Rural development glossary

Arable land Land suitable for growing crops. Most arable land is around rivers. Land can become unsuitable for cultivation through overfarming, desertification and erosion. Carrying capacity The population that an area can support without environmental deterioration. Deforestation The permanent clearing of forests for agricultural use and for settlements. It can contribute to climate change and lead to soil erosion. Desertification Degradation of the land in arid or semi-arid areas leading to it become desert. This can be caused by climate change or poor land management practices. Irrigation The replacement or supplementation of rainfall with water from another source in order to grow crops. Rural Sparsely settled areas utilising natural resources for farming, logging, mining, tourism etc and including small and medium-sized towns. Rural areas are often characterised by lower levels of infrastructure but strong and supportive community bonds. Rural non-farm activities These include economic activities other than agriculture, forestry and fishing, such as agricultural processing, trade, construction, mining, transport, financial and personal services. Sustainable development The management and improvements of food, fibre and energy production to meet human needs in a way that conserves and replenishes land, water, plant and animal genetic resources.