The Complexity of Theories on Rural Development in Europe: An Analysis of the Paradigmatic Case of Almería (South-east Spain)

Abstract

In recent decades several theories on rural development have been expounded in an attempt to explain some experiences of regional economic growth or to provide recom- mendations on rural development policies. The objective of this article is to revise this open debate and attempt to introduce more concerns about the delimitation of theories and the mosaic of rural areas in Europe. In this context the present article analyses the paradigmatic development of Almería (south-east Spain) based primarily on agriculture in a process categorised as an economic miracle. Some authors have attempted to explain this success by mechanisms associated with the endogenous development approach. Nevertheless, this study reveals that Almería’s development experience can be categor- ised as a miscellaneous one, and a mixture of development approaches should therefore be considered as opposed to unidirectional models. This also shows the importance of keeping open the debate on the impact of agrarian activity on rural development.