Rural Areas and Resilience: A Missed Idyll?

This study addresses challenges in the EU's rural areas, covering over 80% of the territory and 30% of the population. Agricultural abandonment, especially in remote regions, is a concern. EU policies like the Common Agricultural Policy aim to improve rural socio-economic well-being. Resilience thinking is applied to understand socio-ecological systems and their transformations. Regime shifts and transformations are explored, but “undesirable resilience” can hinder change. Identifying lock-in mechanisms is crucial for transformation. The research focuses on a specific area in Campania, Italy, an inland area with socio-economic challenges, using quantitative and qualitative analysis and the capital pentagon framework. Results reveal diverse trajectories and obstacles. Overcoming barriers requires a holistic approach, promoting all capital types and local capacities. The study highlights the need for tailored interventions and suggests leveraging abandoned lands, promoting youth employment, and fostering cooperative efforts for rural development. A nuanced, holistic approach is essential for positive transformations in EU rural areas.