Life in rural communities is bound to change with historically unprecedented speed in the coming decades. How will this change be guided by local, national and global policies in order to enhance the livelihoods of rural inhabitants and to overcome the growing division of rural and urban areas? The contributions in this publication, ranging from scientific papers to short reports from practitioners, are grouped around 4 major themes: political and institutional frameworks to foster rural development; natural resources management; broadening the technological base of rural economies; and improved linkages between urban and rural areas. The overall message is unanimous: there is a promising future for the rural areas worldwide if adequate policies can be enforced and more efficient and fair institutions can be created. A 30-min video, available online, can be used to foster the dialogue and to reflect the multi-dimensional approach taken.
- Introduction
Political and Institutional Framework
- Policies to Foster Rural Development
- Grassroots Movements
Sustainable Use of Natural Resources
- Sustainable Energy Systems
- Sustainable Soil Management;
- Enough Water for All
Broadening the Technological Base
- Information and Communication Technologies
- The Future of Agriculture
- Bio- and Crop Technologies for Agriculture
Urban and Rural Linkages
Index