Rural Development in Portugal

University of Oradea

Faculty of Geography, Tourism and Sport

2014/2015

Rural Development in Portugal

Lecture: Tourist Valorification and Development of the Rural Space

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Student: Sara Rodrigues

Instructor: Dr. Marcu Stasac

ContesteIntroduction.............................................21. Rural Development.....................................32. Rural Development in Portugal.........................32.1. The delimitation of rurality in the national

territory...............................................3

2.2. Importance of local development....................5

2.3. The (re)discovery of the multifunctionality of rural

areas...................................................6

3. Strategies of rural development.......................83.1. Strategies of rural development – the initiative

LEADER..................................................9

Conclusion..............................................10Bibliography............................................11

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IntroductionCurrently witnessing a situation in which the economies of

the countries are dominated, increasingly, by the

phenomenon of globalization, that is, the world is becoming

a global village and it appears, therefore, that the fate

of each country is strongly influenced by world events.

This globalization has been possible thanks to political

changes, in order of most dictatorial regimes; economic,

with the great progress achieved in many countries; social,

with increased life expectancy; cultural, with current

communication facilities, religious, in the face of

changing values and standards of life; and technological,

verifying that it is easier, for example, walking from

country to country, than from city to city within the same2



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country. Thus, when writing about rural development in

Portugal will have, necessarily, to take account of the

reality that we are witnessing in this field in the world

and especially in Europe.

1.Rural DevelopmentThe rural development concept has been a reason of

reflection in Europe and all over the world. The concept

may be defined in a simple way, such as improving the

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living conditions of residents in rural areas, by

integrating the economy, culture and politics of these

regions. Where we have to consider the relationship with

nature, civic responsibility in areas that are not densely

populated and that depend on the city, which means that,

its development profile depends on the size of the cities

of proximity.

The rural is not all of it homogeneous and should not be

treated as such. We should look at each case with an

analyte, physical object and human space, it is why is

difficult to reach a consensus on the definition of rural,

perhaps because there are 'several rural', and each with

unique characteristics; traditions, landscape, economy,

agriculture and other factors that contribute to major

differences in a country so small. Until it becomes

confusing in some cases mention the development, because

this does not exist and seems to have no way or place.

However, in other places, this development is visible and

well accepted by their populations.

2.Rural Development in Portugal

2.1. The delimitation of rurality in the national

territoryRural areas occupy the most part of national territory,

living there about 30% of the population. This large area

that they occupy represents a large wealth and diversity of

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natural, human and cultural recourses. However, most of

these areas are affected by common problems, which

emphasize the development of contrasts between them and the

urban spaces.

Image 1 - The delimitation of rurality in the national territory

Source: Prof. Joaquim Madruga

Reading the map that follows allows us to locate the

diversity of spaces in mainland Portugal: councils deeply

rural, agro-industrial, not agricultural and urbans.

Image 2 - Different types of rural areas

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2.2. Importance of local developmentThe evolution of agro forestry sector and industries

associated with it was greatly influenced by the accession

to the European Union and, consequently, the Common

Agricultural Policy (CAP). Although there have been notable

progress in this sector in terms of technology and

increased labor productivity and welfare of agents linked

to it, the Portuguese rural world recorded also a

significant loss of demographic and economic vitality.

Thus, the poorest rural areas have become increasingly less

attractive and the depopulation of these areas has

intensified. There is therefore a need to value the rural

areas, trying to solve the problems of agro forestry

sector, in order to increase the standard of living of the

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Urban

Agricultural areas with industry or servicesNot agricultural Rural areas (small or big

Rural areas (big



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rural population and to stop the depopulation of rural

areas. It is important, give an adequate response, because

the development of this sector is important for the

sustainability of many territories, in terms of production,

employment and income but also in preserving the

environment, natural resources, landscape and biodiversity.

The valorization of rural areas should be made taking into

account their sustainable development1.

Image 3 – Idanha–a–nova village (one of the most deserted

villages in

the country)

Source: Reconquista, 2011

1 Sustainable Development: ability to respond the needs of current generations without compromising future generations.

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2.3. The (re)discovery of the multifunctionality of

rural areasThe revitalization of rural areas can be made through

diversification of activities on farms and forest areas.

The multifunctionality of rural areas implies, in general,

the pluriactivity level of agricultural households allowing

multi-income through alternative or complementary

activities. Multifunctionality also implies the possibility

of preserving the values, culture, heritage and potentiate

local resources. This is a strategic option that could

improve the living conditions of many rural areas, away

from the situation of "disadvantaged". However, it will be

possible only with the fixation of population and the

development of economically sustainable activities.

Many farms have bet today in appreciation, through the

production and marketing of traditional and regional

quality products, especially in the sectors of wine, olive

oil, cheese, meat, milk, sweets, etc.

Image 4 – Some traditional products in Portugal


In other cases, development of rural tourism has been the

focus and offer activities that allow the occupation of the

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territory and at the same time, preserve and protect the

environment. This multifunctionality of explorations may be

extended to surrounding areas with the establishment of

industries, the development of handicrafts and tourism and

diversification of services.

Tourism can be a local development engine because: creates

jobs; promotes the development of other upstream activities

(eg construction, transport and industry) and downstream

(eg, crafts, catering and trade); contributes to the

meeting of cultures and projects the Portuguese culture in

the world; promotes occupation of leisure activities;

encourages the development of handicrafts and promotes the

quality of products in the region; avoids the depopulation

of rural areas; etc. The rural tourism (TER) is a type of

tourism relatively recent in Portugal. Had its origin in

the North West - Ponte de Lima. The TER provides a host

family in rural houses that can serve not only of residence

to the owners as, simultaneously, disclosure of family and

local heritage.

Image 5 - Quinta das Pias (Pinhel, Guarda)

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http://www.toprural.pt/Quinta-ou-casa-rural-quartos/Quinta-Das-Pias_102398_f.html



2014/2015

Source: Toplural, 2009

Other forms of development of rural areas is also the

development of forestry, because the forests are an

essential part of rural areas in Portugal and perform

various functions, such as economic (eg producing raw

materials and fruits) and environmental (eg : preserving

biodiversity). The development of energy crops is also

important not only for rural development but also to the

reduction of carbon dioxide to the atmosphere. Energy crops

are crops for the production of energy products, including

biofuels and electric and témica energy from biomass.

Image 6 – Colza culture in Alentejo

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Source: Toplural, 2009

Another way involves the development of

organic farming. This is a production method

aimed at producing food and fibers of high

quality, healthy, while promoting sustainable

and positive impact on the ecosystem

agricultural practices. In the organic

farming they not use the application of

pesticides or chemical fertilizers, or the use of

genetically modified organisms.

3.Strategies of rural development Rural development has been a matter of growing concern for

regional development policies.

Regarding financing programs, the most relevant policies in

the European context are the agricultural policies of the

PAC (Common Agricultural Policy), which is designed to

encompass all countries, regardless of their scale, but

that does not meet with the financing of small

explorations, which is a present reality in the North of

Portugal. We still count with the program of structural

policies for regional development and economic and social

cohesion of the NSRF policies (National Strategic Reference

Framework). This provides a package of aid for the

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agricultural sector and rural areas, through the FEDER

(European Regional Development Fund), the LIDERII (Linking

Between Development actions of Rural Economic), among

others, with the main objective to promote rural

development.

Currently in Portugal have seen the government support to

young farmers through the PRODER (Rural Development

Programme), arguing that the revitalization of the

manufacturing base in the agricultural sector in Portugal,

is a priority of economic development.

Of all these measures stand out: the agro-environmental

measures that encourage agricultural production methods

aimed at environmental protection; compensatory allowances

for disadvantaged areas, which contribute to the

maintenance of sustainable agriculture in the environmental

point of view; the support for forestry, for their

sustainable management; the community initiative LEADER.

3.1. Strategies of rural development – the

initiative LEADER Due to its importance in the

community rural development

support, we have the LEADER

initiative (Link Between

Rural Economic Development Actions), which encourages pilot

projects for integrated rural development. The

implementation of this initiative, 1991-1994 (LEADER I),

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and 1994-1999 (LEADER II) had positive effects on

Intervention Areas that cover almost all rural areas of the

country. In the QCA (Community Support Framework) III

(2000-2006), came to be called LEADER +, continuing to

cover the same territory in the period 2007 - 2013, but

with the developments on development projects. This

initiative, by its objectives and measures could involve

the local communities in the definition of sustainable and

integrated way development strategies.

The specific objectives of

LEADER + for Portugal are:

mobilize, reinforce and

improve the initiative,

organization and local expertise; encourage and improve

cooperation between rural areas; promote recovery and the

classification of rural areas, turning into opportunities

spaces; ensure new development approaches, integrated and

sustainable; streamline and ensure the dissemination of

knowledge and the transfer of experience at European level.

LEADER + is developed from the Local Action Groups - GAL,

in partnership with the private sector, which, reflecting

on the endogenous potentials, apply for the initiative and

are responsible to develop and implement a development

strategy for the rural area that they represent, through

the Local Development Plans - PDL. The rural development

policy defined for 2007-2013 continues to valorize the

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sustainability of rural areas, promoting their

competitiveness and the improving of environment and

quality of life. The purpose of the national strategy for

agriculture and rural development is to promote the

competitiveness of the agro-forestry sector and rural areas

in a sustainable way.

ConclusionIn Portugal has faced the need to develop the rural space,

which is vast and very diverse, largely in abandoning

conditions, with a very small and old population, because

there are villages where not a child has born in 50 years.

We have seen several projects of rehabilitation or

upgrading of the rural heritage, with the main purpose of

encouraging tourism, the TER (Tourism in Rural Spaces). The

TER is certainly an opportunity for rural development,

together with adequate disclosure and the good tourism

products, which can help a rural area, in job creation, in

search of local products, among other activities that help

in the economic development of these localities. But this

tourist activity in rural areas not only has advantages.

Changing everyday habits of the locals is one of the

disorders.

Agriculture and forestry should be valued in Portugal,

especially with the aim of promoting a better rural

development. Although the countryside is not only

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agriculture or forestry, as always were present, these

sources of income and livelihood of the people, forms of

sustainable development, using resources without depleting

and preserving the landscape in the use of arable land.

Bibliography Governo de Portugal - PROGRAMA DE DESENVOLVIMENTO

RURAL DO CONTINENTE 2014-2020. (consulted in

4/01/2015);

MADRUGA Joaquim - Desenvolvimento rural - Novas

oportunidades para as áreas rurais. (consulted in

12/01/2015).

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Ministério da Agricultura, do mar, do ambiente e do

desenvolvimento do território - Planeamento de

Desenvolvimento Rural. Maio 2012. (consulted in

30/12/2014). Available in URRL:

<http://www.gpp.pt/pac2013/Programacao/Doc_orientacao_

PDR2014-20.pdf>;

Programa de Desenvolvimento Rural do Continente.

(consulted in 2/01/2015). Available in

URRL:<https://www.portugal2020.pt/Portal2020/Media/Def

ault/docs/20%20PDR2020_Programa%20Desenvolvimento

%20Rural%20do%20Continente.pdf>;

Reconquista - Idanha: Portugal a tempo de salvar o

meio rural da desertificação. (consulted in

10/01/2015). Available in URRL:

<http://www.reconquista.pt/pagina/edicao/134/4/noticia

/13114>;

Rede Rural. (consulted in 30/12/2014). Available in

URRL: < http://www.rederural.pt/>;

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Rural Development in Portugal

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