Häradsbäck is a small village in the Härlunda parish, located in Sweden, with a population of 158 inhabitants. Situated near the municipality center of Älmhult, the village has faced a population decline of 30% since the 1980s. Once home to a grocery shop, school, and elderly home, these services were closed by the early 2000s. However, through strong community initiatives, Häradsbäck has revived and developed various local services, making it a model for rural resilience and innovation.
Community characteristics
Häradsbäck is a sparsely populated rural village with a focus on self-sufficiency and local resilience. With its low population, it is highly dependent on the nearby municipality of Älmhult for employment, where IKEA is a major employer. The village has adapted to its challenges by fostering community-led development through the Härlundabygden AB, a non-profit shareholder company formed in 2018. This company, which includes 10 local associations as shareholders, now operates vital services like the grocery store, café-turned-restaurant, library, and elderly housing. Additionally, the village boasts an activity park and hall, and offers tourism services, including mobile home parking facilities.
Community strengths and smartness
Häradsbäck stands out as an example of smart rural development, with a strong focus on sustainability and crisis preparedness. The village has secured funding from various sources to drive its development. Recent initiatives include the installation of high-speed fiber internet, the transformation of a café into a full restaurant, and the development of tourism services. A major forward-looking project is the creation of a solar voltaic park aimed at energy production and storage, with plans to convert electricity into hydrogen for local use. This initiative will enhance the village's energy security and serve as a model for other rural communities facing similar challenges. Moreover, Häradsbäck is working on increasing its crisis preparedness, ensuring vital services remain functional during power outages, and contributing to a fossil-free future.
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