Sustainable Development Of Rural Areas Research Articles

Assessment of the potential for sustainable development of rural areas of Siberia

Assessment of the potential for sustainable development of rural areas of Siberia

Sustainable rural economy and food security: An integrated approach to the circular agricultural model

The lack of resources and increasing damage are major obstacles to sustainable economic progress. Conventional farming methods, known for their energy consumption and resulting pollution, need changes. This study focuses on agriculture, an approach inspired by natural ecological cycles that aim to promote sustainable development in rural areas through efficient resource reuse. The connection between agriculture and rural economies, along with strategies for their combined advancement, is an area that requires more exploration and thorough empirical analysis. The research involves an energy analysis methodology tailored for use in regions to assess the benefits and environmental impacts of implementing circular agriculture for sustainable rural economic growth. A multi-objective decision-making approach using TOPSIS is employed to enhance agricultural policy formulation and decision-making processes. The study concludes by developing a model that considers production, processing, recycling, and socioeconomic aspects to delve into the development of circular agriculture within rural communities and propose relevant strategies. The uniqueness of this research lies in its combination of agriculture and the coordinated advancement of rural economies, which offers a fresh viewpoint and approach to sustainable farming methods and robust rural economic development. The results contribute to the circular agriculture literature body and provide practical guidance for policymakers and farmers.

How can rural China achieve sustainable development through inclusive innovation? A tripartite evolutionary game analysis

Promoting inclusive innovation is crucial for achieving inclusive growth and sustainable development. This study investigated the decision-making behaviors and interaction mechanisms among the government, enterprises, and base of the pyramid (BoP) customers in the context of inclusive innovation in rural China by applying evolutionary game theory. A tripartite evolutionary game model was developed, and evolutionarily stable strategies along with their corresponding conditions were derived. Numerical simulations were employed to analyze the dynamic evolution process of stakeholders’ strategy choices under various scenarios and their sensitivity to key parameters. The findings suggest that the government plays different roles throughout the lifecycle of inclusive innovation in rural China, acting as an advocate in the initial stage, a promoter in the growth stage, and gradually diminishing its involvement as the market matures. Furthermore, the study reveals that low subsidies are not conducive to the evolution of optimal solutions for the three stakeholders, while high supervision costs reduce the government’s regulatory willingness, thereby hindering enterprises and the BoP customers from implementing and engaging in inclusive innovation in rural areas. Based on these insights, this research proposed some promotional mechanisms tailored to the different developmental stages of inclusive innovation, drawing from the industry life cycle theory. The insights and model developed in this study extend beyond rural China and offer a valuable framework for enhancing sustainable development in rural areas across other developing countries and regions.

Clashes of knowledge: ‘Green deal’ concepts and challenges for sustainable rural systems

The content-related scope of the article includes primarily an attempt to take a broad look at the issues of research topics undertaken in research on sustainable development of rural areas. This topic is of great importance in the context of global environmental problems and various concepts of the ‘green deal’ included in the development policies of countries, primarily the EU member states. These issues were the subject of considerations during the 30th Annual Colloquium of the Commission on the Sustainability of Rural Systems of the International Geographical Union, which took place on June 5–9, 2023 at the University of Lodz, at the Faculty of Geographical Sciences. To comprehensively identify the topic, the methodology of content analysis of the abstracts submitted by the authors was used. This approach and the analysis of the sample of research papers presented at the conference made it possible to identify key issues related to sustainable development of rural areas. The approach used shed light on the relationship between society and nature, and revealed a variety of perspectives and solutions proposed by researchers from around the world. An attempt to integrate the thoughts of many scientists (conference participants) and highlight basic issues in the field of sustainable development of rural areas led to the construction of a model of environmental research in relation to the geographical specificity of understanding reality. This specific thought study (synthesis of views) highlights the importance of different perspectives and knowledge systems in understanding the foundations of sustainable rural development. The content-related analysis of the conference abstracts revealed four groups of processes influencing the sustainable development of rural areas, i.e. exploitation of natural resources and its social context, changes in land use, building social awareness of environmental threats and the evolution of connections between urban and rural areas.

Foresight methodology as a basis for strategic planning for rural areas development

Modern forecasting methodology is quite flexible and multifaceted. Foresight tools can be widely used at different hierarchical levels of management. The use of a systemic approach in combination with foresight technologies makes it possible to develop strategic plans for the development of rural areas in terms of improving their economic and social component. The purpose of the study is to establish the scientific basis for the use of Foresight methodology in strategic planning for the development of rural areas. The scientific novelty of the research is determined by the development of an algorithm for strategic planning of rural development on the basis of foresight methodology and the formation of a set of practical recommendations for the use of foresight tools at the regional level of management in rural areas. The article analyzes Foresight projects and programs used in forecasting rural management and development. The study presents a Foresight algorithm for strategic planning of rural development and a mechanism for its implementation at the local level. The main components of the procedure were formed as a result of a comprehensive Foresight analysis of alternative rural development scenarios. Foresight technologies must be used as a systematic tool for the formation and implementation of a strategy for sustainable development of rural areas. The main results of the study include: generalization of the experience of Foresight studies of rural development; development of an algorithm for strategic planning of rural development based on Foresight methodology; formation of alternative scenarios for the development of rural areas at the regional level. Methodological approaches and provisions for strategic planning of rural development, developed using the Foresight methodology, can be used in creating road maps and strategic plans for the socio-economic development of rural areas.

Algorithm for Evaluating the Difficulty of Land Consolidation Using Cadastral Data

Optimum planning and effective land consolidation, widely discussed by contemporary authors, is a response to the perceivable need to modernise global agriculture to ensure the community’s food security and create steady, sustainable development in rural areas. Adequate leveraging of agricultural policy instruments requires setting a correct strategic direction, including allocating available funds and considering the technical feasibility of the adopted assumptions. The selection of relevant methods to ensure the efficient and complete accomplishment of the anticipated results should follow a rational analysis of the actual work complexity. This paper presents an innovative, proprietary method for evaluating the difficulty of potential land consolidation using a standardised cadastral data set. The designed tool, which relies on automated algorithms applied in a GIS environment, provides accurate data describing the expected land consolidation complexity at individual stages of the procedure. Detailed and current information on land ownership, use, and farm geometry processed using efficient spatial and statistical analysis methods provides transparent and unambiguous results. The proposed solution was used in developing the difficulty assessment of land consolidation in 58 villages of the Strzyżów district in southeastern Poland.

Cultural tourism as a factor in the sustainable development of rural areas

The article considers cultural tourism as a factor of sustainable development of rural areas on the example of the Ust-Aldansky district in the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia). The main factor in this development is the historical and cultural heritage, which contributes to the attractiveness of the area. The object of the study is cultural tourism, the subject is the specifics of its development in the regions of new development on the example of the Ust-Aldansky district, Republic of Sakha (Yakutia). A brief analysis of the concept and features of cultural tourism is given. The relevance of the research is due to the need to study the specifics of the development of cultural tourism in the Ust-Aldansky region. The development of the tourism industry in this region involves, first of all, the effective use of tourism resources. Museum collections are of particular importance in the development of cultural tourism. One of the interesting places to visit is the Ust-Aldan Regional Museum of Local Lore. The museum’s expositions allow guests to plunge into the history of this place of Yakutia and better understand its unique cultural and historical heritage. Cultural and historical heritage is a term that designates many similar types of tourism, including historical, religious, ethnic, folklore, anthropological, event, artistic, museum and architectural. All of them are «culturally oriented» because they are connected by common interests and motives of travelers, as well as the use of common cultural and historical resources. Recommendations have been developed to improve cultural tourism in order to promote the work of the museum.

Exploring the decision model for tourism symbiosis of ancient villages and towns based on tourist reviews: A case study of Huaihua City in China

AbstractTo ensure the sustainable development of regional tourism, it is essential to differentiate between adjacent tourist attractions in a state of homogeneous competition. This study proposes a decision model for the tourism symbiosis of ancient villages and towns (AVTs) using tourist reviews. Their co‐occurrence and individual characteristics were extracted through content analysis, and a probabilistic linguistic CODAS method with a newly defined distance was employed for sentiment analysis. Four clustered AVTs located in Huaihua City, China, were selected to validate the decision model. The results indicate that a long history and culture, ethnic customs, and a serene atmosphere comprise co‐occurrence characteristics, while material landscape, spiritual culture, emotional cognition, and tourism services comprise individual characteristics. The corresponding tourism symbiotic development schemes, including cultural construction, life experience, and pastoral entertainment, are proposed based on the advantages and potentials perceived by tourists. The decision model could contribute to sustainable development of rural areas.

Coupling and Coordination Development, Spatiotemporal Evolution, and Driving Factors of China’s Digital Countryside and Inclusive Green Growth in Rural Areas

Inclusive green growth is an effective strategy for achieving sustainable development in rural areas. In the digital economy era, it is crucial to examine whether rural digital development and inclusive green growth can be harmoniously integrated. This study investigates the spatial and temporal evolution of the coupled coordination between digital village construction and rural inclusive green growth in China. Utilizing panel data from 30 provinces from 2011 to 2022, we assess development levels using the entropy weighting method and analyze interdependencies with a coupling coordination model. The results indicate an upward trend in coupling coordination, with significant regional disparities, and it is slowly taking on the characteristics of spatial clustering. Economically advanced regions exhibit higher coordination levels, attributed to stronger economic foundations and better fiscal resources, enabling effective investments in digital infrastructure and green growth initiatives. Additionally, factors such as urbanization rate, innovation levels, reduction in natural disasters, increased financial support for agriculture, and improved large-scale operations positively contribute to this coordination. These findings offer insights for targeted regional development strategies, enhancing the synergy between digital transformation and sustainable rural development.

Развитие демографического потенциала сельских территорий в целях обеспечения их социально-экономического развития (на примере Новосибирской области)

Introduction. The article considers opportunities to improve demographic potential as a critical factor influencing the socio-economic development of rural areas.Materials and methods. To study the actual demographic situation in the Novosibirsk region and the regions of the Siberian Federal District, statistical analysis methods were used - index, tabular methods, etc. The empirical basis for this was the data of the Federal State Statistics Service, including the Territorial Authority for the Novosibirsk Region, on demographic processes in the Novosibirsk region for the 2010-2023 period (population size, structure, natural increase, migration increase, migration balance, total population growth rate, birth and death rate, average life expectancy).To analyze the implementation of the strategy for sustainable development of rural areas in the Russian Federation, a retrospective method was used, with the help of which the persistence of negative demographic trends in rural areas was shown.To work out recommendations for the development of corporate social policy directions for large organizations of the agro-industrial complex, the authors relied on strategic and systemic analysis methods to identify the potential and develop measures of corporate social policy of agricultural producers in the Novosibirsk region.Results. Consideration of the all-Russian situation regarding the development of rural areas showed that it is necessary to pay more attention to the development of the demographic potential of these territories. At the level of the Novosibirsk region, an analysis of the legislative framework allowed us to conclude that it is necessary to actively attract young people to rural areas, retaining them in agricultural enterprises, providing efficient employment and at the same time promoting the socio-economic development of rural areas.Discussion. Ensuring sustainable development of rural areas is impossible without solving demographic problems based on a regional demographic policy considering the interests of young rural families, and corporate demographic policy implementation at the level of agricultural enterprises.

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.

Enhancing watershed management in developing countries: insights from Ethiopia

Natural resource degradation poses a major challenge to the sustainable livelihoods of farmers in developing countries, hindering progress toward achieving sustainable rural development. Watershed development and management practices (WDMPs) are powerful tools for enhancing sustainable rural development in developing countries. These practices have been shown to significantly improve livelihoods and food security. This research examined how WDM programs help achieve sustainable development in rural areas, focusing on examples from Ethiopia. This study used a systematic literature review (SLR) approach following a PRISMA review protocol. The research question was formulated using the CIMO (context, intervention, mechanisms, and outcomes) approach: “Does the watershed development and management (WDM) initiative lead to sustainable rural livelihoods?” Considering this research question, the findings indicated that WDM contributes to the socioeconomic and environmental sustainability of rural communities. It does this by enhancing households’ livelihood in terms of income generation, employment opportunities, agricultural productivity, and improvements in social services and infrastructure, as evidenced by numerous studies, thereby leading to better livelihoods and food security. This research also emphasizes the importance of community participation and supportive policies and legal frameworks for successful WDM. Overall, the systematic literature review highlights the potential of WDMPs in promoting sustainable rural development in developing countries such as Ethiopia while also highlighting the need for a supportive policy and institutional environment.

Architectural semiotics in the renovation of rural architecture

AbstractThis study combines theoretical research and practical case studies to explore effective methods for renovating rural architecture within the context of Chinese new rural construction. By analyzing the current state of existing rural architectures, identifying their characteristics and shortcomings, and applying the theory of architectural semiotics, this study proposes an innovative model for rural architecture renovation. The aim of this research is to provide valuable insights and optimization strategies for the revitalization of rural architectures in China, ultimately contributing to the sustainable development of rural areas and the preservation of regional culture.

Site selection of ecotourism ecocamps for sustainable development of rural areas

ABSTRACT One crucial step in planning for ecotourism is the selection of sites for ecotourism ecocamps to cater to ecotourists. To identify such sites, it is necessary to consider the following criteria: Sunlight, Slope, Distance from the highest peak, Land use, Erosion, Distance from the road network, Distance from faults, Distance from protected areas, Distance from attractions, Natural distance from settlements, and Distance from flood-prone areas. Based on these criteria, the current research has been compiled using a descriptive-analytical method to identify the most favorable points for constructing ecotourism ecocamps. The required information has been collected using the library method. To assign weight to the examined criteria, 38 experts and professionals were consulted, and the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) method was employed. After determining the weight of each criterion, information layers for each criterion were created in the GIS software. Finally, by overlaying these information layers, the most suitable locations for establishing ecotourism ecocamps were identified. Therefore, proper planning for the creation of ecotourism ecocamps in the proposed locations will contribute to the sustainable development of tourism and the economic growth of the region in order of priority.

AGRICULTURAL SECTOR DEVELOPMENT WITHIN THE «UKRAINE FACILITY» PROGRAM

Introduction. The agricultural sector has significant potential in Ukraine and can stimulate economic growth. In this direction, the key factors are further integration into the European Union. In order to implement the specified priorities at the legislative level, the program for Ukraine "Ukraine Facility" was developed. The effectiveness of regulatory regulation of the agrarian sector should be carried out based on the study of the interaction of economic, legal and social interests and has significant scientific relevance. Systematization, structuring and generalization of the main legal provisions in the direction of reforming the agro-food sector of Ukraine within the framework of the regulations of the "Ukraine Facility" program. The research is conducted for the purpose of collecting, updating, systematizing, analyzing facts, synthesizing new knowledge and generalizations that describe legal phenomena and allow to build cause-and-effect relationships between phenomena and subsequently predict their course. Summary of the main results of the study. For the analysis, the legal norms outlined in the regulations of the program for Ukraine "Ukraine Facility" are applied, which provides for the reconstruction of the agricultural sector of our country during 2024-2027. The legislative prescriptions of the existing legal regulation of the following sectors of the agricultural market are analyzed: institutional foundations of agricultural production and sustainable development of rural areas; ensuring the operation of the agricultural land market; administrative and institutional capacity to manage investment plans for agricultural production; prospects of the electronic register of agricultural producers; irrigation sector. Conclusions. The concept of regulatory ordering and regulation of agrarian relations should take into account that their participants are endowed with awareness and independent will, namely, agricultural production should be regulated not only by economic factors, but mostly by environmental and social advantages. Classical science assumes that all participants in the food sector act in the most appropriate way, aiming to obtain the greatest income, researching agrarian relations and trying to predict the behavior of subjects of market relations, and the state of the sector was conducted precisely on this hypothesis. Comparison of the indicated indicators testify to the feasibility of adopting the legal norms set forth in the regulations of the program for Ukraine "Ukraine Facility", which provides for the reconstruction of the agricultural sector of our country during the years 2024-2027.

Research on the Redesign of China’s Intangible Cultural Heritage Based on Sustainable Livelihood—The Case of Luanzhou Shadow Play Empowering Its Rural Development

The majority of China’s intangible cultural heritage is rooted in rural areas, and the integration of intangible cultural heritage (ICH) with rural resources has potential for sustainable development. This study develops a theory of sustainable livelihoods for ICH rural areas, employing design intervention strategies to strengthen core capital, thereby promoting the protection of ICH and the sustainable development of rural areas. Through a case study of China’s ICH, specifically Luanzhou shadow play, this study focuses on core livelihoods capital: design capital and cultural capital. The key elements of the two were analyzed through the use of interviews and questionnaires. The Luanzhou shadow play was redesigned for cultural and creative products and digital application innovation. This approach effectively meets the needs of the target groups and meets the requirements of rural revitalization and ICH, thereby enhancing the adaptability and resilience of rural areas. This study offers a new development path for the heritage of Luanzhou shadow play and local rural areas while also providing a reference for the differentiated development of other non-legacy rural areas.

Rural Landscape Design Strategies in Wenzhou City

In the continuous evolution of contemporary society, with the emergence of the rural revitalization strategy, the field of rural landscape design and village planning in China has ushered in diversified practical paths and in-depth theoretical exploration. Wenzhou City, located in the coastal area, showcases unique diversity in its rural landscape. From the urban villages embedded in the city to the winding villages in the mountains, and then to the fishing villages living by the sea, every place is a treasure intertwined with nature and culture. This study aims to collect and analyze unique rural landscape cases in Wenzhou City through detailed field research. On this basis, we will integrate advanced design concepts and methodologies under the current rural revitalization strategy, tailor a set of rural landscape planning schemes that are suitable for the local characteristics of Wenzhou City. The aim is not only to enhance the aesthetic value of rural areas, but also to promote the harmonious coexistence of ecological balance, cultural inheritance, and economic development, painting a vibrant blueprint for the sustainable development of rural areas in Wenzhou City.

The impact of government policies and regulations on the subjective well-being of farmers in two rural mountain areas of Italy

AbstractThe sustainable development of rural areas involves guaranteeing the quality of life and well-being of people who live in those areas. Existing studies on farmer health and well-being have revealed high levels of stress and low well-being, with government regulations emerging as a key stressor. This ethnographic study takes smallholder farmers in two rural mountain areas of Italy, one in the central Alps and one in the northwest Apennines, as its focus. It asks how and why the current policy and regulatory context of agriculture affects farmer well-being. Interviews and participant observation were conducted with 104 farmers. Three common scenarios emerged that negatively affect farmer well-being. First, policies and regulations designed for lowland areas do not always make sense when applied in the mountains. Second, when subsidies are put into effect at the local level, the reality of their implementation can veer away from the original goals of the funding program and have unintended effects on farmer well-being, agricultural practices, and the environment. Finally, when regulations are implemented on farms in rural mountain areas, the primacy of a techno-scientific knowledge system over other, local and place-based knowledge systems is exposed. These three scenarios affect well-being by eliciting feelings of stress, frustration, and disillusionment; by reducing farmer control over their work; and by fostering the perception that farming is not valued by society. They also create conditions of inequality and insecurity. The ways in which government policies and regulations play out on mountain farms can erode trust in government institutions, lead to an us versus them mentality, and contribute to the further abandonment of agriculture and rural areas.

Optimization of the Co-Production between the Rice Husk and the Pulp of the Cashew Apple Produced in the Natural Region of Casamance

Anaerobic digestion or anaerobic digestion is a biological process of degradation of organic matter in an anaerobic environment. It involves the degradation and stabilization of complex organic matter by a consortium of micro-organisms leading to methane-rich biogas that can be used as an alternative energy to fossil fuels. In addition, the use of biogas allows for the preservation of the environment and the sustainable development of rural areas and landlocked regions, as well as the diversification of energy resources, but also contributes to the development of agriculture through the production of organic fertilizer. In 2018, Senegal was ranked as the 15th world exporter of cashew nuts with a production of around 18,000 tons per year according to a study by PADEC (Support Program for the Development of Casamance). Four regions mainly invest in it: Kolda, Ziguinchor, Sédhiou, and Fatick. However, in the natural region of Casamance ( Kolda, Ziguinchor, and Sédhiou), each year, after the cashew nut campaign, more than 342,000 tons of cashew apples, pressed or not, are rejected without any recovery, thus degrading in the environment. In addition, rice is traditionally grown in Casamance and in some Diola circles, it had become one of the criteria of wealth, which explains why it occupied most of the cultivated areas and each year thousands of tons of rice husk are burned for elimination/reduction without any recovery. These immense annual productions of waste, without any recovery, in a context dominated by a deficit in cooking and lighting energy constitutes a form of energy resilience and motivates us to study the co-digestion of the rice husk (with a report of C/N equal to 101.317) on cashew apple pulp (having a C/N ratio of 23.201 ). The study of the co-digestion of rice husk and apple pulp at the laboratory scale with the inoculum reveals, that the co-digestion with pH correction contains 39.40% methane and 51.50% carbon dioxide after 49 days of production and 64.04% methane (CH4) and 25.86% carbon dioxide (CO2) on the 96th day. For co-digestion without adjustment, production stopped on the 49th day with a production of 23.68% methane and 45.65% carbon dioxide.

Towards a Communication Ecology in the Life of Rural Senior Citizens: How Rural Public Spaces Influence Community Engagement

The dilemma of weak participation and non-participation of rural communities is a universal topic of global development. The rural public space is an important field for local residents to interact, communicate, and engage with each other, and is an important place for the sustainable development of rural areas. However, previous studies have neglected to understand the intrinsic connection between rural public space and community participation from the perspective of community communication ecology. Based on the concept of age-friendly communities, this study’s fieldwork in rural Shanghai, China, using the methodology of grounded theory, found that physical, social, and psychological factors all have an impact on community engagement among rural residents. Specifically, environmental quality, facility support, community networks, social participation, call to action, place attachment, spatial perception, and self-transformation are identified as the core elements that significantly influence community engagement among rural residents. This study further reveals that the multiple factors influencing community engagement among rural residents are complex and interdependent rather than operating independently. Spatial support, communicative triggers, and symbolic identification, respectively, operate at the technological level (physical–social factors), social level (social–psychological factors), and discursive level (psychological–physical factors) to promote community engagement among older adults in Chinese rural areas. Through this research, we hope to further the realization of rural civic engagement and the sustainability of local communities and to provide scholarly insights into the promotion of more equitable community life.