Author(s):
1. Rokvic Gordana, Republic of Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Abstract:
The structure of the rural economy is conditioned by the natural resources, demographic structure, proximity to markets, the level of rural-urban relationships, the structure and size of rural households. All these factors make the possibility to create sources of income, employment, type of activity and the degree of diversification in some rural areas different. Demographic changes in rural areas are directly affected by the development opportunities, sources of income, management and prospects of rural areas. The course of demographic changes, except of uncontrolled environment influence, is greatly conditioned by internal factors that make the quality of life in rural areas, which are: the availability of infrastructure, public services, income, etc. The aim of this study was to analyze the degree of rurality and level of development of rural areas in BiH using internationally comparable indicators and research methods. Survey was conducted on a sample of households in 20 municipalities of the Republik of Srpska. In the area of selected municipalities, the survey was conducted in 10% of the total estimated number of households. All rural households were classified according to the municipality where they belong, then the municipality based on population density, awarded to degree of rurality, and in the end they all municipalities and their corresponding households were placed in three types of areas: predominantly urban, predominantly rural and semi-urban. All rural development indicators analyzed in the process of field research, were compared by degree of rurality areas in which households are located. Analysis of the situation based on rurality areas showed significant differences in the values of the indicators by type of area. So for the predominantly rural areas are found to be the least populated areas, with marked demographic problems. The age dependence is greatest in these areas and therefore the most common source of income is pension. Other sources of income are mostly from non-agricultural activities. Agriculture is an supporting activity in these areas, while households are mostly non-commercial. Diversification of revenue lies strongly on the side of rural tourism. Quality of life is at the lower level of development in comparison to other areas. In this sense, the choice of the rural development model in certain rural areas is directly influenced bz the structure and quality of life of households in a given area, and can not be copied from one area to another.

Key words:
rural households, rural economy, agriculture, rural development model

Thematic field:
Agrarna ekonomija i ruralni razvoj/ Agroeconomy an

Date of abstract submission:
15.02.2013.

Number of visits:
239

Conference:
II međunarodni simpozijum i 18-to naučno-stručno savjetovanje agronoma Republike Srpske