Conceptual Issues in Analysing the Rural Non-Farm Economy in Transition Economies

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to outline key conceptual issues in analysing the rural non-farm economy in transition economies. This paper is based on an explicit conceptual framework where the RNFE in transition economies is discussed as part of a growth strategy for the economy, and not as a “defensive” survival strategy for the rural poor.

The paper starts with an overview of the post-socialist recession and characteristics of the rural non-farm economy (RNFE). Section 2 explores the resumption of growth at the national level and what this is likely to mean for the rural non-farm economy. Section 3 considers the impact of economy-wide shifts and structural change on the RNFE in transition economies, followed by discussions on the potential for growth of the RNFE, the linkages between the farm and non-farm sectors, and inter-sectoral factors.

Citation

Davis, J. Conceptual Issues in Analysing the Rural Non-Farm Economy in Transition Economies. Natural Resources Institute, Chatham, UK (2001) 38 pp. [NRI Report No. 2635]

Conceptual Issues in Analysing the Rural Non-Farm Economy in Transition Economies

Published 1 January 2001