Well-being and rurality: a spatial tool for rural development programs evaluation

Abstract

Improving the quality of life of populations is one of the priorities of rural development policies. Based on the capability approach, the aim is to realise a Quality of Life (QoL) index measuring territorial disparities. The QoL index, aggregated by a non-compensatory method, is compared with rural and inland areas of the study area, Basilicata region. The analysis shows a clear relationship between features of QoL and rurality/peripherality degree and a global QoL below the regional average for 61% of municipalities. In these areas, as expected, the high level of environmental protection is offset by lower socio-economic opportunities but, the possibility to evaluate them through an index over time can help policymakers to address rural policies and evaluate their effects.