Over the past two decades, the people have just realized that there would be no healthy society or economy in a world full of poverty and environmental degradation. Famine has been the regular threat to many people, and the long-term ability of the Earth to meet the increased demand for food and other agricultural products is not secured. Productivity in big food production areas is reduced whereas the demand for food and fuel is increased. Soil erosion, salinity, flooding and infertility of soil are increased in many countries.
In the context of an agriculture-based economy, understanding the concept of sustainable rural development must include clear understanding of three types of general development. It is possible to see them as requisites to achieve the comprehensive sustainable development. These three types of development include sustainable rural economic development; sustainable rural social development and rural environmental safety; enhanced protection and management of natural resources.
To contribute the information on this issue, in December 2008, the Social Science Publishing House in connection with Vietnam Environment & Sustainable Development Institute launched this book. The book content is conveyed in 3 chapters. Chapter 1: Sustainable rural development - a new development demand of the countries in the world; Chapter 2: Theoretical framework as basis for sustainable rural development; Chapter 3: Some international experiences in the application of methods of sustainable rural development.
Sustainable rural development is an unprecedented great event. The book entitled “Sustainable rural development: theoretical issues and world experience” is expected to make certain contributions to summarizing theoretical issues and world experience for such a new development orientation.
Nguyen Vu
