ABSTRACT
One of the objectives of this book (see Chapter 1) was to present a range of case studies of rural land-use planning in different nations. In so doing, some of the parochialism which has beset the understanding of planning and policy-making in this sector may prove slightly less of a barrier. It is also important, however, that strands of comparison and contrast be brought out of these national case studies. Perhaps the most immediate impression of the different accounts of rural land-use planning presented here is the sheer diversity of locations, problems, mechanisms and outcomes. Nevertheless, by stripping away the facade of locality, crucially important though that is in many instances, insights can be gained of more structural issues which underpin problems, policies and planning in many of the nations discussed.
