Search Results (13)

Rapid urban expansion has led to an increasing number of people relocating to Urban–Rural Fringe Areas (URFAs) in China, with related development placing pressure on ecosystems in these locations. Community parks (CPs) are a key category of urban public park (UPPs) in Chinese planning and play a vital role in improving residents’ quality of life and enhancing regional environment, whilst also promoting sustainable urban development. Consequently, CPs are considered by many to be integral components of “communities” in Chinese cities. Drawing on documentary analysis and field research, this paper explores the socio-economic and ecological values associated with CP investments in URFAs in China. It assesses governmental policies and expert perspectives concerning CPs’ development in URFAs and analyses the factors influencing their planning and delivery. The research highlights how policy and stakeholders’ viewpoints impact the development of sustainable green space in URFAs. To enhance the construction of multi-functional CPs in URFAs, we propose a series of characteristics that need to be considered in future developments, including stakeholder engagement, resident needs, and park design. These insights offer an evidence-based reference for decision-makers, aiming to better meet the requirements of residents and support the development of urban sustainability. Full article

In the context of widespread rural depopulation, recent global developments have sparked shifts in lifestyle preferences, underscoring the often-overlooked benefits of rural living. These changes have prompted many people to consider relocating to rural areas for improved quality of life and more tranquility. This study explores the differences in quality of life between rural and urban environments, analyzing key factors that impact individuals’ perceived well-being within a broader societal context. Focusing on Spain, our research aims to identify the diverse elements influencing social happiness. Using data from a national survey on quality of life for 908 participants, we compared the perspectives of rural and urban residents during the pandemic, revealing a clear attraction effect toward rural areas. Our findings reveal a significant trend toward relocating to rural areas, but only those with good connectivity (smart rural areas). To effectively address rural depopulation and promote these regions, it is crucial to invest in comprehensive connectivity enhancements, including technological advancements, improved infrastructure, and wider availability of services. Methodologically, a comparative analysis approach was applied, using an analysis of variance (ANOVA) to identify differences and regression techniques to determine the influence of various factors on habitat happiness, understood as quality of life in social terms. Full article

In recent years, rural return has emerged as a significant trend in China, largely driven by central and local government policies promoting rural revitalization and urban-to-rural migration. This study aims to explore the impact of rural return on the evolution of rural spaces at the village level in China, with a particular focus on how urban-to-rural migration reshapes village spatial structures. This study examines the spatial implications of this phenomenon through case studies of three traditional villages in Zhejiang Province, utilizing qualitative fieldwork, spatial mapping, and in-depth interviews. By analyzing migration patterns, residential choices, and subsequent spatial transformations, this research elucidates how urban-to-rural migrants reshape spatial structures at the village level and integrate into local communities. The research findings reveal that the proportion of the migrant population is less than 30%, yet this relatively small proportion has brought significant changes to the village, manifested in the substantial increase in third spaces within the village. The study also identifies ten distinct migration types within the sample, with short-term residency comprising the majority, and migrants’ relocation needs play a crucial role in determining spatial adaptations. The predominant strategy for village integration involves the functional transformation of traditional dwellings into mixed-use commercial and residential spaces, as well as the renovation of existing structures to accommodate new social and economic activities. Additionally, the study underscores the active participation of migrants in public life and communal spaces as a key driver of spatial regeneration. This research contributes to the understanding of rural transformation in contemporary China by demonstrating that urban-to-rural migration not only reshapes village spatial configurations but also catalyzes social and functional revitalization. These insights provide a nuanced perspective on the evolving dynamics of rural settlements and inform future rural development strategies. Full article

This study critically investigates the socio-economic effects of urban expansion and forced relocation on peri-urban communities in Nkurenkuru, Namibia. Urban expansion in middle-income countries often has negative impacts on peri-urban and rural communities. Urban expansion leads to the displacement of such communities, and this study focuses on the socio-economic effects of such urbanization-induced displacement. This study used a qualitative research design, with in-depth interviews to chart the effects of relocation on community life and livelihoods. Findings reveal that before relocation, community members were involved in several land-use-related socio-economic activities. Relocation has worsened their living conditions with a significant drop in household income, financial stability, food security, and their access to vital services. Other findings include insufficient support from municipalities during the relocation process. This study shows the socio-economic repercussions of relocation and the importance of community consultations and participation in the urban expansion process. Full article

As a highly urbanized country, Japan is facing the phenomenon of a continuous migration of young people from rural areas to cities, leading to an aging and decreasing population in rural communities. Influenced by the pandemic, people began to reconsider the issue of population concentration in large cities, causing urban residents to become interested in returning to rural areas. The focus of this study is on the perceptions and relocation intentions of Japanese youth towards rural areas, particularly in Hanyu-shi, Saitama Prefecture. Through semi-structured interviews with 26 urban university students who live in urban areas, this study explores the factors that attract or hinder them from having rural lives. The survey results show that childhood experiences and current lifestyle preferences have influenced their views on rural areas. The main hindering factors include backwards infrastructure, communication difficulties, and limited job prospects. This study reveals a significant cognitive gap in urban youth’s attitudes towards rural life in Japan. The study emphasizes the need to eliminate these hindrances and enhance the attractiveness of rural areas to promote reverse urban migration. This study provides important insights for policymakers and urban planners, highlighting the necessity of formulating development strategies that meet the needs of urban youth residents, which is crucial for the sustainable revitalization of rural Japan. Full article

This study aims to examine the loss and damage experienced by coastal regions from the perspective of adaptation. It also seeks to evaluate the adaptation techniques employed when migration is utilized as a significant approach to mitigate the effects of loss and damage on coastal communities. This study evaluates the extent of loss and damage caused by constraints on adaptation. Two districts, Khulna and Satkhira, in the Khulna division of Bangladesh, were chosen for the study. In these districts, a total of twenty-four detailed interviews and one focus group discussion (FGD) were conducted with individuals living in rural areas whom climate-related effects and disasters have impacted. Additionally, seven interviews were conducted with climate migrants residing in informal settlements within the words of Khulna City Corporation. The process of identifying appropriate interview candidates involves utilizing a combination of specific criteria and snowball sampling techniques. The study employed NVivo 14 software to conduct theme analysis on textual data obtained from interviews. In the coding procedure, we sequentially employed semantic coding, latent coding, categorization, pattern exploration, and theme creation, all of which were in line with the research aim. The study indicates that most affected persons utilize seasonal and temporary movement as an adaptive strategy to deal with the slow effects of climate change, such as increasing temperatures and salinity in rural regions, and when they encounter limitations in their ability to adapt. Conversely, they opted for permanent migration in response to stringent constraints imposed by severe climate events like cyclones and river erosion, leaving them with no alternative but to move to urban regions. Social networks are crucial in influencing migration choices, as several families depend on information provided by urban relatives and rural neighbors to inform their relocation decisions. Nevertheless, not all individuals impacted by the situation express a desire to relocate; others opt to remain in rural areas due to their sentimental attachment to their birthplaces and a sense of dedication to their ancestral territory. Due to the exorbitant cost of urban life, they believe that opting not to migrate is a more practical option for addressing the repercussions of climate-induced loss and damage. The study’s findings aid policymakers in determining migration strategies and policies to address the adverse effects of coastal population displacement in Bangladesh. Additionally, it aids in determining strategies to address the challenges faced by climate migrants in both urban and rural environments. Full article

In recent years, particularly, the expansion of tourism has become more and more prosperous, and along with it, the impact on the natural environment has become greater and greater. As a result of the continuous development of the economy, human activity is having a greater impact on the natural environment and agricultural depth. The desire to feel more connected to nature and life is leading an increasing number of people to relocate to more rural areas. Because of this, the management and preparation of rural tourism destinations are of utmost significance. This paper presents a study on the analysis of the benefits of the use of ecological and environmental resources driven by the development of leisure agriculture and rural tourism. The study was carried out by the Environmental Economics and Policy Group (EEPG). The primary purpose of this study is to conduct an analysis of the benefits of agroecological environment and resource use in Jilin Province in accordance with the evaluation system of resource and environmental benefits of leisure agriculture. This evaluation will be combined with an analysis of the current situation of resource use and will be based on the principle of net social benefits of resource and environmental supply. The results of the experiments show that the coupling degree of the agricultural economic system in Jilin Province from 2015 to 2021 is greater than 0.9, which places it in the category of high-quality coupling (0.9 ≤ C ≤ 1). The degree of synergy ranges from 0.54608 to 0.78358 and exhibits an upward trend, but it remains in the medium synergy stage (0.50 ≤ D ≤ 8). This paper carries out relevant research on ecological and environmental resource use, which is of great practical significance in promoting the rational use of leisure agricultural resources, and, ultimately, the long-term sustainable development of leisure agriculture. In addition, the paper presents an analysis of the benefits of ecological and environmental resource use promoted by the development of leisure agriculture and rural tourism. Full article

Background. In China, the policy of ecological migration is a new approach to protect the urban ecological environment. However, the changes in livelihood capital before and after migration and the matching relationship between the livelihood capital and livelihood model of migrants are rarely explored. Our study aims to address these research gaps to determine factors affecting the urban integration of eco-migrant families and their means of sustainable livelihood. Methods. We used the survey data of migrant households in China in 2017 and 2018. Heckman’s two-stage model and the endogenous transformation regression model were applied for data analysis. Results. First, most migrants are willing to integrate into urban life after relocation, but the efficiency of their integration into urban life needs to be improved. Second, differences in demographic background and geographic location significantly affect the decisions of migrants in urban integration. Third, family heterogeneity has the greatest impact on the degree of urban integration, followed by geographical location. Lastly, the high degree of urban integration of migrants has a significant impact on their household income. Conclusions. Local governments and communities should provide immigrant families migrating from rural to urban China with more social and economic resources for their better socioeconomic integration. Full article

Research purpose: to analyze farmers’ willingness to gather homestead and its influencing factors, so as to provide decision-making basis for the rational layout of rural homestead. Methods: questionnaire, logistic model. The results are as follows. (1) Farmers’ willingness to gather homesteads is highest in dam areas, followed by hilly areas, and is lowest in mountainous areas. (2) The respondents’ age, family support ratio, housing structure, whether the access road is paved, and the distance from the main road have significant negative impacts on farmers’ willingness to gather homesteads, while homesteads being idle, the service life of the house, the type of daily energy use, and whether they are far from relatives after relocation have significant positive impacts on farmers’ willingness to gather homesteads. (3) The main influencing factors of farmers’ homestead agglomeration in dam areas are the idle situation of a homestead, housing structure, the service life of the house, and whether they are satisfied with their current homestead residence. (4) The main influencing factors of farmers’ homestead agglomeration in hilly areas are the age of the respondents, the proportion of family workers, and whether they accept the relocation and are far from relatives. (5) The main influencing factors of farmers’ homestead agglomeration in mountainous areas are the age of the respondents, the ratio of family support, the housing structure, and whether the access road is paved. We conclude that there are significant differences in farmers’ willingness to gather homesteads and the influencing factors in different geomorphic areas. Policy makers should formulate differentiated homestead agglomeration optimization schemes and design the optimization paths of homestead agglomeration on the basis of geomorphic classification and subregion. Full article

For residents living in earthquake-threatened areas, choosing suitable risk coping behaviors can effectively reduce the loss of family life and property. However, some residents still choose to continue to live within areas at risk of earthquake disaster. Place attachment may play an important role. Based on place attachment theory and the Protective Action Decision Model (PADM), this study explores the possible relationships among place attachment, efficacy beliefs, and evacuation/relocation intention. Furthermore, it examines the mediating role of efficacy beliefs. The study also used the partial least squares method (PLS-SEM) to test samples of 327 rural households in Wenchuan and Lushan earthquake-hit areas. The results show that: (1) Place attachment has a significant effect on response efficacy (RE), but not on self-efficacy (SE); (2) Place dependence (PD) has a negative and significant effect on relocation intention (RI) but has no significant effect on evacuation intention (EI). However, place identity (PI) can indirectly affect EI by influencing RE; (3) Efficacy beliefs have a significant positive effect on EI and RI. These results help us understand the complex relationships among place attachment, efficacy beliefs, and residents’ risk coping behavior, thus providing decision-making references for the formulation and improvement of regional disaster risk management policies. Full article

The aim of the study was to explore the lived experiences of people diagnosed with cancer from rural and remote areas of Western Australia, who utilise supported accommodation services whilst undergoing treatment in the capital city (Perth). Methods A qualitative phenomenological approach was used in this study. Ten participants were recruited using purposive sampling, who were aged between 35–65 years, were diagnosed with cancer within the previous three months and used accommodation services within the past 12 months. Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with a duration of approximately 45–60 min via Zoom, FaceTime or phone call. Interview data was transcribed, thematically analysed and coded into relevant themes. Results: Three overarching themes were derived from the interviews–“It’s harder to have cancer when you have to relocate for treatment,” “The paradoxical experience of staying at the accommodation,” and “Feeling grateful for the support offered’. Conclusions: People diagnosed with cancer who have to relocate during treatment require emotional, logistical, and social supports. Cancer accommodation services are essential in enabling individuals to continue engaging in meaningful occupations and maintain their quality of life. Our study highlights the need for cancer accommodation services to consider the complex needs of individuals completing treatment for cancer in locations away from their usual homes. Full article

A reasonable layout optimization strategy of rural residential areas can improve the quality of life of rural residents and promote rural revitalization. Evaluating the suitability of rural residential areas is the basis of layout optimization. Based on 1:100,000 land cover data and a digital elevation model (30 m) for the Henan Province, China, we used the minimum cumulative resistance model to evaluate the spatial distribution suitability of rural settlements in the Zhengzhou administrative area (abbreviated: Zhengzhou). Then, we used a weighted Voronoi diagram to determine the scope of influence of central villages and determined the direction of relocation for the “combined migration” rural residential areas. The study results support the following conclusions: (1) the comprehensive resistance value of rural residential areas in the Northeastern part of Zhengzhou is low and the suitability is high. However, the comprehensive resistance value of the Southwestern part is high and the suitability is low. (2) The study area can be divided into highly suitable areas, suitable areas, generally suitable areas, unsuitable areas, and extremely unsuitable areas. Unsuitable areas and extremely unsuitable areas accounted for 33.66% of the total area and included 662 rural residential areas. (3) The rural residential areas were divided into four types of optimization: urbanization, key development, controlled development, and combined migration. Based on an analysis of the characteristics of each type of rural residential area, we proposed corresponding optimization strategies. The results remedy the lack of layout optimization strategies for large-scale rural residential areas and can provide support for the optimization of the layout of rural residential areas in Zhengzhou. Furthermore, the research techniques may apply to other regions. Full article

Independence and having control over one’s own life are important factors for residential satisfaction. In rural areas, the mobility of people is based on owning a private car, due to the lack of public transport. Furthermore, planning in rural municipalities is highly car oriented. Small municipalities with shrinking and aging populations have many challenges to ensure access to services for their residents. This paper focuses on a case study of a small municipality with less than 2000 inhabitants. The objective of the study was to enhance sustainable change in shrinking rural areas and maintain them as good places to live even in the future. Access to local services and social activities is a major challenge for older people, who no longer have the possibility to use their own car. The problem with relocation is the lack of suitable apartments for older people. A dense and walkable municipal centre with accessible apartments may help municipalities provide for their older populations. Moreover, in Finland, second homeowners are an important resource for small municipalities. Spaces for social intercourse between residents and between permanent residents and second homeowners may enhance vitality and community building in these municipalities. Full article