Rural areas and governance: new insights for local authorities

This study is an analysis about the connection of communities to the countryside. In particular we analyze rural areas which do not present favourable social and economic features. This paper is based on a specific case study about the economic activities developed in rural areas in North Italy that were promoted by local policy makers. We derive qualitative and quantitative analyses by phone interviews to farmers and decision makers. The final outcome is the identification of factors that are critical for implementing coherent development strategies in this territory.