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Bridging the Gap: A Scoping Review of Rural Higher Education and Integral Human Development in Latin America

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  • Darwin Alexis Cruz García

    (Social Work Program Distance Learning, Corporación Universitaria Minuto de Dios—UNIMINUTO, Bogotá 110311, Colombia)

  • Favio Cala-Vitery

    (Doctoral Program in Modeling for Public Policy and Management, Jorge Tadeo Lozano University, Bogotá 110311, Colombia)

  • Rodrigo Plaza Maldonado

    (Faculty of Educational Sciences, Playa Ancha University of Educational Sciences, Valparaíso 2340000, Chile)

Abstract

Rural higher education in Latin America plays a crucial role in advancing both human and sustainable development. However, it continues to face persistent barriers related to access, equity, and systemic inequality. This scoping review investigates how rural higher education contributes to integral human development in the region, focusing on its theoretical underpinnings, contextual specificities, and methodological approaches. Following the PRISMA-ScR protocol, we analyzed qualitative and quantitative studies published between 2015 and 2024, drawing from Scopus, EBSCOhost, ERIC, Redalyc, and SciELO. The review protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD420251075119). After applying rigorous inclusion and exclusion criteria, seven peer-reviewed articles were selected. These studies address key issues such as educational access, territorial rurality, and human development, and highlight innovative strategies including community-based pedagogy, values-oriented curricula, and student support during crises. Our findings underscore the transformative capacity of rural universities in fostering students’ analytical, emotional, and civic competencies. To ensure inclusive and meaningful impacts, rural higher education must perform context-sensitive, integrative strategies aligned with local realities and broader sustainable development goals.

Suggested Citation

  • Darwin Alexis Cruz García & Favio Cala-Vitery & Rodrigo Plaza Maldonado, 2026. "Bridging the Gap: A Scoping Review of Rural Higher Education and Integral Human Development in Latin America," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 18(5), pages 1-23, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:18:y:2026:i:5:p:2287-:d:1873118
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