Rural diversification in the Baltic countryside: a local perspective

摘要: Today “rural diversification” is high on the agenda in rural development. This article analyses diversification under conditions of post-socialist economic transition using case areas Latvia and Estonia. The study shows that from centrally planned economy to market has had an enormous impact areas. Agricultural production employment decreased dramatically unemployment high. for first years after independence depended a lot local presence non-farm activities before split up collective farming, both facilities but also skills relations people had. Since independence, markets traditional services products have decreased. extent which businesses find outside area been able integrate into new labour service construction jobs often urban are essential economy. Most inhabitants only large-scale agriculture limited contacts makes exploiting opportunities difficult. capacity withholding, developing inducing weak. challenge development policy extend possibilities exploit opportunities.