Rural planning? An integrated dynamic model for assessing quality of life at a local scale

Home to about 45% of the global population, rich in natural resources and ecosystems with a high value, rural areas play a key role in implementing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. However, some rural areas continue to face structural challenges, notably due to a combination of population loss and population ageing, making it more difficult to maintain their own living conditions. Enhancing the quality of life in rural areas is fundamental to reducing youth out-migration and ensuring that rural areas and communities remain attractive places to live and work. Based on Sen’s capability approach, we propose an integrated and dynamic model able to perform a spatial-temporal analysis of the quality of life in rural areas. The model was implemented in order to perform evaluations at a municipality level, considered the most appropriate spatial scale to analyse sub-regional disparities and increase the efficiency of rural development expenditures. •Rural areas play a key role in implementing the Sustainable Development Goals.•Rural areas face structural challenges negatively impacting their own living conditions.•The evaluation of quality of life in rural areas represents a key issue.•The Adjusted MPI is used to measure quality of life at a local scale.