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- Sustainable rural environments
Sustainable rural environments
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Rural areas must adapt to stay living, working places. Farmers, governments and communities all have a role.
Diversifying farming
GM crops: genetically modified to resist pests or drought and increase yields, but some people worry about the effects on the environment and on farmers' costs.
Specialist crops and food: for example local cheeses, lavender or vineyards.
Organic farming: no artificial fertilisers or pesticides; sells at higher prices but yields are lower.
Recreation and leisure: farm shops, campsites, holiday cottages and farm visits.
Specialist crops and food: for example local cheeses, lavender or vineyards.
Organic farming: no artificial fertilisers or pesticides; sells at higher prices but yields are lower.
Recreation and leisure: farm shops, campsites, holiday cottages and farm visits.
Sustainable rural living
Developed countries: fast broadband, community-run shops and buses, affordable housing for local people, and supporting local businesses.
Developing countries: appropriate technology (simple, cheap and easy to repair, such as hand pumps), irrigation, microfinance (small loans), better roads, and schools and clinics.
Developing countries: appropriate technology (simple, cheap and easy to repair, such as hand pumps), irrigation, microfinance (small loans), better roads, and schools and clinics.
Who manages rural change
Governments: planning rules, grants and services.
IGOs (intergovernmental organisations) such as the UN's Food and Agriculture Organization and the World Bank: funding and expertise.
NGOs (charities) such as WaterAid: small, local projects.
Local communities: decide what they need and help run projects.
IGOs (intergovernmental organisations) such as the UN's Food and Agriculture Organization and the World Bank: funding and expertise.
NGOs (charities) such as WaterAid: small, local projects.
Local communities: decide what they need and help run projects.
Explain why appropriate technology is often more sustainable than high technology in poorer rural areas.
- It is cheap to buy, so more people can afford it.
- It can be built and repaired using local materials and skills.
- So it keeps working long after outside help has gone.
Answer: Affordable, locally maintainable and long-lasting.
Farms diversify through GM crops, specialist foods, organic farming and recreation. Sustainable rural living needs broadband, transport, affordable housing and local businesses, or appropriate technology, irrigation and microfinance in developing countries. Governments, IGOs, NGOs and communities all manage rural change.
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