Bridging Policy and Action to Empower Rural Youth
From presentations and discussions on regional policies with policymakers to inspiring youth stories and exploration of local organizations, our last study visit in Portugal organized by the Institute of Sports and Youth, from 23 to 24 April, covered what it takes to empower and support youth living in rural areas.
The study visit began in Porto with a high-level welcome session featuring key regional figures. Susana Ribeiro, General Director of Tourism for Porto and the North of Portugal, emphasized the potential of rural tourism to drive local employment, strengthen community cohesion, and provide new avenues for youth entrepreneurship. Ana Amorim, Executive Secretary of the Porto Metropolitan Area, outlined how local youth policies are contributing to sustainable development and increasing engagement among young people.
The first day continued with expert-led sessions focusing on strategic instruments for public youth policies and rural employment. Sofia Pimenta, Director of Youth Policies and Associations and Regional Delegate at the Institute for Employment and Professional Training, discussed institutional approaches to youth inclusion in rural areas. Ana Rute Pimenta Cardoso, researcher at CETRAD – UTAD, presented key data on rural economies, noting that 95% of Portugal’s 288,852 agricultural producers are individual farmers. "These insights are vital as we rethink the future of rural development and the role young people can play in shaping it" she remarked.
Contributions from André Cardoso, President of the National Youth Council, and Fernando Vieira, President of the National Youth Federation, further enriched the discussion. Both emphasized the importance of developing long-term strategies to empower, attract, and retain young people in rural communities, with a particular focus on education, mobility, and employment opportunities.
The first day concluded with two innovative case studies. João Almeida, President of the Board of Directors at Rural Move, presented the organisation's efforts to encourage young people to relocate and invest in rural areas. Firmino Cordeiro, General Director of the National Association of Young Farmers, introduced the “Living Laboratory of Agriculture 4.0” showcasing how digital and smart farming tools are transforming the agricultural sector and attracting new generations of farmers.
On the second day, the delegation travelled to the rural towns of Amarante and Armamar, where participants experienced first-hand how local initiatives are empowering youth at the community level. Miguel Pinto, General Manager at Casa da Juventude de Amarante, presented a comprehensive action plan for youth participation in local governance and development.
The visit also included a guided tour of the Douro Women’s Interpretative Centre, where the exhibition highlighted the historical and ongoing contributions of women to the vitality of rural life. Another highlight was the presentation of the GOMA programme at Gomes Teixeira School, led by Director Joaquim Duarte and Coordinator Cândida Sarabando. The initiative uses science and practical engagement to strengthen young people’s skills and confidence, helping them to envision a future within their own communities.
The study visit in Portugal offered valuable insights into the importance of aligning national youth and employment policies with the specific needs and aspirations of young people in rural areas. Discussions and field visits highlighted that policy effectiveness depends on a strong connection between strategic frameworks and the realities of local implementation. Ensuring that youth voices are considered in the design and delivery of rural development initiatives is essential to fostering inclusive growth and long-term community sustainability.
The visit underscored the need for integrated, multi-level approaches that enhance opportunities for young people and support their active engagement in local economic and social life.
If you are interested in learning more about the Rural Youth Project, find us on the following social media:
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/93205221/admin/
• X: https://twitter.com/ruralyouth_eu
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ruralyouthfutureproject