scholarly journals Territorial and Human Geography Challenges: How Can Smart Villages Support Rural Development and Population Inclusion?

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (6) ◽  
pp. 193
Author(s):  
Evgenia Anastasiou ◽  
Stella Manika ◽  
Konstantina Ragazou ◽  
Ioannis Katsios
Keyword(s):  
Rural Development ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Social Inclusion ◽  
Social Innovation ◽  
Local Development ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Area Of Interest ◽  
Knowledge Growth ◽  
Digital Gap ◽  
Innovation Knowledge

Rural areas are significantly affected by spatial vulnerability, the digital gap, depopulation, and population ageing. Marginalized populations are seeking collective well-being, social inclusion, and local development in smart villages, an increasingly important area of interest for scholars and practitioners as well as rural areas and communities. This article attempts to highlight the dominant trends in smart villages planning and depict the characteristics of Greek rural areas and populations alongside the implemented localized smart actions. To achieve this aim, the research utilized the existing literature through bibliometric analysis by extracting data from the Web of Science database. Building upon the bibliometrics, the research focused on identifying localized implemented interventions in the Greek rural areas. The results suggest that innovation, knowledge, growth, and management appear to impact rural smart planning, while the limited interventions of smart villages in Greece focus on social innovation and local development. The study argues that in Greece, a single holistic smart villages model cannot be proposed, due to the country’s geographical and demographical variability. The proposed trends, though, can be implemented locally to encourage rural development and population inclusion; therefore it is recommended to increase local stakeholders’ awareness and active engagement.

WOMEN'S AGRICULTURAL CO-OPERATIVES IN GREECE: A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW AND SWOT ANALYSIS

2015 ◽  
Vol 20 (01) ◽  
pp. 1550002 ◽  
Author(s):  
PANAGIOTA SERGAKI ◽  
MARIA PARTALIDOU ◽  
OLGA IAKOVIDOU
Keyword(s):  
Rural Areas ◽  
Social Inclusion ◽  
Swot Analysis ◽  
Social Innovation ◽  
Local Development ◽  
Rural Society ◽  
Know How ◽  
The Past ◽  
History Of ◽  
Europe Today

Very few women's co-operatives exist in Europe today; of those that do, the vast majority are involved in non-agricultural sectors. For the past thirty years in Greece, numerous women's agricultural co-operatives have been established in rural areas and scholars have articulated several aspects of their role in both women's life and the local development. A cursory glance at the history of the women's agricultural co-operatives in Greece and a review of the literature highlights the uniqueness of this type of entrepreneurship (a rarity in Europe) and their significant role for rural society cohesion, mainly in geographically and economically isolated rural areas. In this paper we employ a SWOT analysis to elaborate on strengths and weaknesses, which vary from co-operative to co-operative. Either bottom-up or top-down created women's co-operatives are currently a social innovation. Their strengths mainly concern economic independence and social inclusion of women in rural areas, while their weaknesses are mainly associated with funding, organization, administration, know how, culture, product promotion and marketing problems. Nevertheless, they are called upon to survive in a competitive environment; although difficult, it is one that provides opportunities that most likely can outweigh threats.

scholarly journals Can Social Innovation Make a Change in European and Mediterranean Marginalized Areas? Social Innovation Impact Assessment in Agriculture, Fisheries, Forestry, and Rural Development

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 1823
Author(s):  
Elisa Ravazzoli ◽  
Cristina Dalla Torre ◽  
Riccardo Da Re ◽  
Valentino Marini Govigli ◽  
Laura Secco ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rural Development ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Social Innovation ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Evaluation Framework ◽  
Horizon 2020 ◽  
The Social ◽  
Different Dimensions ◽  
Innovation Impact

Social innovation (SI) impacts are long-term changes that affect different dimensions of territorial capital (i.e., economy, society, environment, governance) for the territory in which SI occurs. Yet, systematic empirical evidence and theoretically sound assessments of the impacts of SI are scarce. This paper aims to fill the gap and assess the different aspects of SI’s impacts in European and Mediterranean areas that are characterized by marginalization processes. To assess the impacts of SI in marginalized areas, we use the evaluation framework developed within the Social Innovation in Marginalized Rural Areas (SIMRA) Horizon 2020 project and apply it to nine SI initiatives related to the fields of agriculture, fisheries, forestry, and rural development. Our findings show that SI produces cross-sectoral (societal, economic, environmental, and governmental) and multi-level impacts (on individuals, community, and society), which have improved the societal well-being, and contributed to the reduction of certain forms of marginality, mainly inside the territory in which SI occurred.

scholarly journals What Are the Impacts of Social Innovation? A Synthetic Review and Case Study of Community Forestry in the Scottish Highlands

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (8) ◽  
pp. 4359
Author(s):  
Carla Barlagne ◽  
Mariana Melnykovych ◽  
David Miller ◽  
Richard J. Hewitt ◽  
Laura Secco ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rural Communities ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Community Forestry ◽  
Social Innovation ◽  
Local Development ◽  
Evidence Base ◽  
Social Dimension ◽  
Vulnerable Groups ◽  
Study Approach

In a context of political and economic austerity, social innovation has been presented as a solution to many social challenges, old and new. It aims to support the introduction of new ideas in response to the current urgent needs and challenges of vulnerable groups and seems to offer promising solutions to the challenges faced by rural areas. Yet the evidence base of the impacts on the sustainable development of rural communities remains scarce. In this paper, we explore social innovation in the context of community forestry and provide a brief synthetic review of key themes linking the two concepts. We examine a case of social innovation in the context of community forestry and analyse its type, extent, and scale of impact in a marginalized rural area of Scotland. Using an in-depth case study approach, we apply a mixed research methodology using quantitative indicators of impact as well as qualitative data. Our results show that social innovation reinforces the social dimension of community forestry. Impacts are highlighted across domains (environmental, social, economic, and institutional/governance) but are mainly limited to local territory. We discuss the significance of those results in the context of community forestry as well as for local development. We formulate policy recommendations to foster and sustain social innovation in rural areas.

Agricoltura & green economy. Il ruolo e il contributo diretto e indiretto dell'agricoltura allo sviluppo sostenibile

2012 ◽  
pp. 95-109
Author(s):  
Andrea Arzeni
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Rural Development ◽  
Cultural Change ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Service Sector ◽  
Local Development ◽  
Green Economy ◽  
Current Crisis ◽  
Structural Problems ◽  
Green Component

Agriculture plays a relevant role in most green economy issues which will be discussed in the next conference on sustainable development at Rio de Janeiro (Rio+20). Food security, water, disaster risks, are the most related issues but the contribution of agriculture will be wider and horizontal. In the European context, policies have implemented many of the priorities of sustainable development, linking them to the characteristics of the territories and with strategic objectives of EU. In particular, around 2000, the concept of rural development was born as the recognition of the role of agriculture not only as a productive sector but also as a growth factor for a balanced and integrated development of rural areas. Farming became again one of the components of the local development of those territories where there has not been an evident development of the industrial or service sector. Concretely, farmers receive a financial support if they demonstrate to perform activities that directly or indirectly benefit the environment and this is a payment for the supply of a public good of collective interest. The message addressed to the farmer is clear: it is not only important that he/she is able to produce but what is even more important is the quality of the product and the sustainability of the process adopted. This is not just a different approach to business, but a cultural change that is difficult to spread especially because of the low presence of young people in agriculture but also because public support cannot ensure an adequate remuneration. The green component of agriculture is encountering difficulties to take off, overwhelmed by the historical structural problems aggravated by the current crisis. This article discusses the main agricultural pressures on the environment and analyses some related economic activities that can be considered as examples of the green component of the rural development.

scholarly journals Specialists for Crumble Cakes? The German LandFrauen Organizations in Social Innovation, and as Educational, Social, and Political Institutions

2021 ◽  
pp. 77-107
Author(s):  
Laura Suarsana
Keyword(s):  
Civil Society ◽  
Political Institutions ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Social Innovation ◽  
Local Development ◽  
Local Fields ◽  
Horizontal Structure ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
Key Characteristics ◽  
Deep Integration

AbstractThis chapter presents empirical results on the German LandFrauen clubs and associations as contemporary elements of German civil society from the conceptual perspective of social innovation, as an approach which is expected to hold high potential particularly for rural areas. The analysis shows that the German LandFrauen clubs and associations are highly engaged in initiating change and development in rural Germany by uniquely addressing women’s needs through social, cultural, and educational offers. Here, the members’ social interactions function as a basis and starting point for further activities providing impulses in local development.As prerequisites that enable the LandFrauen to pursue their activities, two key characteristics were identified: (1) Their practices are integrated into specific local fields and highly adaptive to local needs and interests through the deep integration of the large and diverse base of members in their local villages and rural society, which allows for functions as local initiators, catalysts, and multipliers in regional development. (2) The institutional frame of clubs and associations allows for support, cooperation, and exchange across the vertical and horizontal structure, and provides access to resources and a broad network to external partners.

scholarly journals The Effectiveness of Community Sports Provision on Social Inclusion and Public Health in Rural China

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (2) ◽  
pp. 597
Author(s):  
Qiu Chen ◽  
Tianbiao Liu
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Social Inclusion ◽  
Rural China ◽  
Household Survey ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Physical Activities ◽  
Level Data ◽  
Community Sports ◽  
Sanitary Conditions

It is well known that increasing participation in physical activities is not only positive for individual health promotion, but also beneficial for community-level public health by enhancing the individual’s social well-being by facilitating social inclusion. Although the provision of community sports affects participation in physical activities, the magnitude and direction of this effect are still not clear. Under this circumstance, this paper examined the effects of community sports provision on social inclusion and public health using the micro-level data from a household survey conducted in eight provinces of rural China. For the purpose of this paper, the degree of social inclusion was proxied by participation in community sports, while public health was measured by the probability of getting ill for members of each household. The empirical results show that community sports provision was partially effective in promoting inclusion and health in rural areas. Specifically, constructing public sports facilities significantly increases participation in community sports and decreases the risk of getting ill. In contrast, organizing public sports activities increases the opportunity for households to play sports. Nonetheless, it does not promote public health. Equally important is that economic growth (reflected in the increase in income level) may enhance public health through advancing medical technologies and improving sanitary conditions instead of encouraging participation in community sports.

scholarly journals Fertile Links? Connections between tourism activities, socioeconomic contexts and local development in European rural areas

2013 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Rural Development ◽  
Case Studies ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Local Development ◽  
Rural Tourism ◽  
European Regions ◽  
Complex Interactions

In many European regions, rural areas are facing major challenges in economic and social terms, consequence of transformations in the role and meaning of agriculture. The loss of the productive character strongly contributed to the emergence of new roles and functions, particularly related to leisure and tourism. The book aims to discuss questions directly related to the connections between rural tourism and local socioeconomic contexts, presenting diverse theoretical and methodological perspectives and diff erent case studies from various European regions. The book addresses the relationships among rural tourism and the complex interactions, confl icts and innovative processes developing in rural territories as consequence of the implementation of tourism activities. The book responds to some relevant and not yet comprehensively researched aspects within this topic, especially in what extent tourism, in its various forms and processes, might give an important contribution to rural development.

scholarly journals The Role of Local Community Associations as Intermediaries: A Multiple Case Study in A Rural Area

2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Pratiwi Pratiwi
Keyword(s):  
Rural Areas ◽  
Social Inclusion ◽  
Local Community ◽  
Multiple Case Study ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Community Associations ◽  
Tourism Product ◽  
Multiple Case

<p>Intermediary actors in rural areas are expected to stimulate not only economic growth but also social inclusion. The studies of innovation intermediaries in rural areas are under-researched. This study investigates the role, capabilities, and the outcome of the engagement of local community associations as intermediaries in different sectors such as agriculture, food processing, and tourism product. This study describes the way innovation promotes rural development. This research employs a multiple case study method and analyzes data triangulation. The interviews have indicated that intermediaries in different sectors need to play different roles due to their sector drivers, stakeholders, and challenges. This study also describes the outcome of the engagement of the intermediaries in increasing well-being, trust among stakeholders, and local people capability to innovate. Further, the study draws policy recommendations for the governments to enhance the skills and impact of the intermediaries, including collaborations, proposal competition, annual awards, organizational learning, training, and benchmarking.</p>

scholarly journals Local Communities Participation in Rural Development: the Experience of the European Union

2021 ◽  
Vol 212 (09) ◽  
pp. 80-92
Author(s):  
S. Golovina ◽  
Aleksey Ruchkin ◽  
I. Mikolaychik ◽  
L. Smirnova
Keyword(s):  
European Union ◽  
Human Capital ◽  
Rural Communities ◽  
Rural Development ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Local Development ◽  
Local Communities ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Scientific Publications ◽  
Member States

Abstract. The use of the experience of implementing the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) in the member states of the European Union (EU) is relevant both for Russia and for other countries of the world interested in the successful development of the agrarian sector of the economy and rural areas. The role of rural areas in achieving national security of countries and regions (food, biological, environmental and other) is increasing significantly due to the current challenges and threats (climate change, COVID-19 pandemic, aggravation of the international situation). The purpose of the study, the results of which are presented in this article, is to scrutinise the special approach implemented under the CAP. This approach is referred to in European law as LEADER/CLLD and refers to a close combination of comprehensive cross-sector interaction with active involvement of local communities in rural development. In the work, analytical and review research methods were used, with the help of which (1) the current (relevant to the research topic) legislation, (2) programs implemented in the EU member states, (3) significant scientific publications were subject to scrupulous study. The result of the work is a review and analysis of the findings and practical recommendations for the future use of the various aspects of LEADER/CLLD in domestic political and economic practice. The application of this approach takes into account the fact that the experience of local residents, combined with the opinions of other stakeholders, can help to better adapt rural development policy to real needs and opportunities, and to form a specific (unique) human capital within the boundaries of rural communities. Human capital includes, in addition to specific skills, (1) the ability to take constructive initiatives, (2) a sense of local identity and ownership, (3) the ability to participate as equals with other partners in defining local development strategies, (4) trust between people, private enterprises, public institutions and sectoral communities interested in successful rural development, formed through constant interaction. Theoretical and practical conclusions regarding the content of LEADER/CLLD initiatives, as well as findings related to the possibilities of introducing tools and mechanisms to support rural areas, implemented directly with the involvement of local communities with financial support from the state, are of scientific novelty.

INCLUSIVENESS AS A DIRECTION AND VISION OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT IN UKRAINE: CONCEPTUAL BASIS

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 (11) ◽  
pp. 3-20 ◽  
Author(s):  
Valeriy HEYETS ◽  
◽  
Olena BORODINA ◽  
Ihor PROKOPA ◽  
◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Economic Growth ◽  
Rural Development ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Agricultural Land ◽  
Driving Forces ◽  
Local Development ◽  
Social Dimension ◽  
Necessary Condition ◽  
Rural Residents

The essence of inclusive rural development (IRD) is revealed as a process of improving the quality of life in rural areas, in which everyone has the opportunity to realize their rights and potential in three interrelated areas - economic, social, and political. It is noted that a necessary condition for the IRD in the economic sphere is agricultural growth, the central link of which should be a peasant. At the same time, the social dimension of economic growth and mastering by rural residents the powers and opportunities to participate in decision-making processes are mandatory. Promoting inclusive rural development is the mission and the task of the state. It should focus on peasants, protecting their rights, and ensuring their participation in local development. An important step towards fulfilling this mission is the development and adoption of the Concept of Inclusive Rural Development and its further implementation. The purpose, tasks, driving forces, directions, and mechanisms of the transition of the rural sector of Ukraine to development on the basis of inclusiveness are formulated. The purpose of this process is to provide all rural residents, regardless of their social and financial status, location of their settlement, etc., conditions for the implementation of basic human rights, guaranteeing opportunities and ability to use land and other local resources, use quality public amenities in the long run. The main tasks are: strengthening the involvement of the rural population in the processes of economic growth in rural areas, improving the quality of human and social capital of the village, formation effective mechanisms for involving rural residents in the policy-making process. Among the driving forces is the orientation of the agricultural land market turnover to respect the right of rural residents to decent livelihoods at the place of residence; directing the development of infrastructure to improve the living conditions of residents of rural periphery; formation of effective rural institutions, etc.

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