Community Land Ownership and Sustainable Rural Development in Europe
Explore how community land ownership shapes sustainable rural development across Europe. Use multiple methods including case studies and Q methodology to analyze community governance of land. Build on foundational theories to offer new insights into land use and social innovation for local benefit.
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Project Description
Project Overview
This PhD forms a key part of the Community Land in Europe project funded by a Leverhulme Trust Research Leadership Award. It aims to develop a comprehensive understanding of community land ownership across Europe and its role in sustainable development in rural areas. With challenges such as climate change and land governance becoming increasingly critical, this project explores how community control over land assets can deliver accountable, democratic management for local benefits.
What You Will Do
The project involves multiple empirical methods, aiming for in-depth comprehension of community land ownership across three European case studies. The successful candidate will develop methodology likely involving a conceptual investigation linking common pool resource theory and social innovation with sustainable rural development. Qualitative data collection and Q methodology will be used to capture diverse local perspectives and cross-border differences. The student will work closely with the postdoctoral researcher and project lead within a strong ethical research framework.
Expected Outcomes
The research will generate detailed insights into how community land ownership functions in differing geographic, historical, and socio-political contexts across Europe. It will advance theoretical understanding around self-governance of land and develop practical insights to benefit local communities. Outputs will contribute to academic debates and policy discussions regarding land governance, rural development, and community empowerment.
Why This Matters
Effective land governance is crucial for addressing pressing global challenges including climate change and resource depletion. By focusing on communities owning and managing land through democratic means, this project supports the EU's rural vision of devolved, participatory governance. This research has the potential to inform sustainable rural development policies and promote social innovation within local land stewardship across Europe.
Entry Requirements
Eligibility
Supervisor Profile
Dr Bobby Macaulay is a researcher focused on land reform and community landownership, based at the Centre for Mountain Studies at the University of the Highlands and Islands. His work connects interdisciplinary perspectives on mountain studies, ecology, rural development, and cultural heritage, with a strong emphasis on community-based governance and sustainable land use. He collaborates on projects investigating land reform impacts locally and internationally.