AN INSIGHTFUL EXPLORATION ON THE ACHIEVEMENT OF THE SUSTAINABLE RURAL DEVELOPMENT GOALS. A STUDY CASE-VALEA LUPULUI COMMUNE, IASI COUNTY, ROMANIA.

The paper aims to comprehensively examine the critical role of rural development in the broader framework of achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Employing a robust mixed-methods research design, we explore global and regional rural development policies through a cross-cutting analysis. The primary objective is to uncover the profound and positive impact of specific interventions on critical SDG indicators, with a particular focus, on poverty reduction, improved access to education and healthcare, and significant progress in agricultural productivity. Our research uses a mixed-methods design, combining quantitative analysis, qualitative insights from community engagement sessions, and spatial analysis using GIS-based mapping. Preliminary results show a promising correlation between sustainable agricultural practices and meeting the SDGs, with a 30% reduction in food insecurity rates, while the qualitative insights indicate a notable increase in community cohesion and empowerment, highlighting the impact of rural development on well-being. Summarising these multi-faceted findings, our study highlights the symbiotic relationship between rural development initiatives and the SDGs. The imperative for context-specific and adapted strategies is evident from the spatial analyses, highlighting the need for a comprehensive, integrated and locally informed approach to achieve sustainable and equitable overall development. The paper advocates the recognition of rural development as a key driver for positive change in pursuit of the SDGs, providing valuable insights for policy makers, practitioners and researchers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]