GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THEMATIC VILLAGES IN POLAND

In recent years, rural areas in Poland have undergone significant changes. Agricultural production is getting more and more specialized. Consequently, bonds between farmers within the same village weaken, while farmers get to socialize more with those with the same specialization, no matter the distance. As a result, social life in some of the villages declines. Simultaneously, small- and medium-scale farmers, who cannot compete with large farms, have been looking for additional, off-farm sources of income. One of the ways to revive feeling of a common goal and cooperation and at the same time to get additional income is creating a thematic village, whose development is focused on a certain topic (local food, craft, history, or some other ideas). It seems that this idea gives a chance for strengthening the social activeness and self-confidence of the villagers, and in some cases also for getting additional income.