Local environment, decent work and return and work in rural areas among youth: a mixed-methods approach

Purpose A high-quality workforce plays a critical role in rural development. However, rural areas are characterised by underdevelopment and a lack of employment opportunities, compelling well-educated youth to migrate to urban centres for study and subsequent work. This migration potentially causes rural depopulation and hampers economic activities in these areas. Therefore, attracting well-educated youth to return and work in rural areas demands the attention of local governments. This research sheds light on this topic by focusing on the role of local infrastructure, assistance programs and employment opportunities. Design/methodology/approach Data are collected from rural-born students studying in a big city. The generalised structural equation model is used for statistical analysis. The qualitative method is also used to supplement the quantitative findings. Findings Local infrastructure, skill development program and financial assistance program increase the students’ envisioning of better employment opportunities. Additionally, their envisioning of favourable employment opportunities is positively linked to their intentions to return and work in rural areas in the short and medium terms. These results also imply the mediating roles of employment opportunities in the effects of local infrastructure and assistance programs (skill development and finance) on the intention to return and work in rural areas. Practical implications This research offers practical implications for policymakers and local governments in developing countries, emphasising the important roles of local infrastructure, assistance programs and employment opportunities in attracting well-educated youth to return and work in rural areas. This, in turn, can contribute to fostering sustainable rural development. Originality/value This research represents one of the early attempts to explore the complex relationships among local infrastructure, assistance programs, employment opportunities and the intention to return and work in rural areas, specifically focusing on rural-born students.