ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the history and evolution of rural areas, including how distinct rural heritage and cultural traditions were established. It examines the impact of advances in communication and transportation systems on rural communities, including the loss of labor due to rural-to-urban migration, the loss of local food production and other manufacturing to urban areas, and the harmonization of culture across regions. The chapter examines current economic development opportunities for rural communities through food tourism, including modern trends in rural relocation and urban residents' desire for rural lifestyles and travel. It also provides an overview of cost-benefit analysis and how it can be used to evaluate the potential success of new food tourism projects. The chapter then recognizes the importance of collaboration and partnering to form regional clusters. Rural economic development strategies that significantly impact communities have four primary components: they increase employment opportunities, expand opportunities for entrepreneurial development, enhance local food production, and foster regional collaboration or clusters.
