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Economic Development of Rural Areas in Border Territories: Threats and Opportunities

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A special issue of Agriculture (ISSN 2077-0472). This special issue belongs to the section "Agricultural Economics, Policies and Rural Management".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 September 2025 | Viewed by 9950

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Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Francisco Javier Castellano-Álvarez

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Economy Department, Universidad de Extremadura, 10071 Cáceres, Spain
Interests: rural development; rural tourism; rconomic diversification of rural areas; agricultural valorization
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Prof. Dr. Paulo Ferreira

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1. VALORIZA—Research Center for the Valorization of Endogenous Resources, BioBIP Building, Polytechnic Campus, 10, 7300-555 Portalegre, Portugal
2. Department of Economic and Organizational Sciences, ESTGD—Higher School of Technology, Management and Design, Portalegre Polytechnic University, Polytechnic Campus, 10, 7300-555 Portalegre, Portugal
3. CEFAGE, IIFA, University of Évora, Largo dos Colegiais 2, 7004-516 Évora, Portugal
Interests: econophysics; financial markets; time series analysis; financial contagion; financial integration; data analysis
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Prof. Dr. Luís Carlos Loures

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Department of Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences, Portalegre Polytechnic University, 7350-092 Elvas, Portugal
Interests: urban and regional planning; landscape reclamation; environmental planning and sustainability
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Dr. Rafael Robina-Ramírez

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Business Management and Sociology Department, University of Extremadura, 10071 Cáceres, Spain
Interests: planning and development; strategic tourism development; tourism impact; underdeveloped region
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Border regions are defined as those where part of their territory is delimited by an international border. These regions often have lower levels of development and economic activity. For example, in the Portuguese-Spanish border, rural areas on both sides of “the border” are characterized by their predominantly agricultural character, low population density, ageing human resources or income and skill levels below the respective national averages. In order to explain the lower level of development of this type of regions, it is essential to refer to their isolation, derived from a notable lack of communication infrastructures, or their remoteness from the main centres of economic activity and tourist demand in their respective countries.

The purpose of this special issue is to analyze the opportunities and threats facing rural and agricultural development strategies implemented in such areas. Approaching this issue from an international perspective can be very enriching. Sometimes, the aforementioned characteristics of these rural areas have resulted in a lower level of development which, in turn, has meant the preservation of a remarkable historical, artistic, cultural and environmental heritage that constitutes an asset of particular relevance for tourism development strategies. Contributions which, from a broad perspective, analyse the influence of the border itself on the development strategies of the regions involved will also be welcome.

Research lines:

Comparison of rural and agricultural development strategies in border areas. Analysis of the relevance of the border issue for these strategies
Analysis of tourism development policies in these areas: border tourism, heritage tourism, tourism in natural areas.
Relevance of communication infrastructures in the economic development of border regions: impact analysis, feasibility studies, projects of international interest.
Singular Case Studies. Significant contributions of International Organisations to the economic development of these rural areas.

Prof. Dr. Francisco Javier Castellano-Álvarez
Prof. Dr. Paulo Ferreira
Prof. Dr. Luís Carlos Loures
Prof. Dr. Rafael Robina-Ramírez
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Agriculture is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

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Keywords

rural development
agricultural development
endogenous rural development programs
heritage tourism
frontier tourism
rural tourism
demographic challenge
ageing
infrastructures and economic development

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Published Papers (8 papers)

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Research

25 pages, 3281 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Agricultural and Industrial Heritage as a Resource in Frontier Territories: The Border Between the Regions of Andalusia–Extremadura (Spain) and Alentejo (Portugal)

by Ainhoa Maruri Arana and María Teresa Pérez Cano

Agriculture 2025, 15(9), 956; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture15090956 (registering DOI) - 28 Apr 2025

Viewed by 127

Abstract

The border effect on heritage protection, shaped by historical and physical factors, contributes to the formation of socio-territorial systems, particularly in relation to productive landscapes. This study focuses on the Portuguese–Spanish border between Andalusia and Extremadura, a region where inter-regional dynamics mirror international tensions due to the coexistence of differing legislative frameworks. The area is characterized by shared agricultural and ecological systems and fragmented transport networks, which complicate territorial integration. Methodologically, the study involves a selection of seven municipalities based on demographic vulnerability and rural identity, followed by historical and spatial analysis using legal sources, historical dictionaries, and digital platforms for heritage mapping. One of the key components was the identification and documentation of historical mills linked to the Ardilla River and its tributaries, using a combination of official heritage databases and user-generated platforms like Wikiloc and local websites. The twenty-one mills found highlight a significant presence of unprotected yet generally well-preserved mills that exemplify the agricultural and industrial legacy of the region. These assets, often overlooked in formal inventories, underline the potential for cross-border heritage recognition and call for a rethinking of protection strategies through the lens of cultural landscapes and community engagement. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Economic Development of Rural Areas in Border Territories: Threats and Opportunities)

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21 pages, 6233 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Immigration and Local Endogenous Development in Rural Border Areas: A Comparative Study of Two Left-Behind Spanish Regions

by Cristóbal Mendoza and Josefina Domínguez-Mujica

Agriculture 2025, 15(8), 806; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture15080806 - 8 Apr 2025

Viewed by 196

Abstract

Despite longstanding concerns about regional inequalities in both national and EU policy, the concept of ‘left-behindness’ has gained prominence in public and political discourse due to widening social and spatial disparities. A defining characteristic of left-behind areas is outmigration, ageing, and depopulation, yet the impact of incoming mobility remains underexplored. To bridge this gap, this article explores the role of international immigration in sustaining local economies in two left-behind border regions of Spain—Ribagorza (Huesca) and Sayago (Zamora). Grounded in the migration-development nexus, it argues that mobility can drive economic, social, and demographic revitalization, fostering sustainability and strengthening the social fabric of these rural communities. This research identified the case study areas based on their low local human development index, which integrates quantitative demographic, social, and economic indicators. It further examines migration dynamics through a qualitative approach, gathering insights via in-depth interviews. The paper analyses how the borderland conditions in those left-behind areas of Ribagorza and Sayago have influenced their demographic dynamics, with a particular focus on recent migration trends. It also examines the influence of local governance in shaping economic and social initiatives, such as entrepreneurship and immigration policies. The comparative analysis of Ribagorza and Sayago underscores the interplay between economy, migration, and local governance in shaping rural development in border left-behind areas. Ribagorza’s stronger governance structures, economic diversification, and higher immigrant integration have contributed to modest population stabilization. Sayago, despite its border advantages and cross-border labour exchanges, struggles with weaker governance, limited economic opportunities, and a rapidly ageing population. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Economic Development of Rural Areas in Border Territories: Threats and Opportunities)

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28 pages, 605 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Sustainable Agritourism Development in Romania’s North-West Mountain Region: A TOPSIS-Based Evaluation of Strategic Priorities

by Alina Emilia Maria Gherdan, Ramona Vasilica Bacter, Ramona Ciolac, Tiberiu Iancu, Cristina Maria Maerescu, Monica Angelica Dodu, Aurelia Ioana Chereji, Vasile Grigore Herman, Alexandra Ungureanu and Denis Paul Bacter

Agriculture 2025, 15(6), 601; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture15060601 - 11 Mar 2025

Viewed by 583

Abstract

Rural tourism and agritourism are essential drivers of sustainable economic development in mountain regions, generating income opportunities while preserving cultural and natural heritage. The North-West region of Romania has significant potential in this sector. Yet, tourism development is unevenly distributed, and the integration of local economic activities remains limited, an imbalance that reduces the overall impact of tourism on regional sustainability and economic resilience. To assess viable strategies for agritourism development, the study applies the TOPSIS method, evaluating four key criteria: infrastructure accessibility, diversity of tourism experiences, service quality, and long-term economic sustainability. A survey was conducted with 102 respondents, and the collected data were analyzed using the TOPSIS framework to determine the most effective development approaches. The findings indicated that the ecotourism trails represent the most favorable strategy (Ci = 0.678), followed by promoting local products within tourism (Ci = 0.602) and expanding rural guesthouses (Ci = 0.467). In contrast, integrated tourism packages and tourist information centers ranked lower, suggesting that infrastructure investment and the strategic use of local resources should be prioritized. These insights provide practical recommendations for policymakers, investors, and local stakeholders, emphasizing the need for targeted support in ecotourism and rural economic initiatives. Furthermore, the study contributes to academic research by offering a structured, replicable approach to evaluating rural tourism development. By highlighting sustainable investment directions, the findings support efforts to enhance Romania’s rural tourism competitiveness while fostering economic growth in mountain regions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Economic Development of Rural Areas in Border Territories: Threats and Opportunities)

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20 pages, 661 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Tourism Development in Rural Border Territories: A “Phronetic” Approach to Threats and Opportunities

by Rafael Robina-Ramírez, Francisco Javier Castellano-Álvarez, Paulo Ferreira and Luís Loures

Agriculture 2025, 15(5), 524; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture15050524 - 28 Feb 2025

Viewed by 479

Abstract

This study emphasises the crucial role of practical wisdom (“phronesis”) in the hotel industry, highlighting its impact on ethical behavior, operational reliability, and guest trust. The database was provided by the regional government in Extremadura and the national government in Portugal. Qualitative data from interviews and quantitative data managing from SEM-PLS were provided. In total, 175 rural hotels in Extremadura and Portugal have participated in this study. This study emphasises the significance of integrating ethical leadership with operational excellence to ensure sustainable tourism in rural border territories. It highlights the importance of practical wisdom (“phronesis”) in addressing complex ethical dilemmas while balancing cultural preservation and environmental responsibility. Key managerial practices include fostering safe spaces for ethical reflection and integrating technology with cultural sensitivity. These practices help build trust within communities and ensure long-term operational success while respecting local traditions and ecological concerns. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Economic Development of Rural Areas in Border Territories: Threats and Opportunities)

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26 pages, 739 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Rural Women’s Leadership Within the Cocoa Production Chain in Tibú, Norte de Santander, Colombia: A Gender Perspective

by Neida Albornoz-Arias, Camila Rojas-Sanguino and Akever-Karina Santafe-Rojas

Agriculture 2025, 15(4), 370; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture15040370 - 10 Feb 2025

Viewed by 858

Abstract

This study addresses gender inequality in rural areas, focusing on the structural and socio-cultural constraints faced by women, despite the increasing feminisation of agriculture. The research question posed is: what are the leadership experiences of rural women in the cocoa production chain in Tibú, Norte de Santander, Colombia? The objective is to unveil the leadership experiences of rural women in the cocoa production chain in Tibú, Norte de Santander, Colombia. Using a qualitative and interpretative approach and a case study design, the experiences of ten women cocoa producers were analysed. The coding technique was based on theoretical material, generating two subcategories and the respective theoretical codes. The subcategories are associativity and time use. The findings reveal barriers such as shyness or fear of rejection, low participation in community groups, limited education, decision-making restrictions, unpaid work overload, lack of leisure time, and gender-based violence, factors that perpetuate poverty and hinder their community leadership. However, it highlights how women’s leadership and associativity positively impact sustainable agriculture and community cohesion. Although public policies recognise their key role, their implementation remains insufficient. This study highlights the need for comprehensive strategies that overcome inequalities and promote inclusive rural development. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Economic Development of Rural Areas in Border Territories: Threats and Opportunities)

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22 pages, 1920 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Balancing Tradition and Innovation: The Role of Environmental Conservation Agriculture in the Sustainability of the Ifugao Rice Terraces

by Keshav Lall Maharjan, Clarisse Mendoza Gonzalvo and Jude Cadingpal Baggo

Agriculture 2025, 15(3), 246; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture15030246 - 23 Jan 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2584

Abstract

This study investigates the continuation of Environmental Conservation Agriculture (ECA) practices among farmers in the Ifugao Rice Terraces, a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System (GIAHS) in the Philippines. Through a cross-sectional survey of ECA farmers in the municipality of Banaue, this research explores the socio-demographic, environmental, and economic factors influencing the adoption and persistence of ECA. The findings reveal that while access to resources such as high-yielding seeds, modern farming equipment, and financial support is important for the adoption of ECA, the shift toward high-yielding varieties has contributed to a decline in the cultivation of Tinawon rice, which is vital for maintaining the ecological balance and cultural heritage of the terraces. This study underscores the importance of balancing modern agricultural practices with the continued cultivation of Tinawon rice to preserve biodiversity, soil health, and cultural identity, while also enhancing agricultural productivity. Additionally, the roles of community-based support systems, market access, and financial incentives are highlighted as key factors in sustaining ECA practices. Climate change presents both challenges and opportunities for adaptation, making it essential to integrate traditional knowledge with modern techniques to build resilience. Understanding the factors that shape ECA continuation is crucial for refining initiatives that address both the economic and cultural contexts. By emphasizing the importance of tailored, community-driven interventions, this study provides critical insights for enhancing ECA adoption in the Ifugao Rice Terraces, contributing to climate resilience and the long-term sustainability of this significant agricultural heritage system. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Economic Development of Rural Areas in Border Territories: Threats and Opportunities)

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20 pages, 1830 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Rural Economy and Family Firms: A Bibliometric Analysis Through Scientific Maps

by Antonio Alcázar-Blanco, Jessica Paule-Vianez and José Francisco Rangel-Preciado

Agriculture 2024, 14(12), 2218; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture14122218 - 5 Dec 2024

Viewed by 962

Abstract

Since the beginning of the research on the family business and rural economy, there has been a problem with the delimitation of the concepts. Given this problem, this study’s main objective was to identify and visualize the intellectual structure of these two issues through scientific maps. To meet this objective, an evaluation of scientific performance and production was carried out with bibliometric indicators to extract the main research topics around these two areas through an analysis of the co-occurrence of keywords with scientific maps. The results show that research on family businesses and rural economy is booming, especially on family businesses that have higher productivity and performance. Regarding the main topics studied regarding family businesses and the rural economy, a total of 16 main themes were detected, highlighting the topic of entrepreneurship. The study of land management in transboundary environments is a potential line of future research. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Economic Development of Rural Areas in Border Territories: Threats and Opportunities)

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24 pages, 334 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Impact of Digital Rural Construction on Rural Revitalization-Empirical Evidence from Chinese County Panel Data

by Jinqian Deng, Xiao Li and Na Zhang

Agriculture 2024, 14(11), 1903; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture14111903 - 26 Oct 2024

Viewed by 3403

Abstract

High-quality economic growth across society is increasingly being driven by the quickly evolving digital economy, with digital villages integrated into various aspects of rural development, construction, and governance, providing essential digital support for achieving comprehensive rural revitalization. By employing county-level panel data from China spanning 2018 to 2020, the Rural Revitalization Index was constructed and applied at the county level, and empirical tests were performed in combination with the Digital Village Index. The results demonstrate that the establishment of digital villages greatly enhances the progress of rural revitalization, with the sub-dimensions of digitalized rural economies and rural lifestyles playing particularly positive roles. Based on this, the mechanisms through which digital village construction empowers rural revitalization were examined, with the process being summarized as “factor aggregation–entities cultivation–market integration.” Further analysis demonstrates that the empowerment effect of digital village construction on rural revitalization is more pronounced in counties that are not major grain producers, have longer road networks, and are located closer to Hangzhou. Thus, it is essential to continue advancing digital village initiatives, identify integration points based on rural functional roles and resource endowments, and explore pathways to fully realize their empowering effects on rural revitalization. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Economic Development of Rural Areas in Border Territories: Threats and Opportunities)

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