Territorial Impact Analysis of Rural Policies: Approaches, Methods and Results from a Multidisciplinary Point of View

A special issue of Land (ISSN 2073-445X). This special issue belongs to the section "Urban Contexts and Urban-Rural Interactions".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 March 2024) | Viewed by 20321

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Guest Editor
Council for Research in Agriculture and Economics (CREA)-Center for Policies and Bio-economy, 00198 Rome, Italy
Interests: sustainable development; sustainable development of rural areas and agriculture; multifunctional development of rural areas; entrepreneurship; non-agricultural entrepreneurship in rural areas; horizontal and vertical integration in the food sector and agriculture; agri-food value chains; rural development; policy design and implementation; cohesion policies; territorial cohesion; development of peripheral and mountain areas; multi-level governance; local development projects; policy impact assessments and related methods
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Guest Editor
Rural Policy Centre, SRUC (Scotland's Rural College), Kings Buildings, Edinburgh EH9 3JG, UK
Interests: rural development; rural communities; rural businesses; rural policies and the policy-making process

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Guest Editor Assistant
Policy Unit, AEIDL (European Association for Innovation in Local Development), 1040 Brussels, Belgium
Interests: territorial and rural development; as Head of Unit in AEIDL, Enrique coordinates the policy direction of the thematic strands of the organisation, supports business development actions and contributes to the implementation of EU-funded projects (e.g. Horizon Europe) and technical assistance to European Institutions

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Rural areas have experienced important changes in recent decades, which in many cases are leading to deeper disparities with urban areas and even greater diversity within the broad range of “rural” categories. Socio-economic development processes, demographic dynamics and climate/environmental changes have increasingly diversified the geography of sustainable development. These differentiated processes have increased the need for policies and policy instruments that are more targeted to geographical differences, in order to reduce territorial disparities between the most remote rural areas and those that are more accessible. At the same time, the exploration of the territorial impacts of policies has gained increasing interest in formal policy assessment and evaluation research. Since the late 1990s, the OECD has promoted the evaluation of territorial policies. The European Union recently promoted the adoption of formal rural proofing processes in order to ensure the sufficient provision of support to rural areas experiencing socio-economic and demographic decline and to promote rural revitalisation.

This Special Issue is particularly focused on the following themes, all of which are related to exploring the appropriateness of different policy mechanisms in support of rural areas:

  • What are the main methods and tools of territorial assessment within the broader range of policies addressed to rural areas?
  • What are the most frequently used indicators of social inclusion, environmental sustainability (including the provision of specific environmental public goods such as biodiversity, landscape conservation, etc.), agricultural competitiveness, and diversification of rural economies? Are these indicators useful to inform policy assessment?
  • What are the experiences of different countries in evaluating different policy mechanisms in support of their rural areas (including rural proofing, territorial impact assessment, etc.)?
  • What evidence exists about the territorial effects of previous rural policies in differentiated socio-cultural contexts?
  • Which policies and policy instruments are the most appropriate for targeting the needs of the poorest rural areas and/or hard-to-reach rural stakeholders?

Research papers providing empirical pieces of evidence on these phenomena and comparing different case studies and territorial contexts are highly encouraged. Reviews of literature on territorial impacts are also very welcome. The final aim of this Special Issue is to provide a broad panorama of the variety of solutions and experiences on rural policies worldwide in order to inform future interventions in support of rural revitalisation.

Dr. Francesco Mantino
Dr. Jane Atterton
Guest Editors

Enrique Nieto
Guest Editor Assistant

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Keywords

  • rural development and regional policies for rural areas
  • rural proofing
  • socio-economic and climate-environmental indicators of rural development
  • institutional innovations in rural policies
  • impact assessment
  • distribution of policy support among rural areas
  • territorial disparities between rural and urban areas, analysis of the evolution over time
  • econometric models for impact evaluation
  • community-led local development partnerships

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Related Special Issue

Published Papers (11 papers)

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21 pages, 2001 KiB  
Article
Evaluating the Impact of Long-Term Demographic Changes on Local Participation in Italian Rural Policies (2014–2020): A Spatial Autoregressive Econometric Model
by Francesco Mantino, Giovanna De Fano and Gianluca Asaro
Land 2024, 13(10), 1581; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13101581 - 28 Sep 2024
Viewed by 941
Abstract
This study elaborates on a typology of demographic change and tests this definition at the lowest granular level (LAU2, municipality) with official data. This typology distinguishes between fragile and resilient municipalities based on population dynamics (in terms of duration and intensity) over 1991–2021. [...] Read more.
This study elaborates on a typology of demographic change and tests this definition at the lowest granular level (LAU2, municipality) with official data. This typology distinguishes between fragile and resilient municipalities based on population dynamics (in terms of duration and intensity) over 1991–2021. This study’s second aim is to elaborate a spatial autoregressive econometric model to evaluate to what extent and in which direction the rate of participation of potential beneficiaries of the Rural Development Programmes (RDPs) of 2014–2020 is affected by demographic change and other explanatory variables. Regression models compare the results of the OLS (aspatial) and spatial autoregressive models (SAR) of four types of participation rates (all RDP schemes; all LEADER schemes; sectoral schemes of RDP and LEADER; non-sectoral schemes of RDPs and LEADER). This comparison makes it possible to understand the differences between centralised and decentralised management and between sectoral and broader rural-targeted schemes. The results of the models appear attractive in interpreting the role of RDP instruments in different regions and local areas. First, the rate of participation is strongly dependent on macro-regional differences. Regarding the demographic factors at the local level, this study highlights that demographic fragility does not necessarily hamper the use of RDP measures. Conversely, the participation rate in RDP policy schemes seems particularly significant in very fragile areas, whereas significance has yet to be proved in other demographic typologies. This result holds particularly true for the policy uptake of non-sectoral schemes. Furthermore, LEADER decentralised interventions fit the fragile areas more than resilient and vital ones due to the territorially targeted approach followed by the Local Action Groups. Full article
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24 pages, 32512 KiB  
Article
Enhancing Urban–Rural Integration in China: A Comparative Case Study of Introducing Small Rural Industries in Huangyan-Taizhou
by Huang Huang, Daijun Song, Liyao Wang, Guiqing Yang, Yizheng Wang, Liyuan Fei and Ava Lynam
Land 2024, 13(7), 946; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13070946 - 28 Jun 2024
Viewed by 1393
Abstract
Strengthening urban–rural linkages (URLs) has been proposed by UN-Habitat within the framework of ‘Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)’ to narrow down urban–rural differences via shaping new urban–rural relationships. Like URL, the aim of urban–rural integration (URI) has been promoted by the Chinese government since [...] Read more.
Strengthening urban–rural linkages (URLs) has been proposed by UN-Habitat within the framework of ‘Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)’ to narrow down urban–rural differences via shaping new urban–rural relationships. Like URL, the aim of urban–rural integration (URI) has been promoted by the Chinese government since 2019 to address existing urban–rural divides. This concept underlines the ‘rural revitalisation’ strategy and emphasises a two-way flow of urban–rural development factors. Introducing and upgrading ‘appropriate’ rural industries is crucial to stimulate and facilitate the circulation of urban–rural development factors. This research studied three neighbouring villages, situated in urban–rural interface areas in Huangyan-Taizhou, China, each driven by different types of small industries supported by URI. It analyses the impact of small rural industries on the flow of development factors between urban and rural areas. The results showed that small-scale rural industries have been enhanced URL by decreasing urban–rural differences by creating new job opportunities to attract an in-flow population, increasing investments, and upgrading public services and infrastructure. Indigenous industries demonstrated lower profitability but exhibited greater resilience compared to industries linked to global production chains and rural tourism. Thus, this study demonstrates the imperative to carefully consider the opportunities and potential risks associated with pursuing strategies of URI through rural industry development. By providing empirical insights from URI projects in China, this study contributes to theoretical and policy dialogues concerning the concepts of both URL and URI by exploring the localization of SDGs. Furthermore, it offers valuable practical knowledge and experience for other global regions confronting similar challenges to urban and rural development. Full article
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22 pages, 5189 KiB  
Article
A Multicriteria Decision Analysis Model for Optimal Land Uses: Guiding Farmers under the New European Union’s Common Agricultural Policy (2023–2027)
by Asimina Kouriati, Anna Tafidou, Evgenia Lialia, Angelos Prentzas, Christina Moulogianni, Eleni Dimitriadou and Thomas Bournaris
Land 2024, 13(6), 788; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13060788 - 3 Jun 2024
Viewed by 1138
Abstract
Focusing on sustainability, the new Common Agricultural Policy (2023–2027) sets ambitious goals for water management, as reducing irrigation water use is a vital issue. Cooperation among farmers, relevant authorities, and researchers plays a significant role in achieving these objectives. Therefore, this study applies [...] Read more.
Focusing on sustainability, the new Common Agricultural Policy (2023–2027) sets ambitious goals for water management, as reducing irrigation water use is a vital issue. Cooperation among farmers, relevant authorities, and researchers plays a significant role in achieving these objectives. Therefore, this study applies a multicriteria mathematical programming model to optimize land use, considering water use, profit, labor, and cost. The model was applied to three farmer groups located in Greece and proved to be valuable in the implementation of irrigation water use. Using the same methodology, two additional cases of farmer groups that utilize drylands are presented in complementary ways to investigate how the new CAP affects non-irrigated land uses. Regarding the irrigated case, reducing water usage involves decreasing the land dedicated to crops characterized by high water demand, such as rice, corn, vetch, and clover. This adjustment stems from the necessity to replace irrigated land with non-irrigated land because climate change demands low water consumption for crops and underscores the importance of the new policy framework to promote sustainable agriculture. As for the non-irrigated case, achieving optimal farm planning entails reducing the cultivated areas of vetch, grassland, and sunflower. This result is driven by the need to increase crops receiving primary subsidies, highlighting the necessity for non-irrigated farms to enhance their profitability through the benefits provided by the Common Agricultural Policy. Lastly, it is important to note that this study significantly contributes to guiding decision-makers in achieving alternative agricultural land uses and farm plans while also aiding in the comprehension of the new cross-compliance rules. Full article
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22 pages, 3611 KiB  
Article
The Mechanism of Socio-Spatial Evolution in Rural Areas Driven by the Development of the Planting Industry—A Case Study of Yuezhuang Village in Shandong Province, China
by Liyao Wang and Guiqing Yang
Land 2024, 13(6), 768; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13060768 - 29 May 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 890
Abstract
Rural industrialisation in China, which has historically been restricted by urban–rural dual development policies, has been largely encouraged since the Rural Revitalisation Strategy released in 2018. Industrialisation has deeply influenced socio-spatial evolution by providing job opportunities and promoting the construction of infrastructure and [...] Read more.
Rural industrialisation in China, which has historically been restricted by urban–rural dual development policies, has been largely encouraged since the Rural Revitalisation Strategy released in 2018. Industrialisation has deeply influenced socio-spatial evolution by providing job opportunities and promoting the construction of infrastructure and public services, accelerating the two-way flow of urban–rural factors in rural areas. However, this may lead to social and spatial issues, such as social inequalities and unsuitable living conditions, to some extent. This research aims to investigate how the socio-spatial evolution of rural areas was influenced by rural industrialisation and the two-way flow of urban–rural factors. The cherry planting industry and an active “industrial centre”, Yuezhuang Village, in Linqu County, Shandong Province, China, were selected for the empirical study. This research analysed the evolution of the cherry planting industry, the formulation of rural social networks, and the spatial adaptation of the two using mixed qualitative and quantitative methods, followed by a discussion on the current rural planning policies in China. The results show that the cherry industrial chain largely extended the planting areas, and the categories of land use generally increased in Yuezhuang Village over the 30 years studied. The average output value per mu (mu is unit of area measurement used in China, where it is officially standardised. It corresponds to 1/15 of a hectare, or about 666.67 m2). In 2021 was 25 times larger than that in 1996. The population involved in industrial activities increased to over 5000 people countrywide from the initial 17 households. The results also show that urban–rural factors, such as capital, population, techniques, and information, rapidly accelerated in the annual peak season of the cherry industry. This research indicates that small-scale, characteristic, and traditional agriculture could become one of the main driving forces in urban–rural integration and may contribute to sustainable and inclusive rural communities and urban–rural partnerships. This provides the theoretical mechanism of socio-spatial interaction in rural industrialisation in China based on the empirical case study. Full article
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31 pages, 3684 KiB  
Article
Sustainable Land Governance for Water–Energy–Food Systems: A Framework for Rural and Peri-Urban Revitalisation
by Pamela Durán-Díaz
Land 2023, 12(10), 1828; https://doi.org/10.3390/land12101828 - 25 Sep 2023
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2974
Abstract
This research paper addresses the need for an adaptable theoretical framework in the context of sustainable land governance for Water–Energy–Food (WEF) systems, bridging the gap between international guidelines and contextual realities. The novel framework is useful to effectively tackle the intricate challenges of [...] Read more.
This research paper addresses the need for an adaptable theoretical framework in the context of sustainable land governance for Water–Energy–Food (WEF) systems, bridging the gap between international guidelines and contextual realities. The novel framework is useful to effectively tackle the intricate challenges of rural and peri-urban revitalisation in the Global South by providing a holistic approach that considers the multi-dimensional interactions of land with water, energy, and food systems. The proposed framework encompasses three main objectives: (1) a top-down approach involving policy review and legal framework analysis to contextualise and inform the decision-making process; (2) a bottom-up approach based on case studies, enabling ground-level insights, stakeholder identification, and participatory mapping to empower rural and peri-urban communities; (3) a geospatial approach utilizing GIS and spatial analysis to study the implications of land within WEF systems. Drawing on mixed methods, including a literature review, a policy review, interviews, surveys, focus group discussions, and participatory action research grounded on case studies, this research emphasises the need to integrate both top-down and bottom-up approaches for comprehensive sustainable land governance. Over the course of 2018 to 2023, 22 master’s theses were supervised, each addressing the framework’s research objectives in 14 countries in Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America. Sixteen capacity building workshops in 11 countries engaged 851 participants, fostering knowledge exchange; 6 participatory action research (PAR) projects involved the installation of projects to advance food sovereignty in small communities in the Global South, following needs assessments. We showcase in this paper the PAR successfully implemented in Gitaraga, Rwanda, to validate the practical application of the proposed framework. The methodology has been useful for determining transversality, sustainability, inclusivity, adaptability, evidence-based decision-making, and policy integration as the core principles of sustainable land governance for WEF systems. The research contributes valuable insights to inform future interventions and policies that promote rural and peri-urban revitalization while addressing the ever-evolving challenges of WEF systems in the Global South. Full article
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24 pages, 3655 KiB  
Article
An Impact Assessment of GHG Taxation on Emilia-Romagna Dairy Farms through an Agent-Based Model Based on PMP
by Lisa Baldi, Filippo Arfini, Sara Calzolai and Michele Donati
Land 2023, 12(7), 1409; https://doi.org/10.3390/land12071409 - 13 Jul 2023
Viewed by 1376
Abstract
The aim of this work is to assess the structural, production, environmental, and economic impact of an increasing tax on climate change gas emissions related to milk production under the current CAP payment system. The analysis is performed using an Agent-Based Model (ABM) [...] Read more.
The aim of this work is to assess the structural, production, environmental, and economic impact of an increasing tax on climate change gas emissions related to milk production under the current CAP payment system. The analysis is performed using an Agent-Based Model (ABM) based on Positive Mathematical Programming (PMP). The integration between ABM and PMP makes it possible to simulate farmers’ strategies considering the interaction between them, the territorial specificity, and the heterogeneity of farms in the presence of little information on production costs. It also makes it possible to add a social and cultural perspective to the economic factors. The model is calibrated using FADN data for the Emilia-Romagna region (Italy) from the year 2020. The results show that farmers belonging to different age groups make decisions based on economic profitability, but also on their social and cultural background. To maximise their utility functions, farmers can opt for more efficient agricultural management practices that may result in the exchange of production factors, especially land. The overall impact penalises less efficient farms and agricultural production with higher negative externalities. Full article
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30 pages, 12116 KiB  
Article
Measuring Access to Services of General Interest as a Diagnostic Tool to Identify Well-Being Disparities between Rural Areas in Europe
by Mar Ortega-Reig, Carsten Schürmann, Adrian Ferrandis Martínez and Andrew Copus
Land 2023, 12(5), 1049; https://doi.org/10.3390/land12051049 - 11 May 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2202
Abstract
The gradual reorientation of rural policy paradigms away from competitiveness and economic growth and towards well-being and sustainability creates a need for more appropriate diagnostic tools to assess disparities and policy outcomes. One of the most cited determinants of rural well-being is access [...] Read more.
The gradual reorientation of rural policy paradigms away from competitiveness and economic growth and towards well-being and sustainability creates a need for more appropriate diagnostic tools to assess disparities and policy outcomes. One of the most cited determinants of rural well-being is access to Services of General Interest. Areas with relatively poor access to services can be described as “inner peripheries”, and peripherisation literature provides helpful insights into the challenges faced and policy needs. This paper presents a methodology for modelling and mapping access to a suite of ten key services, covering all of Europe at a 2.5 km grid square level. The approach is intrinsically relative, comparing the travel time to services from each grid square with the average for surrounding regions. Maps are provided for 2017 and 2021, and changes between these dates are described. ‘Inner peripheries’ are found in every country, their configuration being influenced not only by geographical features, but also by service delivery practices. Further analysis explores patterns of risk, identifying areas in which service provision is in a precarious position. The results presented are rich in practical policy implications, not least the suggestion that, in terms of patterns of well-being, local roads are at least as important as trunk infrastructure. Full article
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28 pages, 3327 KiB  
Article
Diagnosis of Rural Development Processes Based on the Stock of Social Capital and Social Networks: Approach from E-I Index
by J. Javier Serrano and Javier Esparcia
Land 2023, 12(4), 850; https://doi.org/10.3390/land12040850 - 8 Apr 2023
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1971 | Correction
Abstract
Europe’s rural areas have suffered a continuous loss of human and economic capital from the beginning of the 20th century to the present day. In an attempt to alleviate the effects of this dynamic, the European Union has implemented the LEADER rural development [...] Read more.
Europe’s rural areas have suffered a continuous loss of human and economic capital from the beginning of the 20th century to the present day. In an attempt to alleviate the effects of this dynamic, the European Union has implemented the LEADER rural development programme since the 1990s (Liaisons Entre Actions de Développement de L’Economie Rurale). Among the many objectives of this policy, the social articulation of its populations stood out as a way of strengthening development processes. This article aims to provide a methodological approach to analyse and quantify the stock of social capital (SC) present in the social networks of rural areas after more than thirty years of European rural policy. Based on 160 interviews with stakeholders linked to rural development processes in rural areas of Spain and England from institutional, economic, social and technical sectors. The methodological approach of Social Network Analysis (SNA) has been used, and within this, the study of SNA indicators and the analysis of the E-I index have been integrated in order to analyse the stock of internal (bonding) and external (bridging) SC. The conclusions of this study clarify the role of stakeholders and their contribution to the stock of SC. The studied rural areas present a balance in internal and external relations, which shows a high stock of SC and an encouraging scenario for the development processes and, thus, for the success of the LEADER programme. Nevertheless, the participation of the actors in the LEADER programme in Spain still shows a worrying project class. Full article
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22 pages, 10169 KiB  
Article
Rural Entrepreneurship Development in Southwest China: A Spatiotemporal Analysis
by Haoying Li, Jonas Østergaard Nielsen and Rui Chen
Land 2023, 12(4), 761; https://doi.org/10.3390/land12040761 - 28 Mar 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2923
Abstract
Rural entrepreneurship has been seen by the central government of China as a key means to rural vitalization. However, research focus on the long-term developmental status of rural entrepreneurship at local scale has been limited. According to industry types of differentiation, this research [...] Read more.
Rural entrepreneurship has been seen by the central government of China as a key means to rural vitalization. However, research focus on the long-term developmental status of rural entrepreneurship at local scale has been limited. According to industry types of differentiation, this research describes rural enterprises registered in the administrative area of Mianyang, southwest China, from 2011 to 2020. The spatial-temporal distribution rule of rural entrepreneurship is explored via a quantitative approach focused on spatial analysis and correlation analysis, as well as the application of geocoding on web data. How contexts such as the natural base, socio-economic condition, and institutional arrangements impact this distribution are empirically explored and discussed. The paper adds spatial-temporal insights into the role of the context of rural entrepreneurship. In particular, the paper highlights that rural entrepreneurship is a process potentially best explored at the regional scale and that physical condition and institutional support play central roles in rural entrepreneurship in southwest China. Full article
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20 pages, 2635 KiB  
Article
Analysing the Policy Delivery System and Effects on Territorial Disparities in Italy: The Mechanisms of Territorial Targeting in the EU Rural Development Programmes 2014–2020
by Francesco Mantino, Giovanna De Fano and Gianluca Asaro
Land 2022, 11(11), 1883; https://doi.org/10.3390/land11111883 - 23 Oct 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1848
Abstract
This study aims to answer the following research questions: (a) to what extent do EU rural development supports for investments address territorial differences of rural areas, especially concerning the differences between rich and intensive areas, on one hand, and marginal and peripheral rural [...] Read more.
This study aims to answer the following research questions: (a) to what extent do EU rural development supports for investments address territorial differences of rural areas, especially concerning the differences between rich and intensive areas, on one hand, and marginal and peripheral rural areas on the other hand; (b) how does present governance and the delivery system of measures supporting rural investments contribute to the financial support of marginal and peripheral rural areas? To respond to these questions, the research examined 747 calls for tender in all Italian regions related to 16 types of investment measures and a global amount of EUR 67 billion Euros and 49,410 representative projects approved in 17 Italian regions during the period 2014–2020. Delivery mechanisms included the rules that have been set up to define recipient eligibility and selection criteria of the rural development programmes. The distributive effects of RDP investment support measures appear evidently uneven, especially in agricultural and agro-industrial competitiveness measures, which are mainly allocated in already dynamic and strongly competitive areas. Delivery mechanisms boost disparities when funds are allocated through the “open competition” approach. Instead, the modulation of territorial criteria in the implementation phase can provide effective results in terms of reducing disparities in fund allocation and outreaching the most lagging areas. There are two main novelties of this research: (a) the analysis of territorial criteria in the calls for tenders for investment support, and (b) the effects of these criteria on expenditure distribution at the municipal level (LAU2 in the EU nomenclature). This study has been carried out outside the formal methodological approaches promoted by the European Commission for RDP evaluation and might be considered a complementary approach to evaluation reporting activity. This study might provide two significant contributions to the debate on rural areas. First, a “combined” approach to the definition of rurality (mixing “structural” and “locational” approaches) might provide a better analytical framework in line with the evolution of the literature on rurality. Second, the delivery systems that put more emphasis on territorial targets, as they were presented in this study, might be an essential component of a place-based policy. Full article
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2 pages, 157 KiB  
Correction
Correction: Serrano, J.J.; Esparcia, J. Diagnosis of Rural Development Processes Based on the Stock of Social Capital and Social Networks: Approach from E-I Index. Land 2023, 12, 850
by J. Javier Serrano and Javier Esparcia
Land 2023, 12(7), 1363; https://doi.org/10.3390/land12071363 - 7 Jul 2023
Viewed by 601
Abstract
In the original publication [...] Full article
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