Welcome to the Division of Rural Development

Rural development

is an interdisciplinary subject which focuses on the particular preconditions and problems in rural areas. The subject includes analysis and descriptions of processes of change in rural areas, as well as methods and activities aiming at local and regional development.

Research

Our research concerns, among other things, natural resource management, policies, survival strategies and the links between rural and urban spheres, as well as their surrounding environments. The relation between local actors and the actors on other societal levels are central to our research

Education

Our educational programs and courses concern the specialty of rural areas and differentiated development in light of national and global changes in economics, environment and politics.  The programs are suitable for students with a background in classical, social or scientific studies. Courses on the advanced level are given in English. 

Collaboration

When researchers and practitioners meet and share experiences it may result in a new type of understanding. The Unit of Rural Development is therefore continuously engaged in different types of projects which aim to convey, administer and develop new knowledge. In our courses and seminars we often use practitioners as lectures to share their experiences. We are willing to participate in different projects and can supply you with seminars, lectures, action research, evaluation and analyses. Throughout the years as an actor within the subject of rural development we have established a vast network on both a national and international level.      

14 New Millions to Research in Rural Development! 

 
The Division for Rural Development has recieved funding for 13 million SEK from Vetenskapsrådet and Formas for 2012-2014. The Funding has been divided between three research projects. A research project in collaboration with the Nordic Institute for African Studies also got funding with 3 million SEK.