ABSTRACT

Analysing the ongoing changes and dynamics in rural development from a functional perspective through a series of case studies from the global north and south, this volume deepens our understanding of the importance of new functional and multifunctional approaches in policy, practice and theory. In rural areas of industrialized societies, food production as a basis for growth and employment has been declining for many decades. In the Global South, on the other hand, food production is still often the most important factor for socio-economic development. However, rural areas both in the industrialized north and in the global south are facing new challenges which lead to significant changes and threats to their development. New forms of food production, but also new functional (e.g. housing or business parks) and often multifunctional approaches are being discussed and practiced yet it remains unclear the extent to which these result in better or more sustainable development of rural areas.

part I|12 pages

Introduction

chapter 1|10 pages

Introduction

Dynamics in Rural Development Beyond Conventional Food Production

part II|94 pages

Dynamics in the Food Production Function

chapter 4|18 pages

Breaking the Lock-In to Past Industrial Practices

Triggering Change in a Mature Industry

chapter 5|14 pages

Rural Development through Strengthened Rural–Urban Linkages

The Case of US Local Food Systems

part III|124 pages

Alternative Functions for Rural Areas

chapter 7|22 pages

Renewable Energies and Rural Development in Germany

Business Finance and the Role of Trust Illustrated by Two Case Studies from Brandenburg

chapter 8|16 pages

Securing Local Supply in Rural Areas

The Role of Wholesale Cooperations in Central Hesse, Germany

chapter 10|14 pages

Agriculture in the NATURA 2000 Areas in Poland

Spatial Differences in the Absorption of Financial Means for Sustainable Development

chapter 11|26 pages

Linking Locally

Second Home Owners and Economic Development of the Rural Community

part IV|6 pages

Conclusion

chapter |4 pages

Conclusion

Perspectives and Outlook on Rural Development