Methodological and conceptual issues in the study of multifunctionality and rural development

The aim of this paper is to try and outline the complexity of rural develop ment processes that specifically relate to the phenomenon of multifunctiona lity. 'Multifunctionality schemes' are introduced as a means for visualizin g the complex interrelationships in rural development processes and to 'map ' the functional relationships and specific reconfigurations in the use of resources such as land, labour, knowledge and nature that underlie them. In the discussion, reference is made to case studies from the IMPACT research programme. The Rhongold case is used to illustrate how ME-schemes can help to define micro-macro relations and facilitate their quantification. Sever al conceptual issues are addressed in relation to the translation of farm d ata to the regional level, indirect multiplier effects, substitution effect s and the importance of synergy. Methodological complications are seen in p roblems associated with the acceptance of a paradigm shift; the inadequacy of available regional, national and European data sets; the complex nature of micro-macro relations; the difficulty of defining boundaries and referen ce systems; and the struggle with time, scale and space as critical modifie rs of reality. The need to link the dimensions of agricultural and rural ch ange demands a more multidisciplinary, holistic approach to analysis and co nceptualization.