Research on rural poverty in Romania

Abstract

One of the European Union's priorities for the programming period of 2014-2020 consists of inclusive favourable growth. This means promoting an economy with a high rate of employment, to ensure economic, social and territorial cohesion such that the benefits of economic growth and jobs to be distributed fairly, and people experiencing poverty and social exclusion to be given the opportunity to have a decent life and to play an active role in the society. The achievement of stated strategic objective requires a special attention on rural areas, both at EU level, as at each Member State level. In Romania, 45.0% of the country population is concentrated in rural areas, where there are living almost three quarters (71.3%) of the country's poor population. The percentage of persons at risk of poverty or social exclusion at national level in 2012 was 41.7% of the total population, Romania being surpassed only by Bulgaria, with 49.3%, while the EU average stood at 24.8%. Poverty in rural areas is due mainly to the low agricultural productivity and low employment opportunities in other areas outside the agricultural sector. Rural areas development and reduction of the high level of poverty in these areas can be achieved through stimulating and supporting programs of development for rural social economy, human capital development and increasing the social protection level in rural areas.