Diversification of Economic Activities in Rural Space

Bc. Aneta Fritscheová

Master's thesis

Abstract:

The main objective of this thesis is to conduct research and find out if there is a possibility to diversified the economic activity, simultaneously with respect to the requirements of sustainable development within the rural areas. It aims to answer the question: "what type of work could people do in rural areas besides the agriculture sector?". Firstly, the characteristic problems with regards to this topic are presented. Secondly, the distinction between urban, peri-urban and rural area is given, as well as several definitions of various types of development. A narrower focus concerned the alternative approaches such as the idea of sustainable development, the concept of degrowth and localization that hold the view of supporting local community development cohesion and, local trade and solidarity, nature preservation and organic production and furthermore. Thirdly, it is deeply explained how the new jobs are created or diversified and what are the specific factors that influence its course and progress. Finally, many scientists advocate that the alternative approaches might have a high potential regarding the aim to become locally self-sufficient and independent. One possibility how to get closer to this accomplishment is in alternative living represented by several alternative settlements and ecovillages. We assumed that such settlement could provide sufficient and diversified amount of job opportunities. Therefore, in the main part of the research we examined which sustainable dimension is the most important while planning and constructing such a settlement.

Keywords

Rural area, Conventional development, Rural sustainable development, Degrowth, Migration, Job creation and diversification, Alternative settlements, Ecovillage

Language used: English

Date on which the thesis was submitted / produced: 22. 11. 2017

Thesis defence

• Supervisor: doc. Ing. Karel Tomšík, Ph.D.

Czech University of Life Sciences Prague

Faculty of Economics and Management

Master programme / field:
Economics and Management / Economics and Management