Agricultural development in the Mondego valley, Portugal

Abstract

The various projects of the PIDRBM (Rural development of the Lower Mondego) are the most complete programme of rural development ever carried out in Portugal. For many years there have been numerous proposals for the development of the region, before the actual agricultural project was initiated by DGHEA in 1978 with the technical and financial support of the Federal Republic of Germany. The development of the agricultural project of the lower Mondego valley from Coimbra to Figueira da Foz is the most relevant factor for the success of the entire programme and therefore in this thesis special attention is given to the increase of agricultural production, which is essential to the economic development of the region. The project is described in some detail and also socio-economic factors are considered. Additionally, other potential resources are mentioned such as fishery, industry, tourism, i.e. those considered relevant for the development of the region (see Chapter 9.2.2).