As a result of the stark disparity between Italian regions, an initiative has emerged to investigate and counter the phenomenon of depopulation in remote areas of Basilicata.
Professor Diana Salzano from the University of Salerno, together with CNR-ISMed, has launched the project Remedies to the depopulation of the inland areas of Basilicata.
This study is dedicated to analysing the socio-cultural, emotional and practical motivations that influence life choices in local communities.
The idea is to understand why individuals and families decide to leave, stay or return.
Using research methodologies that embrace both quantitative and qualitative analysis, the research team explores the dynamics of five different groups: resident foreigners, young people leaving in search of opportunities, retirees in large urban centres and Lucanians (people from Basilicata) abroad.
The goal is to unearth the roots of depopulation, which has caused Basilicata to lose more than 8000 inhabitants in just one year, many of them from the provinces of Potenza and Matera.
This decline in population is not an isolated case, rather it is part of the national predicament of growing inequality between the prosperous North and the struggling South, as highlighted by the SVIMEZ report of 2022.
The South had a GDP growth rate of +2.9 per cent in 2022, which was far below the Centre-North’s average of +4 per cent.
The South also suffers from heavier inflation and faces many other significant challenges.
High unemployment, especially among women and young people, as well as the growing number of young people who are not studying, working or training accentuate the demographic crisis and the lack of productive opportunities.
The results of this research, set to be published in a book, promise to offer valuable insights for future regional development and planning.
With the aim of fully understanding the causes of depopulation and proposing solutions, the project is a source of hope for the reversal of such a worrying trend.
It may also serve as the foundation for enhancing Basilicata’s cultural resources and untapped potential.
To contribute to this important research work and actively participate in the project, Lucanians and interested parties are invited to fill in an online questionnaire.
You will find all the information you need to participate through the following channels:
For the link to the Questionnaire, click here.
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Instagram: @basilicata_spopulation
Project email: basilicata.rimedispopolamento@gmail.com
