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Rural landscapes, as products of the interaction between humans and nature, not only reflect the history and culture of rural areas but also symbolize economic and social progress. This study proposes a deep learning-based model for Weibo data analysis aimed at exploring the development direction of rural landscapes from the perspective of the Chinese public. The research reveals that the Chinese public's attention to rural landscapes has significantly increased with the evolution of government governance concepts. Most people express a high level of satisfaction and happiness with the existing rural landscapes, while a minority harbor negative emotions towards unreasonable new rural construction. Through the analysis of public opinion regarding rural landscapes, this study will assist decision-makers in understanding the mechanisms of public discourse on social media. It will also aid relevant scholars and designers in providing targeted solutions, which hold significant importance for policy formulation and the exploration of specific development patterns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

‘KM3’ is an F1 hybrid maize developed by the maize breeding team at the National Institute of Crop Science (NICS), Rural Development Administration (RDA), for the Southeast Asian seed market. This hybrid was obtained by crossbreeding two inbred lines— 14K26 and 15VL027. The hybrid was evaluated in a crop-year yield trial in Cambodia, followed by country adaptability trials in Cambodia and Indonesia in 2016 and 2017, respectively. The flint-like seed type of ‘KM3’ makes it suitable for both food and feed, demonstrating its adaptability to Southeast Asia. ‘KM3’ exhibited early maturity, high grain yield as an F1 hybrid, and resistance to downy mildew. The silking date of ‘KM3’ was two days earlier than that of the leading cultivar ‘CP888’ in Cambodia, with a grain yield of 913 kg/10a, outperforming ‘CP888’ by 26% [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

KM5,’ a high grain yielding maize hybrid, was developed for the Southeast Asian seed market in 2018 by the maize breeding team of the National Institute of Crop Science (NICS), Rural Development Administration (RDA). ‘KM5’ was bred by crossing two inbred lines—14K23 and CL59. After a 1-crop year yield trial in Dong Trieu and Vietnam, country adaptability trials were performed in 2017 and 2018 in three different countries—Vietnam, Cambodia, and Indonesia. The seed type is flint-like and suitable for both food and feed. ‘KM5’ adapted well to northern Vietnam, northwestern Cambodia, and Central Java in Indonesia. It is an early maturing, high grain yield F1 hybrid that is also resistant to downy mildew. The silking date of ‘KM5’ in Vietnam is 74 days, which is the same as that of LCH9— a leading cultivar in Vietnam. ‘KM5’ produced a grain yield of 695, 764, and 678 kg/10a in Vietnam, Cambodia, and Indonesia, respectively, thus demonstrating a higher yield than the leading cultivar in each country. ‘KM5’ produced 2%, 27%, and 8% more grain than the respective control varieties in Vietnam, Cambodia, and Indonesia, respectively [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article investigates the practice of exemplarity in rural China through Secretary Xu's oral narratives to provincial leaders and local villagers in a northern model village. It applies a performative narrative analysis to reveal how Xu constructs his persona, utilizing narrative structures, chronotopes, and the interplay of events to forge exemplary images suited to each audience. In presentations to leaders, Xu highlights rural development achievements, while to villagers, he emphasizes common prosperity and community service. This strategic narrative manipulation not only showcases Xu's skill in aligning with both state and local values but also fosters cultural intimacy and community cohesion despite narrative discrepancies. The case study expands the discourse on narrative techniques and representational strategies within rural revitalization and social governance, offering a nuanced perspective on the intersection of narrative, identity, and governance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In many Puget Sound streams, summer low flows have declined in recent decades, and are projected to decline further. Concerns that humans may be responsible have focused on two main causes: anthropogenic climate warming and aspects of development, including urbanization and the abstraction of groundwater. Difficulty in distinguishing their relative impacts has hindered the conception and design of strategies intended to restore and enhance future low flows. We analyzed trends in low flows over recent decades, separating the effects of these factors in two steps. First, low flow variation was assessed in 23 basins that are minimally disturbed by development. Low flows varied over time, and with elevation, in complex ways, consistent with the loss of snowpack at elevations >~800 m. Second, low flow trends in developed lowland basins were compared with trends in a minimally developed lowland reference basin. Flows in developed basins deviated from a purely climate‐driven pattern in unique ways, reflecting unique histories of development. In 21 lowland basins, there was no consistent decline in low flows with increasing impervious land cover, at least between 2001 and 2019. Effects on low flows of private wells alone could be assessed in only one basin, but no impact was evident. An assessment of projected relative impacts on low flows of urbanization, rural development, and anthropogenic warming suggested that the latter will be the greatest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is an important way to realize rural revitalization and sustainable development to guide rural settlement transition (RST) in an appropriate way. This paper uses actor network theory (ANT) to construct a theoretical framework for the study of RST. Taking two typical villages with different transition paths in rural areas of North China Plain as examples, this paper reveals the mechanism of RST and makes a comparative analysis. The results show that: 1) after identifying problems and obligatory passage point, key actors recruit heterogeneous actors into the actor network by entrusting them with common interests, and realize RST under the system operation. 2) Rural settlements under different transition paths have similarities in the problems to be solved, collective actions and policy factors, but there are differences in the transition process, mechanism and effect. The actor network and mechanism of RST through the path of new rural community construction are more complex and the transition effect is more thorough. In contrast, the degree of RST of retention development path is limited if there is no resource and location advantage. 3) Based on the applicable conditions of different paths, this paper designs a logical framework of 'Situation-Structure-Behavior-Result' to scientifically guide the identification of RST paths under the background of rural revitalization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Specialized households serve as the primary units within specialized villages in China, and their capacity to withstand risks and external influences significantly shapes the future trajectory of specialized villages and the overall vitality of the rural economy. In this study, we established a measurement indicator system based on the definition of specialized households' resilience, elucidating the logical connection between specialized households' resilience and rural industrial development in China. The musical instrument industry in Lankao County, Henan Province of China, was employed as a case; survey data, the entropy method, and an obstacle diagnosis model were used to examine how instrument production specialized households responded to the challenges posed by Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and the tightening of national environmental protection policies, yielding the following key findings: 1) there exists substantial variation in the comprehensive resilience levels among different specialized households; 2) the ability to learn and adapt is the most significant contributor to the overall resilience level of specialized households; 3) technological proficiency and access to skilled talent emerge as pivotal factors influencing specialized households' resilience; 4) the positioning of specialized households within the industrial supply chain and the stability of their income have a direct bearing on their resilience level. The influence of specialized households' resilience on industrial development primarily manifests in the following ways: stronger resilience correlates with increased stability in production and sales, fostering a more proactive approach to future actions. However, heightened exposure to the external macroeconomic environment can lead to a higher rate of export reduction. To enhance the development resilience of entities like specialized households and family farms, and to invigorate rural economic development, escalating investments in rural science and technology and prioritizing the training of technical talent become imperative. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agricultural microinsurance is a promising risk management tool for smallholder farmers. However, adoption rates remain low and only a small share of farmers renew their policy after the first period. With the increasing availability of cell phones, mobile-delivered insurance is gaining importance on the market. As for any agricultural microinsurance, it is essential for the longevity of a mobile-delivered insurance scheme to retain a solid customer base. To date, it is unknown what drives the decision to renew a mobile-delivered agricultural microinsurance policy. We address this question by performing mean comparisons and logistic regressions based on primary data collected from 479 smallholder farmers in Mali who purchased a mobile-delivered weather index-based insurance in 2020. Results show that the level of satisfaction with the insurance product was considerably higher among farmers who renewed. We found low levels of understanding of the product among all clients, but especially among those who did not renew. Both factors were confirmed as drivers for renewal. Consistent with previous findings, receiving a payout had the strongest effect on the decision to renew. We conclude that additional measures to foster client satisfaction as well as to promote understanding of agricultural insurance among smallholder farmers are highly recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cultural entrepreneurship is the cornerstone of sustainable development in rural China, especially within the realm of cultural industries. This study aims to investigate the pivotal role of cultural industries in China's rural revitalization and the influence of entrepreneurship on sustainable enterprise development. Using a quantitative approach, the study gathered data from 171 entrepreneurs in China, employing SPSS for analysis. In the first week of March 2023, the survey was carried out throughout China. The research focuses on exploring the impact of rural revitalization strategies on fostering entrepreneurship within cultural industries. Experimenting with an enhanced BP-L-M algorithm, the finding reveals its high accuracy when compared to traditional BP neural networks. The novelty of this study provides valuable insights into the unique challenges and an opportunity faced by rural entrepreneurs in the cultural sector and provides practical recommendations for implementing rural revitalization for entrepreneurship in cultural industries. By emphasizing the significance of entrepreneurship in rural areas and its potential to alleviate poverty and boost economic growth through cultural industries, this research underscores the transformative power of cultural initiatives in shaping the nation's economic landscape. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Programmes focused on buffer zones (BZs) and park revenue-sharing (PRS) are aimed at sharing protected area (PA) benefits with local communities to meet their development needs and, in turn, improve the PA–people relationship. However, whether and how these programmes improve public attitudes towards PAs is little understood. We assessed how residents perceive the benefit and burdens of Nepal's BZ programme, which shares up to 50% of PA revenue with communities, and how this process relates to their perceptions of change in the PA–people relationship since the BZ programme was implemented. Survey results from 2122 households in the BZs of six PAs showed that residents' perceptions of PA–people relationships had improved since the BZ programme's implementation. Furthermore, the perceived trend in the PA–people relationship was positively related to the perception of benefits and satisfaction with coordination between the PA and local government; it was negatively related to perceived burdens of BZ-related laws in rural development, history of damage/loss from wildlife and misunderstandings of the purpose behind BZ funds being given to local communities. These findings provide valuable insights for PA managers in Nepal and worldwide in designing new or improving existing mechanisms of benefit-sharing with local people and to improve PA–people relationships. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: An increasingly complex healthcare system entails an urgent need for competent and resilient leadership. However, there is a lack of extensive research on leadership development within healthcare. The knowledge gaps extend to various frameworks and contexts, particularly concerning municipal healthcare, knowledge leadership, and the application of knowledge in the field of practice. This study is the first in a larger action research project that aims to co-create a knowledge-based continuous leadership development program for healthcare in a rural Arctic municipality. This present study aims to explore the knowledge and experiences of the participating healthcare leaders to develop a common basis for co-creating the program. Methods: This hermeneutical study presents the first cycle of the larger action research project. An appreciative approach facilitated the project. Twenty-three healthcare leaders from three different leadership levels attended and evaluated two leadership development workshops and participated in four focus groups. The data were analyzed using Braun and Clarke's reflexive thematic analysis. Results: Two main themes were identified: (1) changing from striving solo players to team players, and (2) learning to handle a conflicting and complex context. These results influenced how the leadership development program based on the participants' co-creation was organized as a collective and relational process rather than an individual competence replenishment. Conclusions: The knowledge and experiences of healthcare leaders led to the co-creation of a knowledge-based continuous leadership development program based on the facilitated interaction of four essential elements: (1) competence development, (2) structures for interaction, (3) interpersonal safety, and (4) collective values and goals. The interaction was generated through trusted reflection facilitated by appreciative inquiry. The four elements and core played a crucial role in fostering relationships and facilitating learning, driving transformative change in this leadership development program. The study's results provide a solid foundation for further co-creating the program. However, more research is needed to fully explore the practical application and overall significance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

China's rural reform is reliant on farmers' cooperatives as a key organization vehicle. It plays an important role in promoting rural revitalization. Such as, realizing the organic connection between small farmers and agricultural modernization. This study used the nearest neighbor index and kernel density estimation to analyze the spatial distribution and structural characteristics of farmer cooperatives in Hunan Province. It revealed the spatial differentiation law of cooperatives. Also using geographical detectors to figure out the main factors that affect the spatial distribution. The results show that: ① Hunan Farmers Cooperatives show significant spatial agglomeration. The overall spatial distribution shows the spatial characteristics of "one core, one circle, and multiple points". And the spatial distribution pattern of "large agglomeration, finger-shaped radiation distribution". Among them, the distribution of provincial demonstration cooperatives is relatively balanced. ② Cooperatives in six types of industries, such as planting, forestry, and feeding, showed agglomeration distribution. Different industrial cooperatives spread out in different ways, such as in an anti-"L" shape, a dual-core shape, or a one-center area. ③ The 24 influence factors selected from the five dimensions of the natural environment, social economic basis, production basis, output capacity, and facility basis have high, general, and weak influence on cooperatives' spatial distribution. The development and distribution of cooperatives mainly depend on resource endowment, social and economic development level, and market dependence. The spatial distribution heterogeneity of different professional cooperatives is mainly affected by slope, per capita disposable income of rural residents, road density, and other factors. ④ The progression of farmer cooperatives in Hunan Province should prioritize high-quality development, emphasizing the need for innovative approaches and transformative strategies within rural industrial organizations. It is imperative to optimize the spatial distribution of cooperatives, strategically contributing to the establishment of a novel framework for modern agricultural development in Hunan Province. Additionally, there is a critical emphasis on spearheading collaborative initiatives among cooperatives of varied industrial types, aimed at fostering the integrated development of rural primary, secondary, and tertiary industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Digital rural construction is a key strategic direction to promote China's rural revitalization and alleviate global climate problems. In order to put forward feasible suggestions for the subsequent development and ensure the smooth development of digital village construction, how to reflect the development level of the digital village through scientific and reasonable comprehensive evaluation has become an urgent problem to be solved. This paper establishes a comprehensive evaluation index system through the Delphi method and principal component analysis method, then assigns weights to the evaluation indicators based on the improved CRITIC-G1 method, and then grades the development level of digital villages according to the extension matter element method. Finally, taking Jiangxi Province in China as an example, the overall development level of digital villages in Jiangxi Province is evaluated from the provincial level according to the proposed method. And put forward the corresponding countermeasures and suggestions. Results: Firstly, the development level of digital villages in Jiangxi Province is good, and there is a trend of excellent development level. Secondly, from different aspects of digital rural development, the digitalization of infrastructure, services, economy, and green production in Jiangxi Province is at a good level, and the digitalization of life has reached an excellent level. Thirdly, from the perspective of development trends, the digitization of infrastructure has a progressive trend towards an excellent level of development, while the digitization of services, economy and green production has signs of development regression. According to the analysis results, the relevant countermeasures and suggestions are put forward from four aspects: talent, capital, governance system and development planning. Other regions can evaluate the development level of the digital village according to the evaluation model proposed in this paper so as to analyze the existing problems and put forward targeted solutions to promote the construction of the digital village. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To analyze the influencing factors and improvement paths of the service capacity of standardized township health centers in Guangxi under the background of "high-quality service at the grassroots level", providing useful reference for further deepening reform and promoting the healthy development of rural medical and health systems. Methods By the end of 2021, township health centers that have reached the recommended standard of "quality service primary line" service ability were selected as the research samples, and the coupled coordination degree model was combined with fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis method to carry out empirical analysis. Results Single factors cannot constitute a necessary condition for improving or decreasing the service capacity of township health centers. There are a total of four configuration paths for improving the service capacity of township health centers in Guangxi, among which the core sufficient conditions for playing a leading role are the number of high-level practicing (assistant) physicians, the number of registered nurses, and coupling coordination scheduling. The overall consistency of the solution is 0.920 (≥0.8), and the model has strong explanatory power. Conclusion The improvement of service capacity in township health centers in Guangxi is facilitated by the synergistic effect of multiple factors both internally and externally. The optimization and expansion of grassroots talent teams is the core combination element for the improvement of service capacity in township health centers, and the coupling and coordinated development of medical resource allocation and economy is the key element for the improvement of service capacity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The interplay between urban centers and peri-urban villages plays a pivotal role in rural development, particularly in the economic dimension. Analyzing these relationships and their influence on the progress and prosperity of peri-urban villages, coupled with capacity building, empowerment, and the integration of urban-rural management, is essential to reduce disparities and promote spatial justice, aligning with the sustainable development of rural areas. This study aims to assess the effects of Zanjan city's economic drivers on the livability quality of Do Asb and Payin Kouh, two peri-urban villages situated in Zanjan city. Employing a descriptive-analytical and practical approach, the study's statistical population comprises the aforementioned villages in Zanjan city. A sample of 219 households was selected from among the sample population based on Cochran's formula. Data collection involved both library research and fieldwork, including the use of questionnaires. Descriptive and inferential statistics (multivariate regression) were employed for data analysis, along with descriptive statistics (averages) and geographic information systems to analyze land use changes. The research findings unveiled a robust correlation (0.87) between the quality of life in peri-urban villages and the economic drivers of Zanjan city. This indicates a significant and positive relationship between Zanjan city's economic drivers (independent variable) and the quality of life in peri-urban villages (dependent variable). Among the examined variables, communication flow for purchases, with a coefficient of 0.28, contributed most to the variance analysis of the quality of life in peri-urban villages. In contrast, the investment flow of urban residents in village economic activities and the flow of money exchange had relatively lower coefficients of 0.13 and 0.14, respectively. Thus, the research underscores the considerable impact of Zanjan's economic drivers on enhancing the quality of life in peri-urban villages and highlights the pivotal role of rural-urban links in fostering sustainable rural development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractPoverty is a complex problem that affects millions of people worldwide. Despite the various measures taken, there is still a long way to go in eradicating poverty and improving the standard of living for all. This study evaluates the impact of an integrated approach, designed to address specific constraints faced by poor households, on poverty reduction and socio-economic development. The study employed a Randomized Controlled Trials design to evaluate the impact of the intervention. For the analysis, 100 households in the treatment group received the program, while the control group had an equal number of households that did not receive any assistance during the entire research period. Additionally, the study investigated 400 individuals to assess the individual-level outcomes. The findings suggested that the intervention had a positive impact on all economic and financial outcome variables of the treatment group. The study also reported an improvement in the personal lives of the participants by improving physical and mental health. Moreover, the results suggested that the intervention has contributed to increased political involvement and women’s empowerment. In light of these findings, the study recommends an integrated approach that combines various poverty reduction measures to enhance the well-being of impoverished households. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a need for innovative approaches that can accommodate the rural population and manage to keep the rural population in the settlement. At this point, it is important to carry out actions that will adequately meet the living conditions of rural areas and to increase the income levels of rural people. The protection of forests and the maintenance of biological diversity are important in terms of non-wood forest products collected from the forests by the villagers living in that region, and it is very important for the sustainability and economic future of life in the region. In this study, a questionnaire was collected from 130 households living in the region to determine the importance of mushrooms, which grew naturally in the mountains of Strandja and were used for consumption, in terms of family economy and development. The empirical analysis was based on a face-to-face survey of 130 respondents living in villages close to the Strandja Mountains and collecting mushrooms in 2019. The answers given to the questions, which determined the opinions of the participants about the mushrooms growing in nature, were taken with a 5-point Likert scale and factor analysis was performed. Villagers collecting mushrooms could not get the income they wanted from the products they obtained. It was determined that the income of mushroom collectors from mushrooms contributed to their daily needs, but did not make a significant contribution to increasing their welfare level. For this, villagers needed to establish cooperatives and create their own sales points. Since the mushroom collectors used the mushrooms in their diets, the villagers should be trained in mushroom drying and canning to ensure mushroom consumption throughout the year. In the research, it was observed that the local people were aware of the contribution of mushrooms to the economy and that a large part of their food consumption consisted of mushrooms grown in nature and therefore it was important in rural development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study, detailed a survey of the academic debate and scientific trends regarding generational succession in agriculture. Hence this study is categorized under quantitative and qualitative bibliometric research. For this research, the Scopus database was accessed to identify scientific articles from publications between the years 2010 and 2021. The search, which included keywords like "successors" and "farm*", resulted in 57 relevant articles. For the study, eleven thematic categories were selected, viz., Factors that influence generational succession; Gender issues in generational succession; Educational aspects in succession; Coping strategies in relation to the future of rural properties and utilization of agricultural land; Succession planning; Issues related to the dairy farming activity and the presence of successors; The role of rural youth in the succession; Socioeconomic effects on rural properties from the presence of successors; Agricultural transfers to "new" farmers; Emotional and belonging aspects in generational transfer; and Relationships and perceptions of non-successors with respect to rural property and succession. However, the factors that affect generational renewal and gender issues in generational succession are the themes that recur most often in the research. Europe is in the forefront in terms of research on succession, and reveals new research pathways and is on the frontline for the development of public policies on generational succession in agriculture. Finally, the other emerging themes were observed to be those which dealt with the relationship that exists between the emotional aspects and succession, as well as agricultural transfers to "new" farmers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article is furnished with a comprehensive review of nature and extent of rural livelihood diversification with special focus on North-Eastern region of India. This study reveals that the tribal communities of this region adopt livelihood diversification as a strategy of coping with risk due to persistent low agricultural productivity and population pressure. Despite this fact, the extent of diversification is low. Agriculture and land still occupies main source of income. It is evident from this article that this region has great potentialities of diversification towards multiple income sources. But difficult terrain and geographical isolation of this region make these resources yet to be properly utilised. The aim of this review article is to point out some issues related to livelihood diversification of North-Eastern region for further research and also try to attract the eyes of policy makers towards the potentialities of livelihood options available in this region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on Learning Undefeated's mission to revolutionize Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education for rural communities through the use of mobile STEM labs, addressing disparities in access to high-quality learning experiences. Topics include the challenges faced by rural students in accessing STEM education, the transformative impact of mobile STEM labs in leveling the playing field, and collaborative efforts to expand STEM education initiatives.

This article provides a systematic review of the quantitative social science research on broadband Internet technology in rural areas. Specifically, we summarize the literature on 1) rural broadband availability and adoption behaviors and 2) the implications of these behaviors for rural businesses, public policy initiatives, and regional development. In the studies reviewed, rural areas suffer from both lower availability and lower adoption rates compared to their urban counterparts. However, researchers disagree on whether supply frictions inherent to rural areas or heterogeneous demand and adoption behaviors are the major cause of this outcome. Researchers widely agree that high-speed Internet improves economic outcomes of rural areas, whether it is through increases in business activity or in more general economic development measures (e.g. productivity, jobs, income). Impact evaluations of rural broadband policy initiatives produced mixed results, highlighting the need for a better understanding of agents' incentives. This review points to four areas for future research. One, assessments of the long-term impact of broadband on rural economies. Two, analyses of the net effect of broadband on economic development outcomes (e.g. migrants, job creation). Three, assessments of economic development impacts associated with broadband speed. Four, assessments of the efficacy of broadband policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The quest to eradicate poverty, central to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), poses a significant global challenge. Advancement in sustainable rural development is critical to this effort, requiring the seamless integration of environmental, economic, and governmental elements. Previous research often omits the complex interactions among these factors. Addressing this gap, this study evaluates sustainable rural development in China by examining the interconnection between agricultural production and government-led poverty reduction, with annual rainfall considered an influential factor of climate change impacts on these sectors and overall sustainability. Utilizing a Meta-frontier entropy network dynamic Directional Distance Function (DDF) within an exogenous Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) model, we categorize China's 27 provinces into southern and northern regions according to the Qinling-Huaihe line for a comparative study of environmental, economic, and governmental efficiency. This innovative approach overcomes the limitations of previous static analyses. The findings reveal: (1) Rainfall, as an exogenous variable, significantly affects agricultural production efficiency. (2) The overall efficiency in both southern and northern regions increases when accounting for rainfall. (3) Government effectiveness in poverty reduction is comparatively lower in the northern region than in the southern region when rainfall is considered. These insights underscore the importance of including climatic variables in sustainable development policies and emphasize the need for region-specific strategies to bolster resilience against climatic challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the context of green and sustainable development and rural revitalization, analysis of the relationship between economic development and the evolution of carbon metabolism is of great significance for China's future transformation of development models. This study analyzed the spatial characteristics and spatiotemporal evolution pattern of the decoupling status between carbon metabolism and economic development of Laiwu during two periods from 2001 to 2018 at the village and town unit scales by using the Tapio decoupling model. The results showed that the growth rate of carbon metabolism from 2001 to 2009 was significantly higher than that from 2009 to 2018. The spatial heterogeneity of the decoupling states between economic development and carbon metabolism from 2009 to 2018 was significantly stronger than that from 2001 to 2009 in two units. From 2001 to 2018, the development trend gradually trended towards spatial imbalance. The decoupling status between villages and towns had a high degree of consistency from 2001 to 2009 and inconsistency from 2009 to 2018. From 2001 to 2009, the decoupling status of about 78% of villages was consistent with that of towns. Moreover, from 2009 to 2018, the consistency reduced to 32.2%, and the decoupling status of about 48% of villages was weaker than that of towns. According to the reclassification results of different decoupling state change types, from 2001 to 2018, about 52.2% of the villages had a decoupling state evolution type of eco-deteriorated economic development, which is an unsatisfactory development trend in a short time. Moreover, about 12.1% of the villages had a decoupling state evolution type of eco-improved economic development, which is a satisfactory development trend. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For the development of an idyllic rural landscape, an accurate survey of rural buildings is essential. The extraction of rural structures from unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) remote sensing imagery is prone to errors such as misclassifications, omissions, and subpar edge detailing. This study introduces a multi-scale fusion and detail enhancement network for rural building extraction, termed the Multi-Attention-Detail U-shaped Network (MAD-UNet). Initially, an atrous convolutional pyramid pooling module is integrated between the encoder and decoder to enhance the main network's ability to identify buildings of varying sizes, thereby reducing omissions. Additionally, a Multi-scale Feature Fusion Module (MFFM) is constructed within the decoder, utilizing superficial detail features to refine the layered detail information, which improves the extraction of small-sized structures and their edges. A coordination attention mechanism and deep supervision modules are simultaneously incorporated to minimize misclassifications. MAD-UNet has been tested on a private UAV building dataset and the publicly available Wuhan University (WHU) Building Dataset and benchmarked against models such as U-Net, PSPNet, DeepLabV3+, HRNet, ISANet, and AGSCNet, achieving Intersection over Union (IoU) scores of 77.43% and 91.02%, respectively. The results demonstrate its effectiveness in extracting rural buildings from UAV remote sensing images across different regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: As one of the agglomeration models targeting cluster-based rural development, cluster farming has been promoted in Ethiopia and it is already reported to have significant welfare implications, but participation rates are not as high as expected. This study examines the role of land as a constraint to the development of cluster-based development in Ethiopia both using extensive and intensive measures of cluster farming. The study further disaggregates farm households based on their farm size to better understand potential heterogeneities in the relationship between farm size and cluster farming. The paper also documents other household socio-economic and network characteristics that may matter in cluster farming. Methods: We use a large-scale farm household data from 3,969 households coupled with some expert insights on cluster farming in Ethiopia. Households in the study areas grow major staples such as maize, wheat, teff, malt barley, and sesame in four main regions of Ethiopia. We employ a double hurdle model to examine both the decision to participate and the extent to which households participate in cluster farming. By extent of participation, we refer to the amount of land and share of land farm households contribute to cluster farming. For robustness purposes, we also estimate the Tobit and Linear Probability Models. Results: We show a positive association between farm size and cluster farming both at the extensive and intensive margins. This relationship turns negative for large amounts of land. This shows that cluster farming increases with farm size up to a threshold beyond which it declines. We also find suggestive evidence that participation rates are lower for small-scale farms, but also declines for large-scale farms. In addition, we show that access to information and network characteristics also matter in enabling cluster farming. Conclusion: The findings of this study are relevant in the framework of plans to upscale the cluster-based development initiative in Ethiopia. Attention to landholding issues is key and may be an important area where policy action can be geared to boost cluster farming. Moreover, our results inform potential targeting plans that aim to increase the participation of small-scale farmers who are usually the intended targets of such programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article compares rural credit systems in Thailand and Cambodia in order to advance studies on financialization and rural development in South East Asia. In Thailand, the state remains a large provider of credit to farmers. In Cambodia, most farmers access credit from a globalized, private microfinance industry. Based on qualitative research carried out in 2021 and 2022, we argue that farmer debt has led to divergent outcomes in Thailand and Cambodia due to their opposing systems of rural credit developed over the past half-century. These systems were forged within historically specific conjunctures of international development policies, state–capital relations and domestic politics of debt. Consequently, Thailand’s farmers access credit from the state at significantly lower costs and with more support in various forms. Over-indebtedness is a problem for some farmers, but not because state-controlled financial institutions charge excessive interest rates. In contrast, the cost of private credit is higher in Cambodia, with many farmers facing over-indebtedness with little to no support from the government. This article contributes to scholarship on financialization within South East Asia by demonstrating how the legacies and geopolitics of development, alongside the contentious politics of farmer debt, together shape the outcomes of rural credit systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Improving agricultural total factor productivity is crucial for comprehensive rural revitalization and building a strong agricultural nation. Digital inclusive finance amalgamates the benefits of digital technology and inclusive finance, mitigating financial exclusion in agricultural production. It fosters rural revitalization and the modernization of agriculture by bolstering farmers' innovation, entrepreneurship, and agricultural technology advancements. Consequently, it significantly enhances overall agricultural total factor productivity. This study uses panel data from 2011 to 2020 to empirically investigate the impact and mechanism of digital inclusive finance on agricultural total factor productivity in Zhejiang Province, China. The research results show that digital inclusive finance significantly enhances agricultural total factor productivity in Zhejiang Province, which holds true even after a series of robustness tests. Analysis of the mechanism reveals that the integrated development of rural industries plays a crucial mediating role in empowering agricultural total factor productivity through digital inclusive finance. Furthermore, heterogeneity analysis indicates that the positive effect of digital inclusive finance on agricultural total factor productivity is more pronounced in the northeastern region of Zhejiang Province and in areas ranked in the second tier of agricultural development. Therefore, we recommend comprehensively enhancing the development of digital inclusive finance in rural areas, fostering a financial ecosystem that integrates rural industries, promoting the coordinated development of digital inclusive finance in different regions, and comprehensively improving agricultural total factor productivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The construction of tourist towns is an important aspect of new-type urbanization construction. In this study, 155 tourist towns in Fujian Province were selected as samples to analyze spatiotemporal differentiation using the geographical concentration index, nearest neighbor index, and local correlation index. Then, a geographic detector model was used to detect the factors that influence the spatiotemporal differentiation of tourist towns and to analyze the explanatory power and interaction of these detection factors. Finally, the mechanisms underlying the detection factors were discussed. Factors affecting the spatiotemporal differentiation of tourist towns in Fujian Province were core factors of traffic network, level of urbanization and population distribution; important factors of industrial structure and socioeconomic basis; and a fundamental factor of policy guidance. These six factors interacted to jointly affect the spatiotemporal differentiation of tourist towns in Fujian Province. The results of this study can provide a basis for the development of tourist towns in other similar regions and have reference value for better optimizing the pattern of urban and town systems and coordinating the synergistic development of urban and rural areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, we examine how the European Union (EU) acts as an international organisation, developing policies to be implemented by national governments. We focus on agriculture and gender equality. We examine the relationship between the EU and Member States regarding the construction and delivery of policies. It is a complex process, with differential levels of power and other actors in the process, notably lobby groups. We examine how agricultural policies and gender equality policies are developed. We examine the 2014–2020 Rural Development Regulation and carried out research in four member states. Interviews were undertaken with people who have experience of implementing the Common Agricultural Policy measures at a national level. We find the power of key players to be very strong in the agricultural context and weak in the gender context. When the two fields are ‘married’, we find there is little scope or interest to advance gender equality measures in agricultural policy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

From the perspective of endogenous development concept, Dujiazhuang Village, Mentougou was taken as an example to explore the development of rural cultural tourism space. The rural tourism resources in the west of Beijing are rich in type and numerous, but the development of cultural tourism is unbalanced and inadequate. Guided by the endogenousconcept and driven by the design of cultural tourism space, rural public space should be as the entry point to integrate the elements of rural resources and create a design that stimulates the endogenous ability of villagers. Culture can promote tourism, and industry can drive the economy to increase income and enhance the villagers' cultural identity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Animal husbandry is one of the pillar industries for agricultural and rural development, which has a significant impact on ensuring food safety. Under the promotion of the rural revitalization strategy, the construction of a Chinesestyle animal husbandry power has achieved certain results. The pace of transformation and upgrading of Chinese animal husbandry industry has accelerated, production capacity has continued to improve, and quality, efficiency, and competitiveness have continued to improve. The continuous growth of the animal husbandry industry greatly drives rural development and increases farmers' income. Technological support has been strengthened, the green development process has been comprehensively promoted, and significant achievements have been made in the construction of a Chinese-style animal husbandry power. Based on this, the construction of a Chinese-style animal husbandry power needs to practice the concept of green development, adapt to the specific embodiment of high-quality development requirements, and promote the key path and core task of common prosperity. The development of animal husbandry needs to fill the industry's shortcomings, comprehensively improve the quality of development, adhere to expand domestic demand, and effectively drive the accelerated growth of agriculture and rural economy. We should deepen technological reform, empower the green transformation and upgrading of the animal husbandry industry, and provide useful references for driving the construction of a Chinese style animal husbandry power. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent salvage excavations at Ḥorvat Tevet in northern Israel revealed a cemetery consisting of at least 25 burials dated to the Iron I period (11th--10th centuries BCE). In this article, the burial practices employed in this cemetery are analyzed in order to shed light on the social complexity, economy, and funerary rituals of a rural community in the Jezreel Valley in the period between the collapse of Egyptian rule in Canaan and the formation of early monarchic Israel. Based on the finds in the graves and variations between graves, it is concluded that the site was home to a community characterized by minimal wealth accumulation, limited social division, and few long-distance trade contacts, though there are implications that the site had connections with the Beth-Shean Valley. This evidence is then contextualized in light of mortuary data from the Late Bronze II--Iron IIA Jezreel Valley in order to define aspects of continuity and change during the transition from Canaanite city-states to territorial polities.1 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Debating the development of family farming demands the interpretation of multiple contexts. It was proposed to analyze the pentagon of capitals (human, social, physical, financial and natural) of family farmers inserted in the settlements of Bom Jardim and Facão, located in the municipality of Cáceres, Mato Grosso, based on the conception of rural development of settled family farming. For this, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 114 farmers from the settlements, in which the data were analyzed from the pentagon of capitals (human, social, physical, financial and natural). Multidimensional adversities were identified in the five capitals, antagonistic to the development of family farming. Overcoming the stagnation of settlements requires the organization of a set of specific policies, and/or facilitating access to existing programs, reinforcing the accumulation of capital from family farming to then achieve rural development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Starting in 2005, the National Colonization Institute (INC) generated a change in the focus of public policy; focusing its actions on the promotion of associative efforts in its most diverse forms, to promote social and economic integration of family farmers. By surveying of the trajectory of two groups of settlers, family cattle in Uruguayan coast, we sought to understand the internal processes of collective self-management of INC lands; particularly, in aspects to the management of the natural grassland as a resource of common use. The methodology was based on semi-structured interviews carried out with extension technicians and the farmers of the analysed groups. The analysis of the information shows that, in this type of venture, trust between the members is a key factor to achieve the objectives set by the group. Of the operation, the establishment and evolution from learning, of the operative and collective rules, which have a relevant incidence in the management of the common good, stand out. The social interaction and the involvement of the members in the actions of the collective is what sustains the continuity of the venture in common. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amidst the burgeoning interest in rural Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) tourism, this study, anchored in the Stimulus–Organism–Response (S–O–R) theoretical framework, chose Meizhou Island in Fujian Province as a case study to examine the impacts of tourists' perceptions of authenticity and their engagement levels on the destination image and loyalty towards rural ICH tourism. Utilizing Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) to analyze survey data, findings revealed that higher perceptions of a destination's preservation of original characteristics and traditional values correlate with a more favorable overall perception of the destination, albeit with smaller impact on emotional connections. Conversely, depth of tourist engagement was shown to enhance both understanding and emotional bonds with the destination. Further, familiarity with the destination was found to foster affection, thereby increasing the likelihood of repeat visits or recommendations. The more tourists know about a place, perceiving it as authentic, the more likely they are to remain loyal; similarly, deeper engagement enhances understanding and affection, increasing the probability of revisiting or recommending the place. These outcomes not only offer new insights into tourist behavior but also provide theoretical and practical guidance for the protection and development of rural ICH tourism, destination marketing, and management strategies, thus promoting the sustainable development of rural ICH tourism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes a novel theoretical model for the community-based enterprise, which could assist in achieving UN sustainable development goals within craft communities in developing nations. This model focuses on building enterprise skills in vulnerable communities, sustaining traditional crafts and strengthening community capacity for self-determination. This article distills qualitative data from case studies, participatory action research workshops and field observations within traditional handloom craft communities in Sri Lanka. It explores the prevailing status of community-based entrepreneurship practices and argues that under current practices, entrepreneurial culture is not deeply embedded in community life, leading young people to move away from the traditional way of life and damaging the cohesion of traditional communities. This study establishes the need to sustain levels of social capital, support family networks, and encourage innovation to develop enterprise in craft communities. We recommend various strategies for overcoming structural and socio-cultural barriers to enterprise and to establish community-based sustainable development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Solomon Islands, women's groups play an important role in promoting socially inclusive development and women's empowerment. In this paper, we summarise the experiences of a 5‐year participatory action research partnership to enhance rural livelihood activities based on aquatic foods. The women's savings groups that participated in this research identified solar‐powered freezers as an innovation suitable to their skills and environment. The 12 freezers we used in our partnership to pilot this innovation had tangible benefits. More than 700 unique users accessed the freezers, 3900 kg of fish was stored and over USD6,000 was saved in total; however, accumulation of savings varied greatly between groups. The women's groups demonstrated that operating solar‐powered freezers can be financially viable, and the innovation integrated well with their livelihood activities. This conclusion provides an alternative to dominant development narratives, which tend to focus on building large‐scale infrastructure, and often exclude women. Existing marketing skills and cooperation were strengths on which the women built. Poor‐quality technology was the biggest impediment to success. Solving this basic problem should be a priority for any future cold‐storage initiative. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research was carried out in 2023 in a total five different regions of Somalia, including Mogadishu the capital city, along with four other towns: Afgooye, Baydoa, Jowhar and Belet-hawa, to reveal the problems faced by legume growers and to investigate ways to solve them, thus contributing to the security of food and agricultural sustainability. A total of 100 farmers, 20 randomly selected from each city/town, participated in 30 survey questions face to face. As a result of the research conducted in the mentioned regions, it was seen that there are problems in pest and disease control, weed control, fertilizer application and irrigation techniques and water use in legume agriculture. These problems are the main factors affecting the production of legumes. To prevent such problems and mistakes, farmers need to pay extra attention to get better quality and higher yields from their legume production, and sustainability-based studies must be increased to solve such problems, especially for food security. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study analyzed the impact of the USDA's Broadband Initiatives Program on employment and business survival. While average employment declined in both program and non‐program areas, the decline was less severe in program areas, suggesting a positive impact. This impact was primarily observed in metro counties, the service sector, and employer establishments. Businesses in program areas were also less likely to fail than those outside the program areas, with variation across location, business type, and industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Empowerment, as it represents community members' sense of control and ability to cope with a changing environment, plays a crucial role in sustainable tourism. This study explored the (dis)empowerment processes in the context of rural tourism development. The power typology was presented as a process of change that transformed the lives of rural community members through tourism development. Through a multi-method approach that combined community workshops and interviews with tourism stakeholders from four rural communities, this study expanded the theorization of tourism-related empowerment processes by integrating Rowlands's model of empowerment and McClelland's classification of power experiences. Findings highlighted that tourism development could lead to both empowerment and disempowerment in all four expressions of power, through processes of "power over" (access and control over resources), "power within" (individual autonomy and belief), "power with" (opportunities for collective action), and "power to" (individual capability for taking action). Moreover, the four expressions of power were found to be interrelated and interwoven. Specifically, our findings revealed that 1) "power with" and "power to" build upon each other; 2) "power over" interacted with "power with"; 3) "power with", "power to" and "power over" influenced "power within". Theoretical and practical implications were discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article proposes 'frontier tourism development' as an apt analytical lens through which to understand contemporary tourism development in rural peripheries. Based on a rich case study of more than 90% of households across seven villages in the Manaslu Conservation Area, the article analyses local-level inequalities in participation and benefits from tourism development in one of the world's most remote peripheries—the high Himalayas of Nepal. The analysis documents that distance to the trekking trail running through the area significantly determines engagement in the tourism sector and that, among participating households, the wealthier obtain significantly more tourism income. These local-level findings show how development initiatives intended to engender a more equal distribution of tourism income at a regional scale may end up increasing income inequalities at a local scale. Interpreting these findings though the notion of frontier tourism development as a particular kind of commodity frontier, the article highlights challenges to market-oriented inclusive tourism development in the face of composite rural economies and rapidly changing livelihood conditions. It documents bubble-like barriers to trickle-down and backward linkages at the frontiers of tourism development; illustrates the need for broader analytical alternatives to dominant value chain approaches; and encourages a more robust integration between studies of rural tourism and the wider political economy perspectives of critical agrarian studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Community-based tourism is key to rural sustainable development. However, information remains inadequate on how natural resource management institutions restructure community social capital and property rights regimes while developing community cooperation and tourism participation within evolving rural socio-economic systems. This study investigates two rural villages, one under a household-based rangeland transfer system and the other under a community cooperative institution, to quantitatively assess how each mediates rights-based, structure-based, and network-based access mechanisms influencing community cooperation and tourism outcomes. The community cooperative institution facilitated higher rights-based and network-based access to tourism resources and markets for all community members, improving tourism participation and the equitable distribution of tourism benefits. This is because it uses hybrid and nested property rights provisions and social capital operating at different scales to protect individual rights and the balance of power. These practices restore social reciprocity, community redistribution, and market networks in building community cooperation, which better responds to the changing features of the rural socio-economic system. Therefore, social capital and property rights regimes are components of a nested community institution used to restructure social networks, rights, and entitlements. By these means, rural communities can devise different cooperative scales to govern their access to tourism resources and markets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rural China has faced considerable challenges in recent decades, leading to the dissolution of many state-owned forest farm communities and threatening sustainable development. There remains a need to understand the drivers and characteristics associated with these changes, including the influence of rural tourism on combating forest recession. This study addresses these concerns by constructing and applying a regional sociology framework to investigate the link between tourism and the evolution of communities in rural forested areas. Focusing on forest farm communities in central China, recent findings indicate that tourism has complicated social relations, leading to a transformation of identity from a predominantly status-based, industrial, and cultural identity to a comprehensive regional identity. The study aims to enrich tourism and identity theory, providing theoretical and practical guidance for understanding and enhancing forest community development and sustainability through rural tourism in China and elsewhere. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Early childhood interventions played a critical role in improving child development in impoverished contexts. Combined nutrition and psychosocial stimulation interventions (CNPSI) have shown more benefits than stand-alone supplemental nutrition interventions (SNI) in many developing countries. Based on a cluster randomized controlled trial in rural northwestern China, this study tested alternative theory-driven hypotheses regarding how primary caregiver's education and family income may moderate the CNPSI's effects on child growth environment and developmental delay risk. The trial cluster randomized 1,566 children aged 7–33 months from 111 villages (clusters) in Huachi County, Gansu Province, into an SNI group (N = 852) and a CNPSI group (N = 714). Multilevel regression models suggested that the CNPSI group had better home growth environment (p < 0·001) and lower risk of developmental delay (p < 0·001) than the SNI group. The CNPSI's impacts on home growth environment and development delay were weaker for parents with higher education levels. However, household income did not significantly moderate the CNPSI effect for either outcome. Future interventions need to attend to the educational disparities in the resource-poor context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Livelihood initiatives are common within marine protected areas (MPAs) aiming for poverty alleviation or higher income opportunities. However, results can be mixed in reality, as well as change over time. Furthermore, who benefits is a key consideration, as results can vary based on inequalities, including gender. Here, the monetary outcomes of different livelihood strategies were investigated across three MPA regions in Zanzibar, Tanzania. Using a quantitative approach, the results show that livelihoods have shifted in a six-year period, with livelihood strategies differing in poverty incidence and income. Livelihood initiatives, namely seaweed farming and tourism, did not provide significantly higher monetary returns compared to long-standing livelihoods, such as fisheries. Seaweed farming showed income stability but a high poverty incidence predominantly within women-headed households. During the study period, men primarily remained in fisheries, whilst women shifted to small-scale businesses and fisheries, largely exiting seaweed farming. This underscores a need for adaptive, gender sensitive management within fast changing coastal contexts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Shortening food supply chains attracts increasing support from policymakers, to improve returns to farmers and stimulate rural development. However, there is a lack of empirical evidence regarding the impacts of short food supply chains on local economies. To address this, the article quantifies the impacts of short food supply chains on local economies, using the Keynesian-based Local Multiplier 3 method (LM3), applied to a unique dataset of 122 farm businesses from five European Union countries (France, Hungary, Italy, Poland and the United Kingdom). Estimations cover 305 market chains, comprising both short and long food supply chains, in which sampled farmers participate. The results indicate that the revenues from farm production remain largely within local economies, generating a substantial multiplier effect (LM3 > 2). This effect stems from purchases of farm inputs locally including, in the first instance, hiring local labour, as well as the expenditures of local suppliers that re-spend part of their revenues within the local area. The multiplier effects of short food supply chains are similar to long food supply chain equivalents as both use largely local labour and source tradable inputs locally. In shaping food chain policy a broader set of socioeconomic benefits to local development from selling through short food supply chains should be considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Village Fund in Indonesia has been praised as a breakthrough policy in eradicating rural poverty. This article, based on a study of a "best practice village" in central Java, however, reveals that the Village Fund has simply facilitated the triumph of the village ruling class. Though village political institutions have adopted good governance measures (participation, transparency, accountability, and so on), the poor remain largely powerless and are unable to gain a significant share of the Village Fund. In contrast to existing "elite capture" literature which has often highlighted local elite domination, this article moves beyond this limited view. By looking at the economic bases of the powerful actors occupying village political positions and institutions, this article shows how members of the village ruling class are primarily capitalist farmers whose power lies in land ownership and agricultural commodity production. As a result, development projects in rural areas continue to be the "prize" for the village ruling class when there is no re-organisation in the structure of land ownership and production relations in the countryside. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Smallholder, indigenous farmers play a key role in the food system in Ecuador, applying traditional farming practices that ensure the sustainability of their food production and meeting the dietary demands of many urban consumers, especially for organic vegetables and dairy products. This study examines the position of six women's associations in the central Ecuadorian Andes, discussing their evolution from rights-based to market-oriented organizations producing and selling agroecological products. We discuss how the history of these associations has led them to play a role in local politics and national policies around agriculture and highlight how these organizations have succeeded both economically and socially, while also noting the challenges they face, as observed by themselves and outsiders. While the history of women's agroecological production organizations in Ecuador may be unique, as it is entrenched in indigenous rights movements, our results also point to opportunities and obstacles that are more common across small scale farmers and deserve attention from both policymakers and agricultural organizations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of rural sports depends on many factors, but the complex causal relationship between various factors and the level of rural sports development is not clear. Using data envelopment analysis (DEA) and fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA), this study aims to examine the driving role of various factors on rural sports development and construct various grouping paths to improve the level of rural sports development in China. The results shows that the area of fitness venues and social capital participation are sufficient conditions for the development of rural sports in China. Resource endowment through government fing, social capital participation and the construction of sports venues and facilities is the key driving factor for rural sports development in China. There are four grouping paths for the high-quality development of rural sports, which are divided into three configurations by combining the grouping characteristics: the state-social capital jointly controlled type driven by economic development and the resource endowment driven by the modernization of the agriculture promotes production and the grassroots organizations that are supported by the advantage of resource endowment. The results of the study highlight the complex causal relationships and key driving factors of rural sports development in China, highlight the differences in rural sports development patterns in different regions, and provide new ideas and guidelines for improving the level and quality of rural sports development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the countryside, where intensive rural development and rising property values have been observed since the late 1970s, the preservation and meaning of traditional dwellings have emerged as crucial considerations in shaping Hong Kong's countryside conservation policy. The focus of this paper is on the conservation of temples, as we are drawn to these structures not only for their architectural merit but also for their role as public buildings within the countryside. Consequently, their cultural significance is heavily influenced by the stakeholders they are associated with, distinguishing them from other types of dwellings. This paper examines the coastal landscape of South Lantau, which includes several villages with distinct traditions that have undergone significant transformations since the 1960s. Located at the southwest edge of Hong Kong, Lantau Island had a rural lifestyle that was relatively undisturbed before WWII because of the difficulty in accessing the island. However, in response to the large people influx from China's mainland after 1949, the Hong Kong government introduced the Lantau Development Plan in 1953, mainly to open up new sources of freshwater resources for Hong Kong Island. The construction of South Lantau Road in 1955 and Shek Pik Reservoir in 1957 gradually led to the decline of agricultural activities in South Lantau and the population exodus of local villagers, resulting in a rupture to regional traditions. In multilineage communities such as the villages on South Lantau, worship of a common deity provides a vital source of social bonding, particularly for an area long beset by typhoons, piracy and banditry. Local people pray for safety and prosperity through collective rituals and celebratory activities. Therefore, temples are not only religious establishments but also embody the sense of social solidarity among villagers on South Lantau. Through the case study of three rural villages on South Lantau, this paper examines how temples play an important role in the continuity of the communal network amid repercussions from the postwar disruption of traditional rural life. Significantly, this pilot study also draws attention to the functions of temples in their historical context. It emphasises the importance of recognising and re-evaluating these buildings for cultural enhancement as part of community engagement. This study provides valuable insights for future conservation efforts for religious buildings in the countryside. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]