The Trend of Growing Population Returning to Farming and Rural Areas and Policy Challenges

Abstract

○ According to the statistics by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (MAFRA) and Statistics Korea, the number of households that returned to farming and rural areas in 2014 is 44,682, an increase by over 10 times from 4,067 in 2010. - The proportion of households returning to rural areas jumped from 58.5% in 2012 to 74.9% in 2014, implying that the number of households returning to rural areas has more significantly increased than that of households returning to farming. - The number of people per household that had returned to farming and rural areas also increased from 1.75 in 2012 to 1.8 in 2014.○ While the population of all ages returning to farming and rural areas has been on the rise, the increase rates of those under 30 or in their 40s and 50s are higher than that of retired people aged over 60. - Destinations of such people returning to farming and rural areas used to be concentrated in particular suburban areas in the past, but now such areas are widely distributed all around the country.○ If this trend continues, the rural population after two decades will remain at the present level or increase further. - In a positive scenario where the current trend of population movement toward rural areas continues, the rural population will increase from 9.3 million in 2013 (based on the mid-year population statistics) to 9.5 million in 2033. - A decrease in the rural population can be partially delayed by the inflow of population, mostly the middle-aged and elderly, but there will be a limit to maintain the foundation of rural population in the long term. The rural population is likely to be on the decline from the long-term perspective.○ The trend of returning to rural areas based on values of rural areas and post-modern values, such as a pursuit of inner abundance, is common in advanced countries. - Whether or not the total rural population increases depends on unique situations of each country, but it is a common phenomenon that a growing number of urban residents are returning to rural areas, pursuing unique values of rural communities. - In addition, differences in conditions between regions affect changes in rural population as the population of areas with more amenities, such as the natural environment, climate, water resources, and cultural and historical resources, tends to increase further.○ Considering these facts, the following policy challenges can be suggested. - Carrying out mid- and long-term programs to nurture people who have returned to farming as successors of local agriculture. - Designing strategies with consideration for young people who have returned to farming and rural areas by providing education, training and internship programs and financial support for startups. - Encouraging participation of people returning to farming and rural areas in socioeconomic activities aimed at providing local communities with services related to education, culture and leisure, health and medical care, and social welfare. - Comprehensively expanding the foundation for settlement for both current residents and those returning to rural areas.