impact of Digital Literacy and Policy Cognition on Rural Residents' Eco-friendly Behaviors.

The active participation of rural residents in ecological protection is crucial for preserving the rural environment and advancing ecological civilization. However, existing literature often neglects the impact of rural residents' digital literacy and policy cognition on their adoption of eco-friendly behaviors. In the digital age, rural residents can efficiently access and utilize ecological information, deepen their policy cognition, and consequently, become more actively involved in ecological protection through enhancing their digital literacy. This enhancement is crucial for ensuring the smooth implementation of rural ecological policies at the grassroots level, thereby providing a strong impetus for the further development of rural ecological protection. Therefore, based on survey data from 851 respondents in four counties and cities in Hainan Province, this paper uses the Ordered Probit model to analyze the impact of digital literacy on rural residents' adoption of eco-friendly behaviors, supported by theoretical mechanism analysis. The results indicate that: (1) Digital literacy enhances the adoption of eco-friendly behaviors among rural residents; (2) The mechanism analysis shows that digital literacy promotes such adoption through improved policy cognition. Consequently, the government should actively promote digital technology education and training to improve rural residents' digital literacy. Therefore, targeted digital skills training policies should be developed according to the individual characteristics of rural residents. Additionally, promoting digital literacy to improve policy cognition will likely lead to greater engagement in eco-friendly behaviors.

The evaluation and cost-benefit analysis of a nonemergency private transportation program for low-income adults in a rural setting

BackgroundAccess to transportation can improve the health of communities. Since 2015, Project TRIP (Transporting Residents with Innovative Practices) has offered free nonemergency privately operated individualized transportation for low-income residents in rural eastern North Carolina. We sought to evaluate the impact of Project TRIP on health outcome and healthcare utilization measures and to conduct an economic evaluation of its cost benefit. MethodsKey health outcome and healthcare utilization variables were compared across 101 Project TRIP users before and after TRIP participation via data obtained from electronic health records from 2017 to 2021. The cost-benefit analysis included a comparison of the costs of operating Project TRIP as compared to the savings of fewer hospital and emergency department admissions. Pre and post TRIP comparisons were analyzed on the following: A1C scores, no show/missed appointments, body weight, body mass index, and number of emergency room and hospital admissions. ResultsOver half (58%) of Project TRIP users were female with a mean age of 54. Most riders were Black (69%), either received Medicaid (32%) or Medicare (17%) or were uninsured (22%). All variables showed a decrease (improvement) post TRIP utilization. The average A1C level decreased by 0.52 post TRIP utilization (statistically significant at 10% level). The number of hospital admissions also decreased (statistically significant at 1% level) for TRIP users. Other key measures also improved for TRIP users but not at statistically significant levels. The estimated net savings of Project TRIP in hospital and emergency room visits alone after deducting operating costs in the past 5 years was $720,544. ConclusionsThis study found that access to a non-emergency medical transportation program was cost-effective in reducing emergency room and hospital expenditures. Project TRIP users demonstrated an improvement in health outcomes post TRIP utilization. Expanding model rural transit programs and policies are needed.

Can E-Commerce Policies Drive Common Wealth Levels —— A Study Based on County-Level Data in China, 2012-2020

Based on national county panel data from 2012 to 2020, this study systematically examines the impact of the comprehensive e-commerce into rural areas demonstration project implemented in rural China on promoting the level of common wealth by applying the multi-period double-difference method (DID). It is found that the e-commerce policy significantly enhances the level of common wealth. Further analysis of the impact mechanism shows that the policy effectively promotes the goal of common prosperity by enhancing the level of rural employment. In addition, the positive effect of the e-commerce policy is strengthened by the increase in the level of local government fiscal expenditure, however, the driving effect of the policy is weakened by the higher level of social consumption. Heterogeneity analyses indicate that the policy's promotional effect is particularly significant in the demonstration counties of the Yangtze River Economic Belt. This paper fills the research gap on the relationship between rural e-commerce policy and the level of common wealth, and provides empirical evidence and policy recommendations for related policy formulation.

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.

THE ROLE OF REGIONAL RURAL BANKS (RRBs) IN RURAL DEVELOPMENT WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO PRATHMA BANK, UTTAR PRADESH

Rural development is a cornerstone of India's socio-economic progress, as a significant portion of the population resides in rural areas where agriculture and small enterprises drive the economy. Regional Rural Banks (RRBs), established to bridge the credit gap in these regions, play a crucial role in promoting financial inclusion, enhancing agricultural productivity, and fostering sustainable rural development. This paper examines the multifaceted contributions of RRBs, with a specific focus on Prathma Bank in Uttar Pradesh, which has emerged as a vital institution in the rural banking landscape. The research highlights how Prathma Bank has effectively catered to the financial needs of marginalized farmers, women entrepreneurs, and small business owners through innovative lending products and microfinance initiatives. By promoting self-help groups (SHGs) and providing access to essential financial services, Prathma Bank has empowered rural communities, improved livelihoods, and stimulated local economies. Furthermore, this study analyzes the challenges faced by Prathma Bank, including high levels of non-performing assets (NPAs), limited technological infrastructure, and the need for enhanced financial literacy among rural populations. It underscores the importance of leveraging technology and expanding outreach to ensure sustainable development in rural areas. The findings suggest that while Prathma Bank has made significant strides in promoting rural development, strategic interventions and policy reforms are necessary to address operational challenges and maximize its impact. Recommendations include strengthening risk management frameworks, expanding product offerings, enhancing governance, and fostering public-private partnerships. This paper concludes that RRBs like Prathma Bank are not only pivotal in facilitating access to credit but also play an essential role in the holistic development of rural economies, making them indispensable to India's growth narrative

Evaluating the Impact of Long-Term Demographic Changes on Local Participation in Italian Rural Policies (2014–2020): A Spatial Autoregressive Econometric Model

This study elaborates on a typology of demographic change and tests this definition at the lowest granular level (LAU2, municipality) with official data. This typology distinguishes between fragile and resilient municipalities based on population dynamics (in terms of duration and intensity) over 1991–2021. This study’s second aim is to elaborate a spatial autoregressive econometric model to evaluate to what extent and in which direction the rate of participation of potential beneficiaries of the Rural Development Programmes (RDPs) of 2014–2020 is affected by demographic change and other explanatory variables. Regression models compare the results of the OLS (aspatial) and spatial autoregressive models (SAR) of four types of participation rates (all RDP schemes; all LEADER schemes; sectoral schemes of RDP and LEADER; non-sectoral schemes of RDPs and LEADER). This comparison makes it possible to understand the differences between centralised and decentralised management and between sectoral and broader rural-targeted schemes. The results of the models appear attractive in interpreting the role of RDP instruments in different regions and local areas. First, the rate of participation is strongly dependent on macro-regional differences. Regarding the demographic factors at the local level, this study highlights that demographic fragility does not necessarily hamper the use of RDP measures. Conversely, the participation rate in RDP policy schemes seems particularly significant in very fragile areas, whereas significance has yet to be proved in other demographic typologies. This result holds particularly true for the policy uptake of non-sectoral schemes. Furthermore, LEADER decentralised interventions fit the fragile areas more than resilient and vital ones due to the territorially targeted approach followed by the Local Action Groups.

Does agricultural knowledge technical training promote adoption of sustainable agricultural practices?

ABSTRACT The promotion and adoption of sustainable agricultural practices is an important issue in China’s agricultural development policy, particularly because it offers a path to protecting land and water resources to ensure food security. Despite tremendous efforts in encouraging farmers to adopt sustainable agricultural practices (SAPs), adoption has remained low. The lack of relevant information on the use and benefits of these SAPs has been recognized as a major constraint limiting their adoption. Agricultural knowledge and technology training (AKT) could be leveraged to bridge this gap to increase their adoption. Given the paucity of evidence, this study investigates the impact of participation in AKT on SAPs using data on a sample of farmers from Sichuan province of China. We apply the Endogenous-treatment Poisson regression to account for sample selection bias. The empirical results reveal that AKT improved the adoption intensity of SAPs by 74.6%, indicating that policy makers and related stakeholders should provide more agricultural schooling and training to improve farmers’ human capital endowment. These findings have implication on the provision of support for the development of rural policies to promote internet access and basic infrastructure to accelerate the adoption of these multiple sustainable practices.

Retain in the City, Return Flow, or Blind Direction: A Study on the Differentiation Mechanism of Migrant Workers’ Migration Willingness under the Background of China’s Strategy for Integrated Urban–Rural Development

Against the backdrop of urban–rural integration development in China, the government has further strengthened its support for rural migrant workers’ urban employment and entrepreneurship, as well as their urbanization. Nevertheless, influenced by the current urban–rural development environment and public policies, a portion of rural migrant workers have evolved into two distinct groups: those with clear intentions to settle in cities or return to their hometowns and those trapped in a “neither-nor” situation, who are unable to fully integrate into urban life or seamlessly return to the countryside. This study, based on field investigations conducted in 21 cities across seven major geographical regions in China, reveals a ternary differentiation in migration intentions among rural migrant workers: “Retain in the cities”, “Return flow”, and “Blind direction”. In advancing the urban–rural integration strategy, the “clearly-oriented” groups, choosing to stay or return, can serve as dynamic forces in reconciling resources between urban and rural areas, thereby fostering closer urban–rural ties. Conversely, the “aimless wandering” group, characterized by stagnation, confusion, frequent mobility, and recurrent unemployment, poses numerous negative impacts on urban–rural interaction and coordination, hindering the in-depth integration of urban and rural areas to some extent. Drawing upon the internationally recognized Push-Pull Theory and Social Integration Theory within the field of population migration, this study conducts an empirical analysis of large-scale sample data to explore the characteristic factors and formation mechanisms underlying the “staying”, “returning”, and “blind direction” intentions, with a particular focus on the internal dynamics shaping and evolving the “aimless wandering” group. Finally, grounded in the empirical findings, this study advocates a collaborative approach between the Chinese government and various sectors of society to address the issue by promoting employment guidance, enhancing security measures, and other initiatives that encourage rural migrant workers to either stay in cities or return to their hometowns. It aims to provide policy recommendations for a definitive resolution of the rural migrant worker issue during the crucial period of urban–rural integration development.

Agroforestry and the Climate Crisis: Prioritizing Biodiversity Restoration for Resilient and Productive Mediterranean Landscapes

This study deals with the future of the traditional agroforestry systems (TAFSs) in the northern Mediterranean Basin. Important productive systems, such as ancient non-irrigated olive groves and extensive silvopastoral systems, from subalpine grasslands to coastal landscapes, are being irreversibly degraded, threatening the bio-cultural heritage of the Mediterranean region, an area recognized as a global biodiversity hotspot. In the midst of the global biodiversity and climate crisis, immediate actions are proposed for the protection and conservation management of TAFSs, within a new EU policy framework. Having the TAFSs of Greece in the spotlight of this analysis, a four-step approach was used in order to review the value of agroforestry in terms of (a) biodiversity (birds, mammals, invertebrates and soil biota), (b) agroforestry landscapes, such as traditional olive groves on terraces and valonia silvopastoral systems, (c) ecosystem services, especially concerning cultural values, and (d) the modern threats to traditional agroforestry. Through this research, problems are highlighted and European policy priorities are defined. Our conclusion is that there is an immediate need to revise the European Union rural, forestry, and environmental policies in the Mediterranean region, following the provisions of the new EU Nature Restoration Law, in order to revive agroforestry landscapes and make them productive and sustainable again for the benefit of rural economies, local communities, and biodiversity, especially in marginal Mediterranean mountainous and island areas, where depopulation and susceptibility to wildfires are major threats.

Rural gentrification, the booming B&B industry and linked migration in China: To what extent can gentrification contribute to rural revitalisation?

AbstractAccompanying the functional transformation of rural areas from productivism to postproductivism, the rural areas with scenic views surrounding megacities are re‐evaluated in terms of their importance as destinations for visitors, especially in the case of booming bed and breakfast (B&B) industry in contemporary rural China. While private investment has generally led to improvements in the physical space and economic development of these villages, there is also concern about the negative effects of rural gentrification, such as the commercialisation of rural space, the alienation of rural culture and the displacement of indigenous residents. This study examines the multifaceted nature of rural gentrification by observing two villages within the Moganshan Mountain area—the birthplace of rural B&Bs in China, and explores how these processes have been leveraged to promote rural revitalisation. Research findings suggest that disparities in original resources and property rights allocation underpinning the B&B industries among the first‐wave gentrifiers and the local villagers, when viewed through the lens of linked migration, may lead to different socioeconomic outcomes. The B&B industry's growth can either be exclusive, primarily favouring gentrifiers, or complementary, fostering mutual benefits and learning opportunities for both gentrifiers and local villagers. Moreover, forming a collaborative network of rural villagers, returning migrants, and external elites can contribute to rural revitalisation through gentrification. These findings contribute to the theoretical understanding of rural gentrification by adding evidence from the Global South and provide insights to inform Chinese rural revitalisation policies, especially alternatives to traditional state‐led revitalisation projects.

Measuring public relative importance for agricultural and rural multifunctionality: an application of case 1 best–worst scaling

AbstractThe concept of agricultural and rural multifunctionality expands the public’s understanding of the diverse roles of agriculture and rural areas. However, the establishment of the concept burdens governments with a complicated issue related to formulating an agricultural and rural policy, as the public could have diverse views on the functions that should be promoted via the policy. This study applies case 1 best–worst scaling to measure the relative importance of agricultural and rural multifunctionality in Japan. Sixteen functions, including the primary function of agriculture (agricultural commodity output), were addressed. The results show that, on average, agricultural commodity output was prioritized most, followed by disaster prevention-related, water-related, and biological conservation functions. The clustering results demonstrate that the individuals were divided into seven classes and that the relative importance of functions among the seven classes differed significantly. The heterogeneity in the relative importance of functions among the public indicates that social consensus on weighting multifunctional roles in agricultural and rural policies cannot be reached easily.

An integrated framework for measuring sustainable rural development towards the SDGs

Rural areas are essential for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), necessitating the evaluation of rural sustainability transitions. A precondition for evaluating sustainable rural development is to adapt the SDGs to rural contexts while maintaining global comparability. Besides, tradeoff relationships among evaluation indicators should be captured to overcome the limitations of traditional weighting aggregation methods. In this study, we propose an integrated framework that incorporates the SDGs into a composite indicator system for assessing sustainable rural development. Our framework quantifies these indicators using the index thresholds outlined in the SDGs dashboard, along with customized rules that reflectrural contexts. Furthermore, we employ the Pareto ranking approach to evaluate the sustainable development potentials of rural areas regarding tradeoff relationships among different indicators. In a case study of Zhaoyuan City, China, our findings indicate that only 20 % of the sustainable development goals are achieved on average across all indicator dimensions. The economic and social dimensions are closer to their ideal targets and more compatible with each other, while the ecological dimension remains relatively unsustainable. Sustainable rural development depends primarily on natural resource endowment, ecological sustainability, and residential sustainability of villages. Understanding tradeoff relationships among different indicators enables us to better adapt rural policies to the specific contexts of villages.

Assessing the Role of Policy in the Evolution of Recreational Fisheries in Chinese Fishing Villages: An Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) and Delphi Method Analysis

Recreational fisheries in Chinese fishing villages have undergone significant transformation due to supportive government policies. This study develops a comprehensive indicator to objectively assess the development of recreational fisheries under rural revitalization policies. Six key dimensions were identified using the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) and the Delphi method. The findings indicate that fishery resource conditions and environmental conditions are paramount, followed by service conditions, activities, policy conditions, and accommodation conditions. Key success indicators indicate the importance and priority of implementing policies, including “Tasting delicious aquatic products”, “Government support”, “Recreational fishing activities pricing”, and “Talent revitalization.” This study concludes by offering strategic recommendations to prioritize recreational fisheries within rural revitalization policies, utilizing identified indicators for policy implementation, and establishing a dedicated promotional group. These insights are essential for stakeholders and policymakers to promote sustainable and economically viable recreational fisheries in China.

Designing a model for developing local business for rural women Iran with a sustainable development approach

This study endeavors to formulate a sustainable development-oriented model for home-based businesses catering to rural women in Guilan province. Employing a qualitative-quantitative research approach, the study is practical in its objectives and relies on survey methods for data collection. The research population encompasses two main groups: the first group involves academic professionals, scholars, and managers or experts from provincial organizations dedicated to employment and women’s issues, while the second group comprises 274 purposefully sampled individuals, including owners, managers, and women affiliated with micro-credit funds in Guilan province, selected through the snowball technique. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to gather data, and the Smart-PLS software package utilized the partial least squares (PLS) technique for advanced multivariate analysis in structural equation modeling. Evaluation of the home-based business development model for rural women, based on the coefficients of the direct path, reveals that educational (β = 0.112), social (β = 0.232), economic (β = 0.274), and policymaking (β = 0.381) variables significantly influence the sustainable development of home-based businesses (P < 0.05). Notably, the policymaking variable exerts the most substantial impact. Furthermore, the model designed for sustainable development can account for 71 percent of the variance in the dependent variable. It is recommended that the government should allocate financial resources specifically for rural women house-based businesses and policies should prioritize and actively support home-based businesses, recognizing their significant impact on rural women's economic development.

Policy design and implementation: a quantitative evaluation and empirical study of China's rural sports policy based on the PMC index model.

The formulation and implementation of a rural sports policy is an important means of promoting rural sports, improving the physical wellbeing of farmers, and enhancing the cohesion of rural communities. However, introducing such a policy faces problems in the process of specific policy practices, such as poor effective implementation, a lagging implementation effect, and goal cognitive bias. How to look at the current rural sports policy implementation blockage problem and the governance of the blockage, in order to improve the level of rural sports public service, is the focus of this paper's research. On this basis, this paper selects 56 policy texts, issued from 2002 to 2023, that are highly relevant to rural sports and have high timeliness and authority from the sports policies issued in China. Also, ROST CM6 software is used to count high-frequency words; this study then draws keyword social network mapping for the visual analysis of policy preferences and selects 20 rural sports policy texts as typical samples. Finally, a policy modeling research consistency (PMC) index model is used to evaluate the texts comprehensively and quantitatively. The results show that the overall design of China's rural sports policies is relatively reasonable. However, the consistency and effectiveness of their implementation need to be improved. Twenty representative policy texts have an average PMC index score of 5.96, with a concave index of 3.04 (which is good overall), with the highest mean value for rural sports policies at the national level. This is followed by the second highest value at the municipal and county levels, and the smallest at the provincial level. Therefore, in the future formulation and implementation of rural sports policies, a multi-dimensional rural sports policy system should be constructed. This would help to strengthen the consistency and effectiveness of the implementation of the policy system and promote the high-quality development of rural sports.

Rethinking rural: Public health advocates' views on ENDS cessation for young adults in rural areas.

Electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS, commonly referred to as e-cigarettes), have become popular among young adults (YAs, 18-24 years) in the United States. YAs in rural areas increasingly consume more ENDS than those in urban areas. However, there is a knowledge gap regarding the perspectives of public health advocates (PHAs) on ENDS use and cessation among YAs in rural areas. The objectives of the study are to describe the perspectives of PHAs and identify strategies to strengthen the capacity for promoting the cessation of ENDS among YAs in rural communities. A qualitative study and interpretive description were used with semi-structured interviews. The content analysis was used to analyze the data. Twenty-two PHAs, including public health officers, nurses, and tobacco-free educators, from Wisconsin, Minnesota, and North Dakota, were invited to the semi-structured interviews. Four themes emerged: (a) Perceived ENDS use and cessation; (b) rural contexts and infrastructure influencing ENDS use; (c) essential public health responsibilities controlling ENDS use in rural areas; and (d) regulating ENDS use: Policies and law. PHAs stressed the importance of increased awareness of ENDS use in YAs, improved regulation, and tailored policies to tackle rural communities' distinct challenges. The study emphasizes the urgency for specialized programs to aid YAs in quitting ENDS in rural areas. A comprehensive strategy is needed to effectively address ENDS use among YAs in rural areas, involving education, policy adjustments, and community-based initiatives.

Rural heat island effect of centralized residences in China: Mitigation through localized measures

China has implemented a Centralized Rural Policy since 2004 to enhance energy efficiency. However, this has led to the potential creation of a Rural Heat Island (RHI) effect, which could diminish outdoor thermal comfort and increase building energy consumption during hot summers. While most studies on heat island effect focus on spatiotemporal variations and heat mitigation measures, there is limited research on rural areas, particularly the special layout of rural residences. Additionally, most studies only consider the outdoor environment, overlooking indoor thermal comfort and building energy consumption. Therefore, in order to investigate the RHI effect and assess the efficacy of localized heat mitigation measures, this study analyzed 22 types of courtyard layout patterns in a typical centralized village in northern China through detailed field measurements and performance simulations. The results show an obvious heat island effect in the rural centralized residences, where residential zones recorded average temperatures of 1.6 °C higher than those of rural boundaries. Courtyards featuring a south wing significantly alleviated outdoor thermal stress, reducing the discomfort time of extreme Physiological Equivalent Temperature (PET) by 1.5 h compared to those courtyards with a wall. Among the four localized heat mitigation measures examined, the featured black fabric shade performs best for its effectiveness in mitigating outdoor thermal stress, capable of reducing the courtyard's maximum Mean Radiant Temperature (Tmrt) by 21.5 °C and decreasing the duration of extreme PET by 2 h. Photovoltaic modules installed on the roof not only generate energy but also alleviate outdoor thermal stress, reducing the maximum Tmrt by 12.9 °C and lowering 23 % to 28 % daily energy demand, making them highly suitable for deployment in rural areas with high rates of energy poverty. The simulated results indicate that these localized heat mitigation measures mutually reinforce each other in reducing the RHI effect. The combination of four heat mitigation measures can reduce PET by up to 20 % and EUI by up to 44 % compared to the original courtyard. Incorporating these localized strategies into planning practice enables rural planners and policymakers to develop effective interventions against the RHI effect.

Study on livelihood sustainability and rural revitalisation policy effects of poverty-eradicating households based on DID model analysis

Study on livelihood sustainability and rural revitalisation policy effects of poverty-eradicating households based on DID model analysis

Planning for socially sustainable rural housing in Sweden

The aim of this article is to analyse and discuss policies and planning for rural housing, with a special focus on social sustainability. In this endeavour, we review research with such a focus and put this in dialogue with an analysis of the contemporary situation regarding rural housing challenges and policies in Sweden. Countrysides in Europe, including Sweden, are diverse and face different housing-related challenges. The literature illuminates spatial as well as socio-economic inequalities. Both a low demand for housing related to a shrinking labour market and out-migration and a high pressure on the housing market triggering restrictive or conditional measures to avoid speculative developments and rural gentrification affect social sustainability.Our case study on policy and planning measures that deal with rural housing in Sweden shows that there is a need to further investigate and understand the role of housing in rural areas for various groups and people with fewer resources, including further elaboration on the connection between mobilities and housing needs. A narrow focus upon housing provision that does not take into account access to services and communications as well as contemporary mobility flows of different groups challenges equality and well-being in rural areas. In Sweden, housing is primarily a municipal, local responsibility. However, exogenous forces or trends mean that housing issues play out at both the regional and national levels and put the municipalities in a difficult situation.