Geographies of Rural Development

A geographical approach to the theory and practice of sustainable rural development is taken. The changing nature of rurality and the opportunities and challenges in rural development are explored. Conceptual approaches to rural governance and community development are discussed and illustrated through case studies in Irish and international settings.

1. Explain and discuss the impact of globalisation as it relates to social, economic and environmental processes in rural areas.

2. Discuss social, economic and environmental problems in rural areas and apply to examples

3. Identify different land-uses in the multi-functional countryside and assess economic opportunities for rural development

4. review the conflicts of interest that can occur between development opportunities in rural areas

5. Identify different tiers of governance for rural development policy at European, national and regional level

6. Describe and discuss case study examples of rural diversification.

7. Apply theoretical principles of rural community development to case study examples