Multifunctionality and sustainable development of rural territories in Europe: state of the art and new research challenges

Abstract

In this article an overview of the emergence of the concept of multifunctionality is given. Particular emphasis is on interrelationships with territorial approaches. The article is based on the results of the Multagri European research project. The multiplicity of meanings and works dealing with the concept of multifunctionality of agriculture and rural areas has been the starting point of this project. A mapping of the different streams of research was elaborated. As a result of this analysis, it was suggested that research should detach itself from multifunctionality as a political goal and should instead consider multifunctionality as a useful conceptual and analytical framework. To support this recommendation, directions for this analytical framework are sketched out. Then, the article introduces the notion of territoryand discusses its relevance in the multifunctionality debate. The analytical framework that is being proposed, links multifunctionality and sustainability. It reflects the idea of a continuum between scales in a more global sustainable perspective. Research gaps related to these issues are identified and future research perspectives are suggested in several domains: public policies, market and governance.