Distributed Rural Proofing – an essential tool for the future of rural development?

Current rural proofing models are criticised for the inability to perceive detailed and varying local circumstances and the inability to pay attention to dynamics, to changing circumstances and the potential for change. The concept of rural proofing is discussed in this article, along with examples of proofing models in different countries. The deficiencies of the models are addressed using the concepts spatial justice and social innovation, which in combination allow for perceiving essential factors connected to geography and the varying capability of places. Two case studies are used for demonstrating the importance of these factors when judging centralising reforms. Together, the theoretical discussion and the case studies inform the construction of a new model for rural proofing, more relevant to rural development.