Rethinking the connections between agricultural change and rural prosperity: A discussion of insights derived from case studies in seven countries

Rural Prosperity for Development : understandings, Determinants and Strategies Derived from Case Studies in Seven Countries

“…The benefits of community life were made explicit in all the case studies: German farmers see social inclusion not just as an intangible benefit, but also as a modus operandi (Peter et al, 2015). Rivera et al (2016a) conclude that rural areas should no longer be seen as exclusively, or even primarily, a place of production. They follow the line taken by Woods (2005), Bryden et al (2011) and others, and stress that the countryside is (also) a place of consumption.…”

“…To try to be competitive through seeking ever-lower production costs exerts a continuous pressure on food quality and environmental standards and work conditions. Rivera et al (2016a) argue that in the past, rural prosperity mainly stemmed from the economic benefits that originated from the modernisation of agriculture. However, they challenge the common assumption that agricultural rationalisation, scale enlargement, specialisation and mechanisation still contribute to higher farm incomes, rural prosperity and a better quality of life .…”

“…Prosperity and well-being: key findings from the case studies Rivera et al (2016a) present an empirically grounded analysis on the question of prosperity and well-being based on in-depth case studies in seven countries (Spain, Italy, Lithuania, Latvia, Israel, Germany, Austria and Denmark). They discuss the linkages between farming, rural prosperity and well-being in these different countries and contexts.…”

“…Some of these strategies, and particularly those that are less mainstream, have a beneficial effect on both the farmer's and the community's prosperity, and improve farmers' quality of life. Rivera et al (2016a) interpret this as an expression of new ways of thinking about rural prosperity and well-being. Small farms and particularly farms in less favourable areas seek more integration between the economic and social aspects of their activities than large farms, and are often engaged in promoting local trading systems that strengthen community bonds (Van der Ploeg et al, 2002;Bryden et al, 2011;Knickel et al, 2013).…”

“…The existence of, sometimes huge, differences in access to resources, including support mechanisms, is another factor that is very detrimental and particularly worsens the situation of the most deprived rural groups, thereby increasing inequality within and between regions. Rivera et al (2016a) argue that, in order to promote these aspects of rural prosperity, there is a need for accommodating policies that aim to find a balance between the old and the new, research and development, innovations in management, and the promotion of cooperation and trust. Effective policies are those that can "accommodate multiple visions, allowing space to experiment and to grow not only through one prescribed modernity, but also through a dynamic evolution".…”