How can rural communities attract, retain, and empower young people?
This question was at the heart of a recent study visit to Portugal, where KMOP joined policymakers, youth advocates, and experts from seven European regions to explore innovative solutions for rural youth inclusion. Organized by the Portuguese Institute of Sports and Youth, the two-day visit (23–24 April) offered valuable insights into how targeted strategies can foster sustainable growth and social cohesion in rural regions.
Spotlight on Regional Leadership and Rural Potential
Our study visit began in Porto with a high-level welcome from regional stakeholders. Susana Ribeiro, General Director of Tourism for Porto and the North of Portugal, emphasized that rural tourism can drive local economies, generate employment, and foster youth entrepreneurship. Ana Amorim, Executive Secretary of the Porto Metropolitan Area, outlined how regional youth policies support sustainable development and civic engagement.
Policy in Practice: From Data to Action
Through interactive sessions, we delved into public policy and employment frameworks for rural youth. Sofia Pimenta from the Institute for Employment and Professional Training detailed institutional initiatives promoting youth inclusion in remote areas. Researcher Ana Rute Pimenta Cardoso (CETRAD – UTAD) added a powerful data point: 95% of Portugal’s 288,852 agricultural producers are individual farmers—highlighting the urgency of strengthening youth participation in rural economies.
Youth leaders André Cardoso (National Youth Council) and Fernando Vieira (National Youth Federation) advocated for long-term investment in education, mobility, and job opportunities—critical elements in reversing youth outmigration from rural regions.
Innovation on the Ground
Two standout initiatives showcased practical solutions. João Almeida of Rural Move presented his organisation’s work encouraging young people to relocate and invest in rural areas. Firmino Cordeiro from the National Association of Young Farmers introduced the “Living Laboratory of Agriculture 4.0”, where digital tools and smart farming practices are transforming agriculture and attracting a new generation of farmers.
From Theory to Practice: Field Visits in Amarante and Armamar
On the second day, we visited the towns of Amarante and Armamar to see community-driven projects in action. In Amarante, Miguel Pinto of Casa da Juventude shared a participatory model for youth engagement in local governance. In Armamar, the group toured the Douro Women’s Interpretative Centre, which celebrates the pivotal role of women in rural life. At Gomes Teixeira School, Director Joaquim Duarte and Coordinator Cândida Sarabando presented the GOMA programme—a hands-on initiative that uses science and applied learning to boost young people’s skills and self-confidence.
Key Takeaway: Policy Should Meet Local Reality
The study visit reaffirmed a core principle: national strategies for youth and employment should be grounded in the realities of rural life. Empowering young people requires not only resources and infrastructure, but also a platform for their voices in shaping policies that impact their futures. Strengthening this connection is key to building resilient, inclusive, and thriving rural communities.
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