Rural Development: From Practices and Policies towards Theory

Abstract

Both in practice and policy a new model of rural development is emerging. This paper reflects the discussions in the impact research programme and suggests that at the level of associated theory also a fundamental shift is taking place. The modernization paradigm that once dominated policy, practice and theory is being replaced by a new rural development paradigm. Rural development is analyzed as a multi‐level, multi‐actor and multi‐facetted process rooted in historical traditions that represents at all levels a fundamental rupture with the modernization project. The range of new quality products, services and forms of cost reduction that together comprise rural development are understood as a response by farm families to both the eroding economic base of their enterprises and to the new needs and expectations European society has of the rural areas. Rural development therefore is largely an autonomous, self‐driven process and in its further unfolding agriculture will continue to play a key role, although it is a role that may well change. This article provides an introduction to the nine papers of this ‘special issue’ and the many reconfiguration processes embodied in rural development that they address.in rural development

Dossier Interdisciplinarité. Interdisciplinarity and young rural researchers

“…The European-wide discussion on the multifunctional role of agriculture is continuing, and a "new rural development paradigm" tries to re-position agriculture in rural research by explicating the potential linkages of agriculture in different regional contexts (e. . Van der Ploeg et al, 2000;Darnhofer, 2005). These discussions are in line with the efforts made in the Agrifood Research Finland (MTT) 3 and Wageningen University.…”

Changes in Knowledge Management Strategies Can Support Emerging Innovative Actors in Organic Agriculture: The Case of Participatory Plant Breeding in Europe

“…Several actors are experimenting with such organizational models at a local level and supporting them would enable the realization of this transition. Rural sociological studies of the last two decades have reviewed such scenarios; however, current agricultural policies often do not meet needs of these actors [3]. Likewise, characterising the peasants as not yet possessing entrepreneurial skills or as a disappearing group is clearly deficient [1].…”

Contemporaneity of Spanish Rural Architecture Intervention and Economic Sustainability

“…Nevertheless, we believe a paradigm shift is also taking place at the level of associated theory. The modernization paradigm that once dominated policy, practice and theory is being replaced by a new rural development paradigm (Van der Ploeg, Renting, Brunori, Knickel, Mannion, Marsden, de Roest, Sevilla-Guzmán, & Ventura, 2000). Agriculture is one of the most potent and enduring emblems of rurality.…”

“…In many rural areas, there is a realignment of sector activities to strengthen the interrelatedness of activities. Agriculture can play a crucial role here, since the diversity of natural habitats and the scenic beauty of landscapes are closely related to the type and intensity of land use and provide a new resource base for the development of rural or Green tourism (Van der Ploeg, Renting, Brunori, Knickel, Mannion, Marsden, de Roest, Sevilla-Guzmán, & Ventura, 2000).…”