Problems and possible directions of the sustainable rural development of Republic of Serbia

Abstract

Sustainable development of rural areas is very significant for the economic development of the Republic of Serbia. Reduction in the number of citizens in rural areas and neglect of agriculture in the previous years have led to numerous economic and social problems. The most important among them include the unfavorable demographic trends, undeveloped infrastructure, small agricultural farms that are not market oriented, a low productivity level of agriculture and a low income per farm, a large share of agriculture in rural economy, a low degree of diversification of rural economy, insufficient investment into rural areas, etc. Such condition is unsustainable because it causes more difficult life and work conditions in rural areas. Rural areas in the Republic of Serbia are the subject of this analysis. The aim of the paper is to examine possibilities of further development of rural areas in Serbia. The methods which will be used in the paper include the methods of synthesis, analysis and compilation.