Classification of Rural Areas in Serbia: Framework and Implications for Spatial Planning

Aleksandra Gajić,Nikola Krunić,Branko Protić

doi:10.3390/su13041596

Aleksandra Gajić, Nikola Krunić + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/su13041596

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Abstract

The classification of rural and urban areas presents an important topic both in scientific research and in the practice of spatial planning, regional policy making, and territorial governance. Taking into account the multidimensionality of these areas, this paper aims to provide a classification framework design for rural areas in Serbia. After selecting the relevant indicators, which were included to reflect the main demographic, economic, and physio-geographical characteristics of the Serbian rural areas, multivariate analysis (principal component method and factor analysis) was used to determine the main factors in the delimitation and classification of rural and urban areas. The last step of the conducted methodology used cluster analysis (CA) that identified six types of areas with similar characteristics. The results of this study and applied methodology can improve the existing rural–urban classifications and help planners and policy makers in the adaptation of strategic development documents.

Highlights

Due to the intensified processes of industrialization and urbanization, rural areas are exposed to various types of natural and anthropogenic pressures which cause problems with demographic, natural, and cultural resources [1,2]
The presented methodology aims to contribute to the design of a classification framework for rural areas that share similar characteristics as a useful tool for decision-making processes
The applied approach captured the multidimensionality of rural areas with high levels of detail

Summary

Introduction

Due to the intensified processes of industrialization and urbanization, rural areas are exposed to various types of natural and anthropogenic pressures which cause problems with demographic, natural, and cultural resources [1,2]. These problems cause effects on population characteristics in affected rural areas (e.g., income level, education, land-use conflicts, migration, etc.) which is one of the main reasons why planners and decision makers need to have adequate information [3]. Areas near urban centers are pressurized, where these impacts are exceptionally pronounced causing population transformation and land-use changes [4,5]. In order to capture the diversity of rural regions in Serbia, 16 indicators were selected to reflect different aspects of Serbian rural areas

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Conclusion