Search results for "Rural Area"

The role telecentres play in providing e-government services in rural areas

2017

Citizens' participation and community orientation – indicators of social sustainability of rural welfare services

2011

The article discusses the issues of social services in rural areas from a theoretical view point of sustainability paradigms of social work. The ecological crisis existing beyond the ongoing global economic crisis is not separated from the increasing urbanization and weakening perspectives in rural areas. The paper is based on results from a participatory action research project in Finland, which aims at strengthening social service provision in rural areas through citizens' participation and community-orientation. The neoliberal politics of centralization, marketization and privatization are heavily transforming rural regions also in the Nordic welfare states right now. The debates in the …

The ‘actually existing’ cultural policy and culture-led strategies of rural places and small towns

2016

Abstract Questions regarding the relevance of culture-based development strategies are even more relevant to ask when such strategies are applied to rural places and small towns. In urban contexts, the number of citizens and the volume and variety of the cultural sector, other industries and services are important success criteria. In small Norwegian rural municipalities, these factors are even more critical because the Norwegian rural context is characterized by low population density and low variety and volume in industries and services. Rural places and small towns are, to a large extent, neglected in the culture-led development studies, and likewise, culture is largely neglected in rura…

Rurality as a Created Field: Towards an Integrated Rural Development in Latvia?

1999

The article looks at the post-socialist countryside as a created field constructed through the discourses and practices of different actors. Despite the fact that small-scale holdings are the major outcome of agricultural reform, and subsistence oriented farmers constitute the bulk of the rural population, there are a variety of other actors in the new Latvian countryside. Their interests are reflected in three competing approaches to rural development: the small farmer approach, the liberal economic approach and the integrated development approach. Although it is not yet clear which strategy will take the lead, the article argues for policies in favour of varied rural actors, the strengthe…

Innovation and networks in rural areas. An analysis from European innovative projects

2014

Abstract Innovation is a central factor for the development of rural areas, both in terms of diversification and increased competitiveness, also related to new structures of governance. The creation, adoption or adaptation of innovations is particularly complex, requiring the right combination of local knowledge (often tacit and implicit) with expert knowledge (often more explicit and formalised), as well as the support of extensive networks. This paper analyses a number of innovation projects in several European rural areas, through the data collected via in-depth interviews. It examines the projects' contributions and the role played by stakeholders in each stage of the projects. On the o…

The leader Programme and the Rise of Rural Development in Spain

2000

In many ways, LEADER (Liaisons Entre Actions de Developpement de l'Economie Rurale) has been a very significant intervention in Spain. Prior to LEADER, rural development policy was almost completely unknown and, for this reason alone, LEADER represented a new force in rural affairs. The invitation to form territorial collaborations was also novel and local actors were quick to perceive it as an important political tool with which to tackle both the problems of rural areas and the challenges presented by the new roles being assigned to the rural world. Furthermore, LEADER has subsequently produced material, local impacts through its ability to generate investment in development projects. The…

Innovation in the Rural Areas and the Linkage with the Quintuple Helix Model

2016

Abstract In this paper we analyze some specific conditions for local development. Our interest is oriented towards a multidimensional aspect of peripheral and rural areas. The rural areas considered as a productive system reflects a strong relationship between the agriculture and the other economic activities, In addition eco-systems must be protected and enhanced to develop innovation models that propose new roles and responsibilities for a new development vision. Following the implementation of the Smart Specialization Strategy and the Quintuple Helix Model this paper underlines the importance of connecting the innovation process with rural territories. We have considered some environment…

DETERMINANTS OF EDUCATIONAL ADVANCEMENT OF RURAL AREAS IN POLAND

2017

The article is an aimed attempt at the diagnosis and evaluation of the educational level (character) of rural population in Poland perceived as educational advancement as well as of its environment (background). Growing importance of education in improving professional opportunities, changing educational aspirations and parents’ support as well as positive internal migration trends were emphasised. Rural regions are still lagging behind urban areas, though optimistic characteristics indicate receding stigmatisation and marginalisation of the Polish country with internal migration of young and educated individuals, including affluent ones (potential luxury goods buyers), to rural area…

The Developmental Contribution From Mobile Phones Across the Agricultural Value Chain in Rural Africa

2011

Published version of an article from the journal: The Electronic Journal of Information Systems in Developing Countries. Also available fro the publisher: http://www.ejisdc.org/Ojs2/index.php/ejisdc/article/viewFile/849/377 The most widespread information and communication technology (ICT) in developing countries today is the mobile phone. The majority of people in the least developed countries still live in rural areas and their livelihood depends on the primary industries. This study investigates the use of mobile phones among farmers in rural Tanzania in order to supply empirical data on the developmental role of this technology. The results show that the improved access to communication…

Migration and mobility in a rapidly changing small town in northeastern Ethiopia

2012

This paper presents empirical material collected in the zonal capital town of kemise (population around 34,000) and three surrounding rural areas (peasant associations) in northeastern ethiopia. The study area is located in the oromiya zone of the large amhara region. The paper attempts to show how rural areas and the town of kemise are economically interdependent and demonstrates the role of migration and mobility in influencing and shaping the rural and urban economies. The town fulfils, inter alia, important administrative, marketing, service and retailing functions. The most successful rural households appear to be those that use non-farm and off-farm opportunities and assets (for exam…