Governance & Development

Agricultural systems are complex systems, framed by environmental, economic and social concerns - being absent outside of territorial and socio-ecological perspectives. These systems produce our food and raw materials, amenities and ecosystem services, and are sources of productivity growth and technological innovation.

Research in the context of this TL envisages a people-centred approach that can help strengthen the potential of rural areas by improving the well-being of the rural population. This approach, in line with the OECD's Rural 3.0 strategy, reflects a vision of compromise between economic objectives, social and environmental concerns, taking into account the coexistence of different types of rural areas and considering the different stakeholders: the administration, farmers, private companies, agribusiness, civil society and researchers. As such, it is also aligned with the MED's objectives, seeking to increase excellence in research and contribute to the sustainability of agro-ecosystems in the Mediterranean. 

The main objectives of this thematic line are linked to the territorial and socio-ecological perspectives on agriculture and ecosystems, and the contribution of Mediterranean agriculture, related ecosystems and the actors involved in rural development in terms of supporting employment, businesses and environmental services. 

The main questions are:

• What challenges and opportunities are there in recognising the diversity of different rural areas, taking into account the OECD's Rural 3.0 strategy?
• How can value be added to rural economic activities and agribusiness, supporting adaptation to demographic change and different public services, i.e. how can innovative governance models contribute to rural development?
• What policy models can promote and support the necessary changes, boosting productive activities and agribusiness, while also contributing to the preservation of ecosystems?