Rural depopulation in the 21st century: A systematic review of policy assessments

Abstract

Policies tackling rural depopulation are growing over the recent years and pose a significant challenge to policymakers and communities worldwide. This paper presents a systematic review of policy assessments aimed at mitigating rural depopulation. It encompasses 66 studies published since 2000. This is a highly atomized literature characterized by weak aggregate or comparative results and a lack of generalizability. Our analysis reveals that depopulation can be influenced by policies within four broad categories: social, fiscal, sectorial, and infrastructure. No single policy can independently halt depopulation in rural areas; rather, multiple policies addressing different aspects of the phenomenon are necessary for a successful outcome. Our findings have significant implications for policymakers seeking to address this complex socioeconomic and territorial challenge.