RURAL AREAS AND COVID-19 PANDEMIC: INCREASED RISKS AMID LIMITED OPPORTUNITIES
Abstract
The article analyzes the factors that cause the increased risks of negative consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic for rural areas of Russia. It was revealed that in the opinion of villagers for 2011-2020, the situation with the availability of basic social services in the countryside has changed insignificantly. It is shown that the limited employment opportunities in the countryside, the low level of human capital development for the majority of villagers, and the poor development of rural social infrastructure complicate the possibilities of overcoming the consequences of the pandemic for rural residents. It is concluded that the mutual coordination of strategies for the development of rural areas with programs to expand employment opportunities, reduce poverty and develop social infrastructure will contribute to the increased participation of the rural population in the restoration of the country's economy.
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