Sustainable Development Of Rural Areas Research Articles

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.

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.

Evaluating the impact of Zanjan city’s economic drivers on the quality of life in peri-urban villages: a case study of Do Asb and Payin Kouh villages

The interplay between urban centers and peri-urban villages plays a pivotal role in rural development, particularly in the economic dimension. Analyzing these relationships and their influence on the progress and prosperity of peri-urban villages, coupled with capacity building, empowerment, and the integration of urban-rural management, is essential to reduce disparities and promote spatial justice, aligning with the sustainable development of rural areas. This study aims to assess the effects of Zanjan city's economic drivers on the livability quality of Do Asb and Payin Kouh, two peri-urban villages situated in Zanjan city. Employing a descriptive-analytical and practical approach, the study's statistical population comprises the aforementioned villages in Zanjan city. A sample of 219 households was selected from among the sample population based on Cochran's formula. Data collection involved both library research and fieldwork, including the use of questionnaires. Descriptive and inferential statistics (multivariate regression) were employed for data analysis, along with descriptive statistics (averages) and geographic information systems to analyze land use changes. The research findings unveiled a robust correlation (0.87) between the quality of life in peri-urban villages and the economic drivers of Zanjan city. This indicates a significant and positive relationship between Zanjan city's economic drivers (independent variable) and the quality of life in peri-urban villages (dependent variable). Among the examined variables, communication flow for purchases, with a coefficient of 0.28, contributed most to the variance analysis of the quality of life in peri-urban villages. In contrast, the investment flow of urban residents in village economic activities and the flow of money exchange had relatively lower coefficients of 0.13 and 0.14, respectively. Thus, the research underscores the considerable impact of Zanjan's economic drivers on enhancing the quality of life in peri-urban villages and highlights the pivotal role of rural-urban links in fostering sustainable rural development.

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.

ВЫБОР МОДЕЛИ РАЗВИТИЯ СЕЛЬСКОГО ТУРИЗМА В РЕГИОНЕ ДЛЯ УСТОЙЧИВОГО РАЗВИТИЯ СЕЛЬСКИХ ТЕРРИТОРИЙ

At the present stage of development of the services market, tourism is becoming one of the most developing areas of activity, which requires constant improvement of quality, diversity of tourism offer and modernization of tourism infrastructure. In the context of scientific and technological progress, tourism, as an area that affects many different industries, serves as an important factor in the economic and socio-cultural development of rural areas. Russia occupies a minor position in the global tourism market. Despite the great tourism potential, its competitive advantage lies in the unique objects of architecture, culture, history and natural heritage, as well as in the national flavor of the country. Rural tourism can become one of the most important areas of economic development, which will contribute to the social, spiritual and economic development of Russian regions and the country as a whole. There is a necessity and need to bring domestic tourism services in line with modern world trends, to increase the competitiveness of Russian travel companies in the tourism services market. The Russian Federation has significant territorial potential and enormous opportunities for the development of large-scale tourism activities. According to the Strategy for the Development of Tourism in the Country until 2035, the main goal is the comprehensive development of the key competitive advantages of tourism in the Russian Federation, due to the presence of many points of attraction for domestic and inbound tourist flows. Due to the presence of a larger number of monuments of cultural, historical and natural heritage in Russia, there are prospects for the development of almost any type of tourism. In this situation, agricultural tourism is of particular importance as one of the most important factors in the sustainable development of rural areas and the agricultural sector.

Traditional Village Morphological Characteristics and Driving Mechanism from a Rural Sustainability Perspective: Evidence from Jiangsu Province

Traditional Village Morphological Characteristics and Driving Mechanism from a Rural Sustainability Perspective: Evidence from Jiangsu Province

Качество человеческого капитала и перспективы развития сельских территорий

The quality of human capital among rural residents, their entrepreneurial abilities, and their capacity for innova-tion play a pivotal role in creating a conducive environment for the sustainable development of rural areas. These areas are strategically significant for societal advancement and possess a multiplier effect on national economic development. A study conducted in 17 rural areas of the Tyumen region found that the low quality of human capital is one of the main weaknesses of regional development. This article aims to identify the key factors influencing the human capital in rural areas of the Tyumen region and to provide comprehensive rec-ommendations for improving it. In July 2021, 90 semi-structured interviews were conducted with heads of mu-nicipal districts and rural communities, the municipal authorities, entrepreneurs, and rural residents. The inter-view results were analyzed by experts using the SWOT analysis principle. The key factors that influence territo-rial development were identified, including strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. The relationships between these factors have also been investigated. The quality of human capital in the region is linked to 14 additional factors, with 5 of these factors identified by experts as posing threats to regional development and 9 identified as providing opportunities. Based on the data obtained, recommendations for managing the socio-economic development of the region are proposed. The findings may be of interest to regional development researchers and government officials for implementation in rural development programs.

Involvement of Non-Genetic Inheritance in Rural Revitalisation: A Study on the Sustainable Development Model of Purple Sand Industry in Dingshu Town, Yixing

In recent years, both the government and society have been actively engaged in promoting rural revitalization through policy guidance, infrastructural enhancements, and the adoption of successful models. This concerted effort has not only bolstered innovation within rural revitalization initiatives but has also fostered the preservation and promotion of rural non-material cultural heritage, thereby contributing to the sustainable development of rural areas. This paper delves into the sustainable development of the purple sand industry in Yixing's Dingshu Town within the framework of rural revitalization strategies, using Dingshu Town as a case study. It meticulously examines the current status of the purple sand industry in Dingshu Town while analyzing the challenges and opportunities associated with the preservation and safeguarding of intangible cultural heritage. Furthermore, the paper explores effective methodologies for ensuring the sustainable growth of the purple sand industry in Dingshu Town, Yixing, focusing on aspects such as innovative design, market expansion, talent cultivation, and the preservation of cultural heritage. Additionally, it investigates the interplay between the intangible cultural heritage industry and the arts within the context of rural development. The development of the purple sand industry has not only enriched the local community but has also catalyzed the growth of other related sectors. Throughout Dingshu's history and its present, the purple sand industry has played a pivotal role. With China's ongoing economic and social progress, coupled with the increasing emphasis on social consumption, the purple sand industry has emerged as a crucial element in people's pursuit of spiritual and cultural fulfillment in modern times. Undoubtedly, it is poised to reach new heights of development in the foreseeable future.

The Digitalization Technology for Sustainable Rural Entrepreneurship: A Structured Review

Digitalization technology has emerged as a critical tool for promoting and sustaining rural entrepreneurship by providing greater access to information and new business opportunities. It can enhance the competitiveness of rural entrepreneurs by enabling them to leverage e-commerce platforms, social media, and other digital tools to access the global market. However, the uneven distribution of digital infrastructure and the lack of digital literacy in rural areas can create significant barriers to digital adoption and pose challenges to promoting sustainable rural entrepreneurship. Hence, this paper aims to structurally review related studies from 2 databases (Scopus and EconBiz) by utilizing Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA). A total of 30 papers were eligible for evaluation. The findings were discussed based on three themes: the role, challenges and opportunities, and impact of digitalization technology on rural entrepreneurship. The adoption of digitalization technology among rural entrepreneurs has the potential to drive economic growth, create employment opportunities, and foster sustainable development in rural areas.

CLUSTER ANALYSIS OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF RURAL TOURISM IN UKRAINE

The article provides a cluster analysis of the development of rural tourism in Ukraine. Attention is focused on the fact that rural tourism is one of the ecologically oriented types of tourism, which is aimed at implementing the concept of sustainable development of rural areas and communities. Attention is paid to the main advantages of the organization of tourism business based on the cluster model. For conducting the cluster analysis, a system of indicators was formed that characterize the level of development of rural areas and the state of development of rural tourism in the regions of Ukraine. On the basis of the conducted analysis, regions of Ukraine are grouped according to similar signs of development. As a result of the conducted research, attractive regions of Ukraine are identified and optimal measures are proposed for the development of rural tourism in each region of Ukraine.

The impact of livelihood capital on sustainable livelihood capacity of farmers: evidence from Yunnan Province, China

ABSTRACT The quality and quantity of livelihood capital are crucial pathways to promote sustainable development in rural areas and enhance the quality of life for farmers. Based on on-site survey data from 612 households in four counties, including Yuanyang County in Yunnan Province, this study utilizes a multiple linear regression model to empirically analyse the impact of livelihood capital on farmers’ sustainable livelihood capabilities. The results indicate that livelihood capital is an effective means to enhance farmers’ sustainable livelihood capabilities. Natural capital, physical capital, human capital, financial capital, and social capital all exert significant positive influences on farmers’ sustainable livelihood capabilities, with regression coefficients of 0.211, 0.144, 0.315, 0.152, and 0.237, respectively. Additionally, the research reveals that livelihood risks play a significant mediating role between livelihood capital and farmers’ sustainable livelihood capabilities. This study provides important insights for formulating comprehensive rural development policies and offering targeted support measures.

An Ecosystem Approach to Balanced Territorial Development

Relevance. The problems of sustainable development of rural areas are extremely relevant nowadays, especially in the context of deepening localization and the increasing role of territorial and natural resources. research objective. The purpose of the article is to develop theoretical and methodological aspects of sustainable development of territories, encompassing rural areas with small urban settlements, based on the ecosystem approach to form a unified multi-level strategy for the development thereof. Method and data. The paper substantiates an application of the ecosystem approach to the development of rural areas in increasing the efficiency of rural businesses, budgetary spending through prioritization of state support recipients, stimulating sustainable development of enterprises and the industry, and increasing the consistency of regional economic policy. The conceptual foundations of this approach are presented, and an algorithm to select participants in a rural ecosystem is proposed. results. The proposed approach allows operationalizing self-organization processes in an ecosystem, ensuring a balance of interaction processes of its participants. The research results have contributed to solving the problem of territorial socio-economic ecosystem formation by proposing an algorithm to select target indicators for achieving sustainable development goals, taking into account the specifics and development trends of territories. Conclusions. The conclusions arising from the conducted research provide scientists, government bodies with the necessary information for a better understanding of practical mechanisms to provide balanced territorial development, ensure the move from fragmentary unsystematic measures of state support to effective differentiated and targeted regional policy of rural areas.

TERRITORIAL APPROACHES FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT AND MANAGEMENT OF RURAL AREA

Territorial approaches are of crucial importance for the sustainable development and management of rural areas. The trend towards consolidating all stakeholders into a comprehensive understanding to enhance the territory's sustainability, and the idea of finding optimal solutions in the pursuit of opportunities for balanced territorial development, is a task with diverse answers depending on the resource potential and activity of local communities. The rural territories in Bulgaria have untapped potential, both in the use and protection of the available resources and their social economic development, as well as in the generation of additional income. Their sustainable development would contribute to achieving a balance between economic, social and environmental growth, as well as significantly improve the quality of life of the local population. The aim of the present study is to identify the integrated territorial approach for sustainable management and development of rural territories in the Republic of Bulgaria. Main groups of activities for achieving balanced territorial development are identified as factors for sustainable development of rural areas. The opinion is defended that an important condition for the integrated approach is for all participants in the process to be interested and successfully combine specific measures suitable for the integration and development of the territory. The implementation of appropriate tools and correct approaches for sustainable rural territory development requires careful analysis and selection of effective measures, depending on the specific characteristics of the location and the initiative of the local community. Although agricultural activity occupies a significant portion of the business in most of these areas, it is imperative to have an adequate policy for the development of additional activities that ensure economic prosperity and a higher standard of living for the local population and their employment. Therefore, in order to achieve three-dimensional sustainability (economic, ecological, social), it is more than necessary to have better interaction and coordination among all participants in the process and a holistic approach to the development and management of each specific territory, in accordance with its specific needs, opportunities, and optimal solutions. Each community can contribute to achieving the goals of sustainable development by 2030, and not only in a narrow scope, but also by contributing to the global challenges that modern society as a whole is facing. The choice of a model for increasing sustainability in the specific territory should be aimed at optimal utilization of regional resources, diversification in the functional use of the territory, optimal diversification of production and economic activities, environmentally friendly business practices and above all at effective interaction between institutions, local administration, business and local communities. Keywords: territorial approaches, rural areas, sustainable development and management JEL code – О13, О18, R13

The relationship between the agriculture and agro-industrial complex' development and the rural areas' sustainable development, including the social infrastructure's development

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Role of MGNREGA in Sustainable Development: Environmental and Social Perspectives

The article examines the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), focusing on its environmental and social impacts for sustainable development in rural India. It highlights the importance of eco-friendly practices and empowerment of marginalized communities, while also identifying challenges and offering policy recommendations to enhance MGNREGA's environmental and social sustainability. Strategies for integrating these considerations into MGNREGA planning and implementation are discussed to ensure effective poverty alleviation and inclusive, sustainable development in rural areas. Further research is recommended to evaluate these strategies and address emerging challenges.

Agroecology, tourism, and community adaptability under UNESCO biosphere reserve: A case study of smallholders in northern Thailand

AbstractThis study investigates the intersection of agroecology and sustainable tourism, shedding light on the adaptive resilience within rural communities. Focused on the delicate balance between tourism‐driven economic gains, social‐ecological enhancements, and environmental conservation, the research centers on a case study involving four communities within the Mueang Khong subdistrict of Chiang Dao, Northern Thailand. Methodologically, the fieldwork conducted in 2022 combined ecological and landscape surveys with qualitative methods, including interviews, observations, and document analysis, to capture insights into local communities' perspectives, behaviors, and experiences. By adopting an agroecological approach to tourism, these communities have demonstrated their dynamism of adaptability and resilience in response to challenges posed by existing tourism activities and emerging circumstances. A significant catalyst contributing to this adaptability is the UNESCO recognition of Doi Chiang Dao as a new biosphere reserve, fostering new collaborations among diverse stakeholders and raising awareness regarding positive ecological conservation, food diversity and security, and improved livelihoods. This study argues that the ability to adapt, aiming to cultivate thriving communities and achieve balanced economic growth, responsible tourism, social inclusivity, and resource management, stands as a fundamental pillar for sustainable development in rural areas of Northern Thailand.

Influence of perceived value of rural labour in China on the labourers’ willingness to return to their hometown: the moderating effect of social support

ABSTRACT China is vigorously implementing rural revitalization strategy, emphasizing the significance of human resources in the sustainable development of rural areas and agriculture. As China’s economy is entering a new normal stage, the growth rate of rural labourers’ income in cities is slowing down, and the gap between urban and rural net incomes is gradually closing. The labourers who have migrated are gradually showing the willingness to return to their hometowns for development. This study constructs a theoretical framework for the studying of rural labourers’ willingness to return to their hometowns. It finds that the perceived value of rural labour positively influences their willingness to return. Further perceived extrinsic–intrinsic benefits, perceived extrinsic costs, and their perceived values are all significantly and positively correlated. Moreover, formal support has a positive moderating effect between the perceived value of rural labour and willingness to return. The perceived value of rural labour increases with higher perceived benefits and lower perceived costs; the stronger the perceived benefits and perceived value of labour, the greater the willingness to return.

Driving Force–Pressure–State–Impact–Response-Based Evaluation of Rural Human Settlements’ Resilience and Their Influencing Factors: Evidence from Guangdong, China

During urbanization, rural human settlements experience dual pressures from both ecology and culture. Strengthening resilience can enhance the system’s ability to withstand external pressures and restore equilibrium, providing a new research perspective and practical approach for the sustainable development of rural areas. Yet, there are limited reports in the literature on evaluating and improving rural human settlements resilience. To fill this gap, the paper establishes an evaluation system utilizing the DPSIR framework and entropy method. It employs 115 counties and districts in Guangdong Province as samples to evaluate rural human settlements’ resilience in 2020. The Geographically Weighted Regression (GWR) model is used to analyze spatial differences and the influencing mechanisms of various factors on resilience. The results suggest that the overall rural human settlements’ resilience in Guangdong Province is relatively low, showing a concentrated spatial distribution and also variations in the levels and spatial distributions of resilience across different dimensions. Moreover, various dimensions of resilience significantly impact rural human settlements. The driving force resilience coefficients are all significantly positive, with higher values in Western Guangdong and Eastern Guangdong. The pressure resilience coefficients are all significantly negative, decreasing from east to west. The state resilience coefficients show an overall positive correlation, with lower values in the central and northern parts and higher values in the eastern and western parts. The impact resilience and response resilience coefficients are generally positive, with higher values in the Pearl River Delta. This paper extends the theoretical framework for evaluating and analyzing rural human settlements’ resilience, offering empirical evidence to optimize their resilience in a geographical context.