Further, despite support for agricultural modernisation and economic diversification, the transformation of rural areas has proceeded slowly in many cases. Rural residents account for a large share of the population (approximately 40%) and the well-being of rural residents is critical to the growth and prosperity of the country. Poverty is the highest in rural areas and the highest among agricultural households and as such, there is a clear need for rural policies to support economic diversification and employment in order to help raise rural dwellers’ quality of life. Further, Poland has a polycentric settlement pattern with small and medium-sized cities dispersed throughout its territory.