ABSTRACT
Changing demographics will increasingly occur in developed countries (van Wissen 2010, Fésues et al. 2008, Polèse and Shearmur 2006). Deprived rural areas, aging populations, low numbers of start-ups, low incomes and socially isolated communities are some of the challenges faced by many rural areas in Europe. In the Netherlands, the enhancement of rural life, economically as well as socially, has been a major objective for the Dutch government (OECD 2008, VROM 2000). The Netherlands is already experiencing population decline and demographic aging, which will continue and develop in the near future. Furthermore, the concentration of economic activities will continue to be found in urban regions, thus changing communities both economically and socially (SER 2011).
