International Immigration and Local Endogenous Development in Rural Areas: A Comparative Study of Two Left-behind Spanish Regions

Cristóbal Mendoza, Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
Josefina Domínguez-Mujica, Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
Victor Jiménez-Barrado, Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria

This paper examines the role of international immigration in bolstering local economies, introducing new ideas on business, sustainability, as well as revitalizing the social fabric of rural municipalities in two disadvantaged regions: Ribagorza, in the Spanish Pyrenees, and Sayago, on the Spanish-Portuguese border. These regions have contrasting economic structures and demographic trends. Ribagorza has seen some population growth due to the arrival of international immigrants, whereas Sayago has experienced a 25% population decline over the past 20 years. The study uses both quantitative data from official surveys and qualitative insights from 30 structured interviews with international immigrants and 10 key informants in each region. The findings demonstrate how varying population dynamics influence local development. Immigrants are shown to bring fresh perspectives to local businesses, often identifying the potential of landscapes, culture, and sustainability, turning them into profitable ventures. Immigrants also play a key role in promoting local development, contributing not only through their skills and experience but also by fostering social interactions and helping to build vital economic and social networks. The analysis also reveals differences in the role of local administrations: Ribagorza benefits from structured county-level policies, while Sayago lacks such backing and relies heavily on locally-based initiatives.

Keywords: International Migration, Population and Development, Human Capital, Education, and Work, Mixed methods research

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