Ruralization: Creating New Opportunities in Rural Areas from edX

Many rural areas around the world face a critical population and economic decline and struggle to attract younger generations to reverse this trend.

An aging population, youth out-migration, lack of employment opportunities, shift to large-scale agriculture and land acquisition by investment companies, are some of the challenges faced in rural areas.

Life in villages has also become ever more challenging: the economic viability of shops and services is under pressure, healthcare facilities are difficult to organize, less support for community work is available and governmental investments decrease.

To break this vicious circle of decline, which not only affects people’s lives but also the spatial quality of rural areas and their sustainable development, we need innovative initiatives that will have a broad impact.

This course provides ideas and insights that help to offer opportunities to young generations in rural areas. Such opportunities are based on international trends that influence the future of how we organize our lives and society. You will learn how these trends can be relevant for rural development.

Ruralization opportunities may include new businesses, sustainable farming techniques or, for example, shortening the food production chain so that areas benefit from the added value. These opportunities can be facilitated by innovative approaches to giving people access to land. We will explain different possibilities that have proven successful in different contexts and we will present several inspiring examples.

Each rural region is different and therefore needs a specific, tailored approach. After taking this course, you will be able to formulate region-specific strategies to enhance rural development.

This course is mainly for:

(Young) professionals aiming to work on rural development policy and strategy design.
People aiming to make a difference in the future of rural areas, for example in the field of rural innovation and local economy.
Students aiming to strengthen their knowledge to become better equipped professionals in this field.

Join us and contribute to stopping the negative spiral of rural decline and enjoy the many benefits of ruralization.

What's inside

Learning objectives

Identify challenges and trends in rural areas
Analyze issues of population and access to jobs, services and land
Discuss practices of rural development with a focus on younger generations

Determine the development potential of a rural region
Propose a regional strategy with actions for rural development
After taking this course you will be able to:

Identify challenges and trends in rural areas
Analyze issues of population and access to jobs, services and land
Discuss practices of rural development with a focus on younger generations
Determine the development potential of a rural region
Propose a regional strategy with actions for rural development
After taking this course you will be able to:

Syllabus

Week 1: Mapping Strengths and Weaknesses of Rural Regions

You will learn the challenges that rural areas are currently facing and how these differ depending on the local context. You will also learn to apply SWOT analysis to identify the strengths and weaknesses of rural areas. You will have a chance to critically apply this knowledge to a rural region of your choice.

Topics we’ll cover:

Demographic dynamics in rural areas: how they affect socioeconomic decline and how they can be counteracted

Economic potential, infrastructure and accessibility in rural regions

Basic concepts regarding land: why it is important, and the impact land holders and land management have on rural challenges

How to map challenges: tools for analysis of rural areas

Week 2: Mapping Opportunities in Rural Regions with Trend Analysis

You will learn to distinguish trends relevant to a specific rural area and the ways they may have a positive effect. Trend analysis is a tool not only to understand the present challenges, but also to develop strategies to counteract negative effects.

Trend analysis: what it is and how it works

Megatrends, trends and weak signals: what they are and how to recognize them

Week 3: Understanding the issue of access to land

We will explore the importance of land for rural development strategies. Access to rural land is governed by complex mechanisms that strongly influence economic and agricultural development. You will learn to analyze the context of access to land and to select appropriate intervention possibilities.

Rural land markets, government initiatives and the impact of demographics

Innovations in access to land and land management

Week 4: Identifying promising practices for new generations

In rural areas, many economic activities and social practices are emerging that can represent a potential starting point for rural development. This week you will learn how to identify these promising practices and to analyze their potential for transferability in relation to your own region.

How to identify promising practices, with examples

Practices and impact of new entrants into farming

Practices and impact of newcomers outside the farming sector

How to transfer promising practices across regions

Week 5: Developing strategies and actions for rural regions

After discovering the economy of rural regions, land management, demographic dynamics, trends and promising practices, this week you will learn about the tools to translate this knowledge into actions aimed at positive change for rural regions - such as strategies, policies and programs.

You will have the chance to evaluate the outputs of the previous four weeks and propose a strategy and actions for a rural region of your choice.

Topics we’ll cover in this week:

Strategies, policies and actions: what they are, how they can be used and by whom

The steps required for a development strategy and how to formulate action plans

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Suitable for those interested in rural innovation, youth engagement in rural regions, and local economic development

Designed for policy makers, professionals, and students in the field of rural development

Provides tools and strategies for addressing the challenges of rural decline and enhancing rural development

Emphasizes the importance of access to land and land management in rural development

Taught by experts in rural development with experience in international organizations and research institutions

Requires basic knowledge of rural development concepts and issues

Career center

Learners who complete Ruralization: Creating New Opportunities in Rural Areas will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Rural Development Specialist

A Rural Development Specialist develops and implements programs to improve the economic, social, and environmental conditions of rural areas. They work with communities, businesses, and government agencies to identify rural development needs and develop solutions that promote sustainability and enhance the quality of life. This course is highly relevant to the work of a Rural Development Specialist because it provides a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing rural areas. The course covers topics such as population dynamics, access to jobs and services, promising practices for new generations, and developing strategies for rural regions.

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Sustainable Development Specialist

A Sustainable Development Specialist develops and implements strategies to promote sustainable development in communities and regions. They work with stakeholders to identify sustainability goals, develop plans, and implement projects that balance economic development, social equity, and environmental protection. This course may be useful for Sustainable Development Specialists because it provides an understanding of the challenges facing rural areas and the potential sustainability solutions that can be implemented to address these challenges. The course covers topics such as land access, promising practices for new generations, and developing strategies for rural regions.

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Community Development Specialist

A Community Development Specialist plans and implements programs to improve the economic, social, and environmental conditions of communities. They work with local residents, businesses, and organizations to identify needs and develop solutions, fostering community engagement and empowerment. This course may be helpful for Community Development Specialists because it provides a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing rural areas. The course covers topics such as population dynamics, access to jobs and services, and promising practices for rural development.

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Regional Planner

A Regional Planner develops and implements plans for the development of regions, including rural areas. They work with communities, businesses, and government agencies to identify regional needs and develop plans that promote economic development, protect natural resources, and enhance the quality of life. This course may be useful for Regional Planners because it provides a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing rural areas. The course covers topics such as population dynamics, access to jobs and services, and promising practices for rural development, all of which are relevant to the work of a Regional Planner.

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Urban and Regional Planner

An Urban and Regional Planner develops and implements plans for the development of urban and rural areas. They work with communities, businesses, and government agencies to identify needs and develop plans that promote economic development, protect natural resources, and enhance the quality of life. This course may be useful for Urban and Regional Planners because it provides an understanding of the challenges facing rural areas and the potential planning solutions that can be implemented to address these challenges. The course covers topics such as population dynamics, access to jobs and services, and promising practices for rural development.

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Land Use Planner

A Land Use Planner develops and implements plans for the use of land, ensuring the orderly and sustainable development of communities and regions. They work with communities, businesses, and government agencies to identify land use needs and develop plans that promote economic development, protect natural resources, and enhance the quality of life. This course may be useful for Land Use Planners because it provides an understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing rural areas, particularly in terms of land use. The course covers topics such as land access, promising practices for new generations, and developing strategies for rural regions.

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Natural Resources Manager

A Natural Resources Manager develops and implements plans to manage and protect natural resources, such as forests, water, and wildlife. They work with communities, businesses, and government agencies to identify natural resource issues and develop solutions that promote sustainability and protect the environment. This course may be useful for Natural Resources Managers because it provides an understanding of the environmental challenges facing rural areas and the potential opportunities for environmental protection. The course covers topics such as land access, promising practices for new generations, and developing strategies for rural regions.

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Social Worker

A Social Worker provides support and assistance to individuals, families, and communities facing social and economic challenges. They work with clients to identify needs, develop coping mechanisms, and access resources that promote well-being and self-sufficiency. This course may be useful for Social Workers because it provides an understanding of the challenges facing rural areas and the potential social and economic interventions that can be implemented to address these challenges. The course covers topics such as population dynamics, access to jobs and services, and promising practices for rural development.

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Environmental Planner

An Environmental Planner develops and implements plans to protect and manage the environment. They work with communities, businesses, and government agencies to identify environmental issues and develop solutions that promote sustainability and protect natural resources. This course may be useful for Environmental Planners because it provides an understanding of the environmental challenges facing rural areas and the potential opportunities for environmental protection. The course covers topics such as land access, promising practices for new generations, and developing strategies for rural regions.

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Economic Development Specialist

An Economic Development Specialist works to improve the economic conditions of a community or region. They develop and implement strategies to attract new businesses, create jobs, and support existing industries, fostering economic growth and prosperity. This course may be useful for Economic Development Specialists because it provides insights into the economic challenges facing rural areas and the potential opportunities for economic development. The course covers topics such as land access, promising practices for new generations, and developing strategies for rural regions.

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Policy Analyst

A Policy Analyst researches, analyzes, and develops policies to address public issues. They work with government agencies, businesses, and non-profit organizations to identify policy needs and develop solutions that promote the public good. This course may be useful for Policy Analysts because it provides an understanding of the challenges facing rural areas and the potential policy solutions that can be implemented to address these challenges. The course covers topics such as population dynamics, access to jobs and services, and promising practices for rural development.

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Farm Manager

A Farm Manager oversees the day-to-day operations of a farm. They plan and implement crop production, livestock management, and financial management strategies, ensuring the efficient and profitable operation of the farm. This course may be useful for Farm Managers because it provides insights into the challenges and opportunities facing rural areas, particularly in the agricultural sector. The course covers topics such as land access, promising practices for new generations, and developing strategies for rural regions, all of which are relevant to the work of a Farm Manager.

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Zoning Administrator

A Zoning Administrator enforces zoning laws and regulations to ensure the orderly development of communities. They work with property owners, developers, and government agencies to interpret zoning codes and issue permits for land use activities. This course may be useful for Zoning Administrators because it provides an understanding of the challenges facing rural areas and the potential zoning solutions that can be implemented to address these challenges. The course covers topics such as land access, promising practices for new generations, and developing strategies for rural regions.

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Project Manager

A Project Manager plans, organizes, and implements projects to achieve specific goals. They work with teams of people to develop project plans, budgets, and timelines, ensuring the successful completion of projects within the scope, time, and budget constraints. This course may be useful for Project Managers because it provides an overview of the challenges and opportunities facing rural areas and the potential projects that can be implemented to address these challenges. The course covers topics such as land access, promising practices for new generations, and developing strategies for rural regions.

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Agriculture Specialist

An Agriculture Specialist helps farmers address the economic and technical challenges associated with agricultural production. They develop and implement plans to improve farm productivity, efficiency, and profitability, ensuring the sustainable management of land, water, and other resources. This course may be useful for Agriculture Specialists because it provides insights into the challenges faced by rural areas and the potential opportunities for agricultural development. The course covers topics such as land access, promising practices for new generations, and developing strategies for rural regions, all of which are relevant to the work of an Agriculture Specialist.

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