Summary

This methodological case study explores how Minha Terra, the Federation of Local Development Associations in Portugal, involved rural communities in a stakeholder consultation process on modern farming challenges in the run-up to the European Rural Parliament in 2015.

Results

There have been positive changes in recent years. Improvements were made to facilities and infrastructure (e.g. roads, water supply, sanitation, ICT). An increase of small entrepreneurs investing in business based on the products and resources of territories (including tourism and differentiated agriculture) bodes well. As does the increase in social responses targeted at the elderly. Finally, there is a growing awareness and involvement of the population in the processes of community development (rurality, environment, etc.).