Socio-economic drivers in productive rural activities and their impact on the eating habits, lifestyle and nutritional status of people living in a rural area: The Majella National Park as a case study

Abstract

This paper analyses the relationship between food system dynamics with consumer behaviors, in population within a protected mountain area in Italy. In order to obtain socioeconomic and nutritional data, a combination of qualitative and quantitative research was employed to group farmers, local authorities, and inhabitants. Our research highlighted the close relationship between local food productive sector with consumption habits of local communities. The experience of the Majella National Park can be taken as an example of promoting environmentally friendly agriculture that enhances food quality, increases resource management and preserves local cultural heritage.

Keywords

• rural development
• mountain areas
• agrifood system
• local products
• nutrition