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Social Capital and Sustainable Development in Rural Areas with Declining Populations: The Case of Young Farmers

Author

Listed:
  • Panagiotis Liargovas

    (Department of Management Science and Technology, University of Peloponnese, 22100 Tripoli, Greece)

  • Nikolaos Apostolopoulos

    (Department of Management Science and Technology, University of Peloponnese, 22100 Tripoli, Greece)

  • Aikaterini Sotiropoulou

    (Department of Accounting and Finance, University of Peloponnese, 24100 Kalamata, Greece)

  • Sotiris Apostolopoulos

    (Department of Economics and Business, Neapolis University Pafos, Pafos 8042, Cyprus)

  • Georgios Papadopoulos

    (Department of Management Science and Technology, University of Peloponnese, 22100 Tripoli, Greece)

Abstract

The present study explores social capital in relation to sustainable development in rural areas experiencing population decline, focusing on the mediating role of young farmers. Specifically, it examines bonding, bridging, and linking capital to determine whether young farmers can halt demographic decline, enhance regional attractiveness, and contribute to sustainable development. For this purpose, qualitative research was conducted using semi-structured interviews with twenty-four young farmers across twelve municipalities in Greece experiencing the highest population decline. Findings indicate that young farmers in these areas have strongly developed and leveraged bonding capital which reinforces their position within the family, social and kinship networks. However, bridging and linking capital remain weak and problematic, complicating the efforts to deal with migration tensions and to create conditions for sustainable development. Policy adjustments are necessary to foster bridging and linking capital.

Suggested Citation

  • Panagiotis Liargovas & Nikolaos Apostolopoulos & Aikaterini Sotiropoulou & Sotiris Apostolopoulos & Georgios Papadopoulos, 2026. "Social Capital and Sustainable Development in Rural Areas with Declining Populations: The Case of Young Farmers," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 18(13), pages 1-26, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:18:y:2026:i:13:p:6560-:d:1977863
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