The relationship between our land and people is crucial, particularly at a time when demographic, social, economic and environmental change is being experienced in rural areas across Scotland; from rural towns and their hinterlands, to coastal areas and islands. SEFARI research focuses on the resilience and wellbeing of Scotland’s rural communities and provides vital support and a wider view for other SEFARI work on environment, land-based industries, food and health. SEFARI research is designed to help people living in and using the rural landscape; it helps identify policies which can enhance community wellbeing and resilience; and it considers the role of empowerment, local participation and democracy.
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Land and Communities
Case Studies
25 Feb 2020
Reflecting on Islands Revival and Introducing Research on the Edge
2019 was an important year for Scotland's islands, with the development of The National Islands Plan, an increased focus on repopulation, and concern abou
12 Jun 2019
Is the demographic tide turning for some Island Communities?
In recent months population trends in remote and Sparsely Populated Areas (SPA) of Scotland have become a political issue, not least due to fears about the likely impact of post-Brexit migration policy.
13 Dec 2018
The Demographic Challenges Facing Scotland's Sparsely Populated Areas
This case study summarises ongoing work exploring how changes in the population of remote and rural areas in Scotland affect the social, economic and ecological resilience of these areas.
24 Jul 2018
Protecting our soil and securing the way ahead
A large proportion of the Scottish strategic road network in the Highlands is vulnerable to landslides.
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Blog
15 Oct 2024 - 09:53
The Invisible Pillars of Community: Rural women in Agriculture
To mark this year’s International Day of Rural Women, our colleague Ana Vuin from Rural Policy Centre at SRUC, offers her insight on the role of women in agriculture and rural communities, challenges of representation, health and wellbeing, as well as opportunities to foster inclusive and fair rural society.
14 Oct 2024 - 15:47
Climate Change Adaptation: 2nd Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture (ENRA) Science, Evidence and Policy Conference
Climate Change Adaptation is one of the key items on the policy agenda in Scotland, and this was the main focus at this year’s ENRA Science, Evidence and Policy conference.
30 Sep 2024 - 14:12
Involving Communities in Decision-Making on Natural Capital and Land Use
The Scottish Government has a Net Zero target date of 2045, and all areas of society are expected to play their part in reaching that goal.