Somogy, Hungary: Challenges and Plan for Rural Resilience
On June 19, 2023, in Kaposvár, Hungary, the Somogy County Government and CROST Non-profit jointly hosted a Local Stakeholder Workshop, gathering governmental and representatives across Somogy County. The focus was on sharing experiences and ideas to tackle rural depopulation and enhance community resilience. Utilizing the roundtable method, the workshop featured presentations on Somogy county’s role, experiences from their first study trip in Finland, and discussions on maintaining rural populations in shrinking areas.
Identifying Key Challenges in Somogy County
Participants pinpointed specific challenges facing the region: youth outward migration, reluctance of young people to settle in targeted rural areas, and general passivity among local populations. The need for community development actions was emphasized, with a focus on aiding youth in starting new lives locally, including housing, job finding, and community integration. In smaller towns like Lengyeltóti, the approach also involved settling professionals in needed sectors.
Spotlight on Potential Solutions: Opportunity Home Projects
Two existing good practices in the region were presented: the Opportunity Home projects in Nagyatád and Lengyeltóti. In Nagyatád, the focus is on assisting youth with housing and job integration, while Lengyeltóti extends its efforts to attract professionals in various fields. These projects represent practical solutions to Somogy’s challenges by encouraging (re)settlement of younger and skilled populations.
Additionally, stakeholders discussed various good practices observed in Finland. These included cooperation among small rural municipalities, joint service provision, establishment of contact lists for specialized technicians, and fostering volunteerism in community events. These practices underscore the critical role of collaboration, community development, and volunteerism in revitalizing rural areas.
Overall, the workshop met the stakeholders' expectations, providing insights into combating rural challenges in Somogy county. Recognising the shared problem of shrinking populations across Europe, participants expressed interest in adapting successful practices from Finland to their local context and underscored the value of interregional cooperation. The positive reception and readiness for future participation highlight the workshop's effectiveness in fostering solutions-oriented discussions for rural development