Strategic management of sustainable rural development in the Republic of Serbia

Abstract

This paper aims to present the current level of sustainable rural development in the Republic of Serbia, the development potentials and the problems identified in this area, as well as to bring to attention the necessity of sustainable rural development modernization as a significant part of the EU accession process. The mentioned issues are examined in accordance with the specific characteristics of the rural areas in the Republic of Serbia and the generally accepted principles of sustainable development (the economic, environmental and social ones), taking into account the interests of present and future generations. The paper analyzes the necessity and possible directions of the sustainable rural development of the Republic of Serbia. In this regard, the paper points to the significant role of the official state development policy in solving the problems of rural areas by establishing appropriate priorities and specific guidelines for future sustainable rural development. The conclusion is that the comprehensive and continuous work on the revitalization and development of rural areas is essential and must be in compliance with the principles of sustainable development. It is vital that the efforts towards sustainable rural development include significant investments, education programs, initiatives and activities of all development actors at the national, regional and local levels, as well as people directly involved in agriculture and agricultural production. Primljeno 10. novembra 2013, nakon revizije, prihvaćeno za publikovanje 17. decembra 2013. Lela Ristić je docent na nastavnom predmetu Ekonomika poljoprivrede, na Ekonomskom fakultetu Univerziteta u Kragujevcu, gde je doktorirala u oblasti integralnog ruralnog razvoja u Evropskoj uniji i Republici Srbiji. Osnovne oblasti njenog naučnog istraživanja su održivi agrarni i ruralni razvoj i turizam, menadžment u agrobiznisu.This paper aims to present the current level of sustainable rural development in the Republic of Serbia, the development potentials and the problems identified in this area, as well as to bring to attention the necessity of sustainable rural development modernization as a significant part of the EU accession process. The mentioned issues are examined in accordance with the specific characteristics of the rural areas in the Republic of Serbia and the generally accepted principles of sustainable development (the economic, environmental and social ones), taking into account the interests of present and future generations. The paper analyzes the necessity and possible directions of the sustainable rural development of the Republic of Serbia. In this regard, the paper points to the significant role of the official state development policy in solving the problems of rural areas by establishing appropriate priorities and specific guidelines for future sustainable rural development. The conclusion is that the comprehensive and continuous work on the revitalization and development of rural areas is essential and must be in compliance with the princ...

Impact of service quality on satisfaction and loyalty of tourists in rural tourism of Šumadija and Western Serbia

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The impact of air quality conditioned by emission of pollutants to the development of rural tourism and potentials of rural areas

“…Sustainable development, as a modern development concept that reconciles the social, economic and environmental interests of present and future generations, is very applicable in rural areas, which is confirmed both in theory and in practice, especially in developed countries (Ristić, 2013). Rural tourism and agritourism could lead a new relationship between environment, work and free time, in terms of sustainability of rural areas (Perotto, 1993;Fagioli, Diotallevi, Ciani, 2014).…”

The possibilities and limitations of entrepreneurship development in agriculture in Serbia

“…Although many strategic documents point to the great importance of agriculture and rural areas, the state and local governments have still not created social and economic environment incentive enough for agriculture and rural development, especially in certain regions and areas of the Republic of Serbia (Ristić, 2013). We cannot be satisfied with the achieved level of agricultural sector development, possibilities for integral long-term development of agriculture and rural areas, their contribution to the local economy and society development.…”