How does one meet the challenges of rural development in a country that is arguably one of the least

"rural" among the OECD? Faced with high population density, close proximity of urban areas and urban-rural

linkages, rural areas in the Netherlands have witnessed a gradual disappearance of characteristically

rural landscapes and a deterioration of biodiversity. Future developments will increase pressures on rural

land use, making a policy framework to address these challenges only more pertinent.

Dutch rural policy has recently been decentralised so that regional differences can be better taken into

account. Although it is a promising development, decentralisation of rural policy raises concerns about

policy coherence, provincial capacity and regional autonomy. The abundant urban-rural linkages in the

Netherlands will require close co-ordination between rural and urban policies. In addition, instruments for

land development will have to be strengthened to balance both current and future demands for rural

land use.

This report will be of interest to policy makers, researchers, NGOs and others active in rural development.

French and Dutch translations of the Assessment and Recommendations have been included in this

volume.

Also available:

The New Rural Paradigm: Policies and Govemance (2006)

OECD Rural Policy Reviews: Germany (2007)

OECD Rural Policy Reviews: Mexico (2007)

OECD Rural Policy Reviews: Finland (2008)

OECD Rural Policy Reviews: Scotland, UK (2008)

Forthcoming:

OECD Rural Policy Reviews: China (2009)

OECD Rural Policy Reviews: Italy (2009)

OECD Rural Policy Reviews: Spain (2009)