Search Results (29)

Agritourism has emerged as an increasingly important strategy for rural diversification and multifunctional agricultural development, particularly in transition economies characterized by fragmented farm structures, limited rural investment capacity, and growing tourism demand. Despite the expansion of agricultural support schemes aimed at promoting rural diversification, empirical evidence on their effectiveness in supporting agritourism development at the farm level remains limited, especially in Southeast European contexts. Against this background, the study addresses the following research question: To what extent have agricultural support schemes contributed to agritourism development, rural diversification, and rural resilience in Albania, and what factors constrain their long-term effectiveness? To answer this question, the study examines the role of agricultural support schemes in shaping agritourism development in Albania, with particular emphasis on farm diversification, rural resilience, and implementation constraints. The study adopts a mixed-methods case study approach, combining secondary policy and statistical analysis with primary field research. The fieldwork involved 60 semi-structured, face-to-face interviews with agritourism farm owners across the regions of Korçë, Berat, Vlorë, Shkodër, and Lezhë, conducted during September–October 2025. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis to assess investment patterns, perceived socio-economic impacts, and institutional barriers associated with agricultural support schemes. The results show that agricultural support schemes primarily function as catalysts for investment and diversification rather than stand-alone drivers of sustainable rural transformation. However, persistent structural constraints were identified, including administrative complexity, limited marketing capacity, infrastructure deficiencies, and a strong dependence on seasonal tourism demand. These factors reduce the long-term sustainability and scalability of agritourism enterprises. The paper contributes to the literature on agritourism and rural development by providing empirical evidence from the context of a transition economy and demonstrating that financial support alone is insufficient to ensure sustainable rural transformation. Full article

Amid growing global instability and the escalating impacts of climate change, there is an increasing need to develop resilient human habitats, particularly underground environments. At the same time, resource-extraction activities have left behind extensive underground voids in abandoned mines, presenting a valuable opportunity to expand multifunctional spaces that can serve daily needs as well as emergency shelter functions (dual-use), while also supporting urban–rural transformation and sustainable development goals. Due to their geological conditions and mining methods, underground goafs offer inherent advantages for dual-use development. In light of this, this study proposes a theoretical approach to address the three fundamental challenges associated with the dual-use of underground goafs in gypsum mines from the perspective of architectural space creation. This study does not present a completed empirical validation; instead, it develops a conceptual and interdisciplinary methodological framework intended to guide future empirical research and engineering implementation. Specifically, the framework is as follows: (1) defining escape safety capacity under disaster impacts by constructing a dynamic assessment model integrating disaster physics, behavior simulation, and VR-calibrated experiments; (2) elucidating the correlation mechanism between spatial topological features and human response patterns using space syntax and multi-modal psychological experiments to reveal how spatial morphology influences orientation, emotion, and behavior; and (3) moving beyond the traditional notion that space should be adapted to functional requirements, proposing an innovative strategy involving adapting predefined functions to the space. Full article

The sustainable transformation of idle built environments represents a critical pathway for advancing low-carbon development and achieving carbon neutrality targets. This study examines how idle rural building stocks may contribute to sustainable built environment systems through rural building repurposing and regeneration strategies. It introduces the concept of Green Rural Centers (GRCs), multifunctional facilities formed through the adaptive reuse of idle buildings that integrate low-carbon design, community services, and local economic functions. Within the proposed framework, GRCs are conceptually characterized as facilities that may: (1) achieve 50–70% reductions in operational energy demand through passive and renewable measures, (2) incorporate two or more community-oriented functions (e.g., education, governance, cultural services), and (3) demonstrate embodied carbon savings of ≥40% compared to demolition-and-rebuild scenarios. Grounded in fieldwork from Fujian Province, China, and aligned with national policies, the study evaluates spatial transformation, carbon mitigation, and institutional integration. Using a mixed-methods approach that combines scenario-based carbon-reduction estimation and appraisal, spatial analysis, comparative case studies, and policy evaluation, the findings indicate that retrofitting 30% of approximately 68,000 idle rural schools could achieve approximately 734,400 metric tons of cumulative CO₂ reduction by 2060 under the baseline scenario. Under conservative and ambitious implementation conditions, the estimated cumulative reductions are approximately 408,000 and 1,224,000 metric tons of CO₂, respectively. Sensitivity analysis shows that moderate improvements in retrofit quality or implementation rates significantly amplify emissions reduction outcomes. Beyond environmental performance, the proposed framework may also support community resilience, decentralized service provision, and socio-economic revitalization. This research reframes idle building stock as a strategic asset within sustainable built environment systems, policy-relevant exploratory framework potentially adaptable to comparable rural contexts. This study contributes to the sustainable built environment discourse by demonstrating how underutilized rural building stocks can function as broader low-carbon rural regeneration systems. Full article

Soil degradation in both agricultural and urban environments is accelerating due to intensive land use, plastic pollution, construction practices, and climate change, threatening ecosystem stability, food security, and carbon storage capacity. This review synthesizes current advances in biopolymeric materials as regenerative alternatives to conventional soil management approaches. Biopolymers derived from natural sources—including polysaccharides, proteins, and lignin-based compounds—are examined for their multifunctional roles in improving soil structure, enhancing water retention, optimizing nutrient delivery, stabilizing slopes, and supporting pollutant immobilization. Recent developments highlight the emergence of stimuli-responsive hydrogels, controlled-release fertilizer matrices, and composite soil conditioners capable of simultaneously addressing water stress, salinity, erosion, and contamination. In parallel, biodegradable agricultural films and in-soil degradable materials offer pathways to reduce microplastic accumulation while maintaining agronomic performance. Beyond agriculture, bio-based construction materials and bio-receptive design strategies extend biopolymeric interventions into the built environment, promoting soil permeability, microbial diversity, and circular material flows. The review emphasizes the need for context-specific formulation, long-term field validation, and life-cycle assessment to ensure environmental safety and scalability. By integrating soil science, polymer chemistry, and regenerative design, biopolymeric systems are described here as tools for restoring soil health and fostering resilient urban–rural ecosystems under conditions of environmental change. Full article

Human skin and hair act as multifunctional barriers but are highly sensitive to environmental pollutants originating from air, water, and cosmetic products. Epidemiological studies report that exposure to particulate matter (PM_2.5–PM₁₀), nitrogen oxides (NO_x), and volatile organic compounds increases the risk of skin and hair disorders. For instance, women in high-traffic areas (N = 211) show significantly more pigment spots and nasolabial wrinkles compared to those in rural areas (N = 189), indicating accelerated skin ageing. Children aged 9–11 exposed to PM₁₀, benzene, and NO_x exhibit increased incidence of atopic dermatitis. Systemic exposure to dioxins causes chloracne, while co-exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and UVA radiation elevates skin cancer risk. Psoriasis flares are associated with mean pollutant concentrations over the 60 days preceding flare events in 957 patients, and hyperpigmentation prevalence increases in populations exposed to traffic-related PM and ROS-inducing pollutants. Hair loss is linked to oxidative stress from PM and PAHs absorbed on hair fibers, with in vitro studies showing keratinocyte apoptosis in scalp hair follicles. This review evaluates natural adsorbents such as zeolites, clays, activated carbon, and polyphenol-rich plant extracts for anti-pollution cosmetic formulations. Adsorption capacities range from 60 to 150 mg·g⁻¹ depending on the pollutant, with removal efficiencies of 30–55% in model topical systems. Mechanisms include ion exchange, surface adsorption, hydrophobic interactions, and radical scavenging. Incorporating 2–5% w/w of these adsorbents in cosmetic formulations significantly reduces pollutant deposition on skin and hair. These findings support the development of evidence-based, sustainable anti-pollution cosmetic strategies that quantitatively mitigate environmental stressor effects. Full article

This study suggests the concept of multifunctional social spaces (MSSs) as intergenerational communication platforms, contributing to SDG achievement and environment awareness in local communities. Retirees could perform socially significant practices via local MSS premises supported by municipalities and initiative groups. The basic social vector of an MSS is supposed to produce a synergy effect with the educational and environmental impetus of the Sustainable Environmental Education (SEE) approach. Lifelong education underlies the process of adapting various age groups to different local spaces, namely metropolis, suburb, or rural areas. Test qualitative interviews were conducted with pensioners and young people to discover attitudes towards MSS-prescribed functions within different reference groups. These interviews helped to define the preferred communication instruments for MSS operation. General types of MSSs were classified based on mini case studies. MSS introduction is supposed to influence basic social indices such as population health, life expectancy, and fertility levels in the long term, and support several environmental awareness markers. Future studies could examine such influences in detail and discuss more national and regional specifics. Municipal and regional authorities, as well as local community leaders, could use the results of this study to consider local development, SDG strategies, and roadmaps. Full article

This study explores the opportunities, challenges, and sustainability prospects of multifunctional farms in Greece that have been officially certified by the state. Through qualitative field research involving semi-structured questionnaires with farm operators, the study examines general operational aspects, environmental practices, social engagement, cultural activities, digital presence, and perspectives on institutional frameworks and development potentials. Results indicate that multifunctional farms contribute to environmental sustainability, local identity, and rural–urban linkages through organic farming, circular resource use, educational programs, and cultural activities. At the same time, structural challenges—including bureaucratic hurdles, complex licensing, limited institutional support, and low digital capacity—restrict their potential. Participants emphasized the need for tailored regulations, networking, guidance, and marketing support. While the sample is small, reflecting a low response rate, the study provides rich, context-specific insights into multifunctional farm practices and highlights the necessity for flexible policies, digital capacity-building, and community-oriented strategies to enhance the socio-economic and environmental impact of these farms. Full article

The aim of this research is to elaborate on the activities of non-formal experiential learning in agritourism developed by an organic family farm in Thessaloniki, Greece. Based on a qualitative approach, in-depth interviews with the owners of the farm and a Business Model Canvas (BMC) approach to this case study, the results indicate that workshops, seminars on nutrition, environmental conservation activities, plant identification, hands-on activities for children and cooking lessons with chefs are some of the non-formal learning tools. The aforementioned activities, on the one hand, raise gate sales for the family and, on the other hand, promote knowledge and awareness towards the contemporary environmental challenges that the rural areas and our food chain are facing. Future development strategies were also identified through the BMC, such as the adoption of digital educational tools, and ‘Do It Yourself’ kits for growing microgreens at home, while the need for official certification and support of multifunctional farms by the Ministry of Rural Development was also highlighted. Full article

Conducting research on the evaluation of rural resilience and risk governance strategies in the middle reaches of the Heihe River can provide a scientific basis for the sustainable development of rural areas in the inland river basins of arid regions. Affected by water resource constraints, the expansion of artificial oases, and excessive exploitation of groundwater, the rural areas in the middle reaches of the Heihe River Basin, the second largest inland river in the arid region of northwest China, are confronted with prominent contradictions in the human-land relationship and urgently need to enhance their ability to cope with risks. Based on the remote sensing data of land use and major socio-economic data, this study draws on the theory of landscape ecology to construct a disturbance-resistance-adaptability evaluation system. Taking Ganzhou District, a typical irrigated agricultural area, as a case study, the study uses the entropy weight method, resilience change rate, and obstacle degree model to analyze the rural resilience level and its changing characteristics from 1990 to 2020, identifies the key obstacle factors affecting the development of rural resilience, and proposes risk governance strategies accordingly. Main conclusions: (1) The overall rural resilience index is relatively low, showing significant spatial disparities. Towns with well-developed multifunctional agriculture, nature reserves, and ecological-cultural control lines have higher resilience indices. (2) The change rate of the rural resilience index demonstrates phase heterogeneity, generally undergoing a “relative stability-increase-decrease” process, and forming a differentiation pattern of “decrease in the north and increase in the south”. (3) Internal risks to rural resilience development in the Ganzhou District mainly stem from low economic efficiency, fragile ecological environment, and unstable landscape patterns, among which efficiency-dominant and landscape-stability obstacle factors have a broader impact scope, while habitat resistance-type obstacle factors are mainly concentrated in the western part and suburban areas. Enhancing the benefits of water and soil resource utilization, strengthening habitat resistance, and stabilizing landscape patterns are key strategies for current-stage rural resilience governance in the middle reaches of the Heihe River. This study aims to optimize the human-land relationship in the rural areas of the middle reaches of the Heihe River. Full article

The multifunctionality model is receiving more and more attention from policymakers as a result of recent initiatives to build more resilient and sustainable food systems as well as the potential for increased farm revenue. This paper explores the role of multifunctional farming in the Italian agriculture viewed through the lens of an entrepreneurial strategy grounded on-farm diversification. Farm diversification strategies, which broaden the farm’s traditional boundaries to include additional activities at the farm level, help the evolution towards multifunctionality. A policy-driven transition towards multifunctional farming has been noticed in Italy during the past few decades, which has prompted a strategic reconfiguration of the farm’s business models. Drawing on the identified activity of portfolio diversification, this study provides an overview of the analyzed 49,429 Italian farms, by articulating diversification strategies into four entrepreneurial activities, which are related to on/off-farm/farm-related or farm-diverse diversification strategies. This article has attempted to verify the presence of farm types that responded to portfolio diversification management strategies through the use of a cluster analysis on data from the general census of Italian agriculture. Supporting new patterns in the adoption of business models focused on multifunctionality should be considered in European rural development policies. Full article

Marginal areas in economically advanced countries are a critical issue that European and national policies have been addressing for some time. These areas are affected by depopulation, infrastructural gaps and labor systems that do not reach the corresponding national levels and where often agriculture still plays a critical role. In Italy, despite the fact that the National Strategy for Inner Areas (SNAI) has been active for about a decade with the aim of increasing the territorial cohesion of these fragile areas, rather limited results have been achieved in terms of halting economic marginalization and demographic decline. In this specific context, our work is aimed at analyzing land use changes, the loss of ecosystem services and demographic trends in a Mediterranean region (Irpinia—Southern Italy) on district and municipal scales in the last 30 years (1990–2018) to capture current, subtle socio-economic dynamics. The analysis carried out has indicated a substantial increase in urban areas due to the development of new industrial areas and discontinuous urban fabric (urban sprawl) at the expense of natural areas (mainly meadows and shrublands). The agricultural areas have remained substantially unchanged in terms of extension, with a slight increase in heterogeneous agricultural areas and an expansion of high-value crops (vineyards), that are the most suitable for multifunctional agriculture activities (experiential and rural tourism). The analysis of the demographic trend has highlighted a widespread phenomenon of depopulation, with the exception of those municipalities who economically orbit around the provincial capital of Avellino. The municipalities in depopulation are mostly located in the inner areas characterized by a more rugged morphology and infrastructural gaps. Unexpectedly, most of municipalities show a significant anticorrelation among the population and agricultural areas which is an indicator of social and economic phenomena as complex as they are underestimated. As a final step, this analysis highlights also a loss of carbon storage mainly attributable to the soil sealing of large areas. This study can help to comprehensively understand the conditions of marginal areas in Mediterranean Europe over recent decades in the light of the main socio-economic dynamics to better direct efforts towards the containment of the human capital hemorrhage, consisting of persistently negative natural and migratory rates, and the sustainable empowerment of these geo-economic peripheries. Full article

Realizing the multifunctional value of farmland is essential for regulating the pricing of farmland transfers and stabilizing the rural land market. However, in China, the mismatch between supply and demand leads to improper resource allocation, weakens the explicit value of farmland, and causes unreasonable transfer pricing mechanisms that threaten agricultural production and food security. This study develops an analytical framework to examine the relationship between farmland multifunction and transfer pricing from a supply–demand perspective. An evaluation index system is constructed, considering the physical, value, and material quantities. This study uses the matching index method and bivariate spatial autocorrelation to analyze the supply–demand match of farmland multifunction from 2014 to 2021 and its relationship with transfer prices. Additionally, management methods and strategies for dynamic zoning-based pricing under multifunctional matching trade-offs are proposed. The results show that: (1) There is significant heterogeneity in the supply and demand matching degree of different farmland functions in both space and time. The production and ecological functions of farmland are oversupplied, while the living functions are undersupplied. (2) Different spatial autocorrelation relationships exist between the degree of supply and demand matching of farmland functions and farmland transfer prices. Specifically, the supply and demand matching degrees of the production and living functions show a significant negative spatial correlation with farmland transfer prices. In contrast, the ecological function shows a significant positive spatial correlation with farmland transfer prices, which are continuously strengthening over time. (3) Based on the supply and demand matching situation of different farmland functions and the spatial autocorrelation of farmland transfer prices, nine types of regions are delineated for farmland functions. Among them, the surplus-coordinated development areas have the most cities, accounting for about 40%, with a wide distribution range. This study proposes zoning-based pricing instruments and management strategies. This research provides valuable insights for developing countries seeking to alleviate conflicts in multifunctional land use, enhance the sustainable protection of land resources, and improve land resource assessment frameworks. Full article

Since the socio-economic reform in 1978, rural China has undergone drastic spatial restructuring, and the trend of multifunctional development and dynamic evolution of settlements in the countryside have become increasingly obvious. Functions and settlements are the important parts of rural areas. Rural multifunction is a new perspective to explore the diversified development paths of the countryside, and rural settlements provide basic support for rural multifunction. Clarifying the complex coupling coordination relationship between rural functional diversification (RFD) and rural settlement evolution (RSE), and identifying the spatial heterogeneity of their interactions is the key to promoting the rural revitalization strategy. This study analyzes the spatiotemporal changes in rural functions and rural settlements at the township level, alongside assessing various forms and the extent of coupled development. Therein, we consider the advantages of different coupling types of townships and propose four development paths for rural settlements to improve the adaptability of rural functions and settlements. The results show that: (1) The functions and settlements in the study area are characterized by significant spatial and temporal dynamics, indicating that the traditional mountainous countryside is in a process of rapid development and change. (2) The coupling coordination degree of RFD and RSE increases yearly, generally transitioning from the moderate imbalance to the basic coordination stage, and the coordinated townships have obvious spatial agglomeration. (3) Based on the elasticity coefficient model, this paper summarizes four coupling models of RFD and RSE to guide the optimization of rural settlement development paths. This research provides scientific guidance for developing countries in the spatial planning of rural territories and the optimization of rural settlements. Full article

Cultivated land resources are crucial for food security and economic and social development. However, with the acceleration of urbanization and shifts in land use, cultivated land fragmentation (CLF) has emerged as a significant factor constraining the sustainable development of agriculture in China. As the most urbanized region, optimizing cultivated land resources and coordinating urban and rural development has become an urgent issue for rural sustainable development in Guangdong Province. This study analyzes the spatiotemporal characteristics of CLF in Guangdong Province from 2000 to 2020 using landscape pattern indices, CRITIC empowerment, and a multiscale geographically weighted regression (MGWR) model. The cultivated land fragmentation index (CLFI) for Guangdong Province reveals a fluctuating trend from 2000 to 2012, increasing from 0.453 in 2012 to 0.641 in 2020. The CLFI is notably high in the Pearl River Delta region, as well as in Meizhou and Maoming. The results show the dynamic changes of the driving factors of CLF at the county scale in 2000, 2010, and 2020. Slope and grain output consistently emerge as key driving factors of CLF. Furthermore, agricultural benefits played a significant role in 2000 and 2020, whereas the coefficient for social economic development was more pronounced in 2010. By identifying the heterogeneity of the driving factors, this study suggests that strategies to address CLF should comprehensively consider aspects such as the optimization of cultivated land resources, farmers’ interests, industrial restructuring, and the multifunctional development of farmland. The study findings can assist government policy-making for rural sustainable development, addressing CLF and food insecurity, and alleviating the regional development imbalance and urban–rural income gap, with the ultimate aim of achieving common prosperity. Full article

With the continuous implementation of the rural revitalisation strategy, the social and economic landscape of China’s countryside has undergone significant changes and the structure and functions of rural production space have gradually become more complex and diversified. The theory of rural production space and its multifunctionality provides a new perspective for the study of rural human–land relationship patterns. Taking Western Chongqing, one of the national pilot zones for integrated urban–rural development, as an example, a scientific evaluation index system is established from the perspective of rural production space and its multifunctionality. The evaluation takes into account the consensus indicators of existing academic results, the regional characteristics of Western Chongqing, and relevant policies. On this basis, a regression model is constructed to investigate the factors influencing multifunctional regional differentiation, and a weighted clustering algorithm is used to classify the units in the study area into functional zones. The results of the study are as follows: (1) A multifunctional evaluation system with 24 indicators in five dimensions was constructed through the principle of scientific selection of indicators. (2) All functions in the rural production space of Western Chongqing have the respective geographical differentiation characteristics. In particular, the high-value and low-value agglomerations are generally distributed in strips or clusters, and the high-value and low-value agglomerations are intermingled, with each influencing factor driving the differentiation process of each function in the form of inhibition and reinforcement. (3) Western Chongqing can be divided into four types of functional areas: balanced development, lagging development–ecological recreation, urban development, and modern agriculture. Differentiated development strategies are proposed for different types of functional areas. We conclude that the study of the multifunctional spatial differentiation of rural production and functional zoning can provide a clearer analysis of the current status of rural development in Western Chongqing, and also enriches the perspective and methodology of the study of rural areas in western China. Full article