Chapter 20. Active Regions - Shaping Rural Futures: A Model for New Rural Development in Germany

摘要

Rural areas in Germany are very diverse. They differ, for example, in terms of landscape, local natural conditions, regional traditions and cultural heritage - and, predominantly, with regard to their economic situation. There are rural regions in Germany that are distinguished by strong economic development and very low unemployment. On the other hand, there are many rural regions that battle with high unemployment, a lack of prospects for young people and thus depopulation, particularly of the younger and better educated. In areas like these, it is doubtful whether opportunities for the future can be opened up by merely attempting to follow the development pathways taken by regions that are now prospering. Often, the prerequisites for this are lacking, due to, for instance, lack of market proximity, low population density or a deficient economic tradition. In earlier decades, agriculture was a major factor in the structure and economies of rural regions, but today its importance has lessened considerably. Therefore, rural regions need to be considered holistically. In addition to agricultural production, other employment opportunities and sources of income such as tourism, crafts and trades and businesses must also become the focus of attentionof a policy for rural areas that is prepared for future challenges. In response to these circumstances, the Federal Ministry of Consumer Protection, Food and Agriculture launched the "REGIONEN AKTIV -Land gestaltet Zukunft" (ACTIVE REGIONS -Shaping Rural Futures) programme on 10 September 2001. Its aim was that the participating model regions reveal how the population's demands on agriculture can be better taken into consideration than has previously been the case, and suggest what new pathways are possible in rural development. Eighteen model regions were selected in a two-tier process. The paper discusses in some detail the approach of the programme and its main principles. The implications for the development process and structures in the model regions are also examined.