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| In our research on
sustainable rural development, we make three fundamental assumptions: |
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1. |
First, we
assume that sustainability must be defined in a multi-disciplinary
context. The definition should include not only the sustainability of
the biosphere but also the viability of the economic, social,
cultural, and political systems of the human population (see our
definition of sustainability).
For instance, if the farmers in a particular region cannot live from
their land and have to migrate to urban areas, this rural area and
production system cannot be called sustainable - even if the
natural ecosystems are in perfect health. People are part of the
natural environment in which they live; hence their economic, social,
cultural, and political conditions must also be sustainable if the
system as a whole should survive. |
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2. |
As a
consequence of this broad definition of sustainability, we also assume
that a scientifically sound and politically relevant analysis
of rural development is only possible, if we take into account the
multiple dimensions
of rural life. Rural development is a multi-sector process,
which not only includes economic change but also requires development
of human resources and social structure. Of course, rural development
can be only sustainable if it is adapted to the bio-physical
conditions and resources of the regions and does not seriously harm
the environment. But we must also assume that sustainable development
of rural areas requires certain essential infrastructure, such as
highways, canals, power plants, etc., which is necessary for human
(economic) systems to develop. Finally, we have to take into account
the question of political participation, which is also an essential
component of sustainable rural development. We therefore distinguish
six dimensions of rural development (see
diagram): |
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Human Development |
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Natural Resources & Environment |
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Economic Growth |
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Infrastructure |
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Science & Technology |
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Policy & Administration |
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These six
dimensions will be also reflected in the development of databases and
models on rural development (such as the RAPS tool: see
CD-ROMS /
Databases) that will eventually become part of the SRD web
site. |
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3. |
Our third
principal assumption is that we must pay special attention to the
dynamics of
development processes. Rural (as well as urban) development is usually
a sequence of clearly identifiable development phases, in which
different players use different resources under different conditions.
For our analyses we will distinguish four principal stages of rural
development (see diagram): |
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A diagnostic (or explorative) phase |
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A phase of political negotiations (consensus
building) |
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The modeling or planning phase |
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The phase of implementation |
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