ORSOLYA VARGA
vvorsika@gmail.com
https://orcid.org/0009-0004-9684-7181
KRISZTIÁN RITTER
Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Gödöllő
ritter.krisztian@uni-mate.hu
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1206-3159
2023. (VIII. évfolyam) 2. lapszám. 47-64.
The aim of the study is to analyse some rural development programs of Ditró, a large commune consisting of multiple settlements, with particular focus on eight large-scale investments between 2014 and 2020, and to examine the attitude of the local population. The research was based on online surveys, interviews, data analysis, and document analysis conducted between 2020 and 2021. Although the survey, which relied on 162 households, was not fully representative, it provided quite comprehensive data on public opinion. The results indicated that the analysed investments had a positive effect on both the economy and the quality of life. To identify future development directions, a personal interview was conducted with the mayor of Ditró, and recommendations were made for developments in job creation, tourism, sports, and healthcare. While the study was conducted at the local level, the methods employed are generalizable and applicable to similar-sized communities. The study supports the positive trend of rural development and underscores the importance of active community participation.
Keywords: rural development, local economic development, subsidies, infrastructure