Paola Scarpellini

Agri-tourism and rural development: the Low-Valdelsa case, Italy

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to analyze the demand of tourists who stay in agri‐tourist facilities and assess the impact of agri‐tourism on local development in terms of income and employment. The study was conducted in Tuscany, a region which is pre‐eminent in terms of the Italian agri‐tourist supply and which has a strong attraction for tourists seeking natural resources, the countryside and the local culture.Design/methodology/approach – The methodology called for the use of the input output model based on a regional accounting matrix which was appropriately modified, according to data obtained from a direct investigation. Tourist spending was ascertained by means of a questionnaire submitted to tourists who stayed in agri‐tourist facilities. Main weaknesses of the tourist system were highlighted by means of personal interviews which were conducted with key informants.Findings – The results emphasize a lack of coordination between the suppliers of products and services provided in the territo...

Transition Management and Social Innovation in Rural Areas: Lessons from Social Farming

Abstract Purpose The article reflects on transition management in rural areas and the possible implications for extension services able to support social innovation and rural change, starting from experiences on social farming in different areas of Italy. Design/methodology/approach By presenting three case studies we investigate the role of social services in rural development. The design follows a research action involving local stakeholders (private and public) in a process of collective learning. Findings The article highlights the difficulties and opportunities encountered in the process of transition management. In addition, it identifies key elements able to facilitate in redefining extension services supportive for social innovation and transition in rural areas. Practical implication Rural areas are facing difficulties in dealing with the current crisis. In addition, the collapse of the welfare state contributes in reducing the viability of rural areas. In this scenario the article suggests: to re-think rural development initiatives; to improve the linkage between public and private actors in creating economic and social values; a possible process of transition able to create a new collective knowledge, innovative solutions and new rules and attitudes among sectors – agriculture, health, education – and actors – private and public. Originality/value In the perspective of the 2020 EU strategy on social innovation, the research offers insight into the adoption of approaches and methods that can ensure more equitable paths towards inclusive and sustainable adjustment in rural areas.

Enhancing participatory evaluation in a humanitarian aid project

This article examines participatory evaluation of humanitarian aid projects in post-conflict contexts, through the presentation of a particular case: the evaluation of a project supporting herders and Bedouin communities breeding small ruminants in the Gaza Strip. The article analyses the current situation in the Gaza Strip, a unique humanitarian context, in order to gain insight into the value of participatory evaluation in post-conflict settings. The article analyses the participatory evaluation in order to understand how participation functions, what lessons can be learned and what outcomes can be generated. Finally, this experience demonstrates how participatory evaluation can work effectively in humanitarian settings despite the obvious constraints of conflict and post-conflict settings. Whilst participatory evaluation contributes to improving humanitarian-aid interventions, a more structural approach to participation is needed to achieve concrete and durable results.

Valdera 2020 : i risultati di una procedura partecipata di valutazione

The paper describes the experience of the participatory project Valdera 2020, aimed at the setting of the Strategic Plan 2020 for the Union of Municipalities in Valdera. The contribution, in addition to a summary of the project, shows the steps followed to manage a participatory evaluation procedure (PPV). It analyses and discusses the results obtained (in terms of outputs and outcomes) and provides some considerations about the possibility to transfer the procedure adopted.