Basic Tendencies in Demographic Development of Rural Population and Revitalization - Related Issues

Abstract

The end result of the complex and contradictory processes taking place in the village and agriculture throughout the period since the Second World War is depopulation and persistent crisis in agriculture. Mass relocation of rural population to cities and transition from agricultural to non-agricultural activities has had а series of negative demographic, sociological, cultural, economic and even political consequences. Note that all basic tendencies observed in rural population of Serbia (except in Kosovo and Metohia) are unfavourable. They have weakened the overall demographic development and are reasonably expected to persist. The seriousness of the demographic problem caused by relocation of rural population is aggravated by many years of insufficient child bearing and open depopulation. Hence, а negative growth in natural (except in Kosovo and Metohia) and migration components makes the tum of the century the time of major demographic disturbances with potentially destructive consequences, and eventually jeopardizing our community in general.