Socio-economic Development Of Rural Areas Research Articles

RURAL TOURISM–REALISTIC SOLUTION FOR SUSTAINABLE SOCIO-ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT: CASE STUDY OF VÂLCEA COUNTY, OLTENIA REGION

Rural tourism is characterized as a form of self-initiated tourism, which has, in the foreground, the involvement of the local population, which helps considerably in supporting and promoting traditions, crafts, and customs. The methodology of this research is based on the study of the specialized literature by investigating a case study regarding the tourist activity of rural tourism in Vâlcea County. The research hypotheses forecast and serve the general objective of the study, namely presenting that rural tourism can be a realistic solution for the sustainable socio-economic development of Vâlcea County. This work aims to identify the main development areas of Vâlcea County where the trends of development and practice of rural tourism are significantly important for the Oltenia Region as a first step towards unique research for promotion, sustainability, and socio-economic development in rural areas.

Analysis of Dilemmas Faced by Rural Revitalization in the Context of Digital Governance and the Path of Promotion: Taking Xi'an City as an Example

This paper provides an in-depth analysis of the dilemmas and paths currently faced by rural revitalization under the digital governance framework, using Xi'an, China, as an example. Rural revitalization is an important agenda in many developing countries, where integrating digital technologies into the governance process presents opportunities and challenges, focusing on how to use digitalization, a key component of modern governance, to promote socio-economic development in rural areas. This paper aims to reveal the complexities involved through analysis. The study is based on a mixed-methods approach, incorporating qualitative data from unstructured interviews with residents, as well as quantitative data from surveys and regional economic reports. It includes technology gaps, infrastructure constraints, digital literacy of the rural population, and how governance policies are adapted to local needs that affect the implementation and effectiveness of digital governance in rural revitalization. The study also explores the relationship between digital governance and rural revitalization, the relevance of digital governance ruralization, an analysis of rural digital governance, and rural digital governance practices. Ultimately, the thesis suggests potential ways to solve these dilemmas. And, it emphasizes the necessity that digital talent cultivation should be increased, new types of infrastructures should be improved, a rural governance system should be constructed, and policy frameworks for narrowing the urban-rural digital divide should be developed. This study contributes to the understanding of rural revitalization in the era of digital governance and provides insights into sustainable rural development and digital transformation. At the same time, the study results in the Xi'an region case may provide experience in solving similar situations globally.

Econometric analysis of the development of labor potential of agro-industrial complex of Kazakhstan

The goal is to reveal the basis for the formation of labor potential in agriculture, its condition and role in socio-economic development of rural areas. Consider theoretical foundations of economic and mathematical modeling of dynamics of the formation of human resources in agro-industrial complex of Kazakhstan. Methods - application of methodology for carrying out forecast calculations based on econometric model in the form of a system of joint equations, tracing the connection of labor market with changes in demographic structure of the country's rural population. The study used statistical data series provided by the Bureau of National Statistics of the Agency for Strategic Planning and Reforms of the Republic of Kazakhstan. An overview of government support measures aimed at increasing labor reserves in rural areas is presented. As a result of scientific research, calculation forecast models were obtained, on the basis of which the values of main statistical indicators characterizing the dynamics of labor activity in rural areas of the republic for the long-term period were determined. Results - ways to overcome negative trends that slow down labor activity and form effective labor potential in rural areas are proposed: ensuring real growth in rural employment in all areas of activity; creation of additional high-performance jobs; improvement of social infrastructure. Conclusions - based on forecast calculations of indicators reflecting the directions of development of human capital in agricultural sector, opportunities for increasing GDP of products (services) of agriculture, forestry and fisheries have been identified. Studying the problems of rural labor economics makes it possible to note imbalances in the supply and demand of qualified specialists. In this regard, there is a need for active labor policy, stimulation of job search, training in professional skills, acquisition of a new profession.

Challenges and Prospects for the Determinants of Socioeconomic Development in Rural Areas: Evidence from Lithuania

Abstract This article presents the newly introduced model for EU policy-making, based on combined ‘bottom-up’ and ‘place-based’ approaches by establishing rural science-society-policy interfaces – Multi-Actor Platforms (MAPs). MAPs are open forums for exchanging relevant ideas in solving region’s most urgent place-based challenges, performing co-learning, and acting as knowledge co-creation platforms for the contribution of creating reflective research and policy agendas for the future of Europe’s rural areas. The main aim of this paper is to explore the challenges and prospects for the determinants of socioeconomic development (i.e., entrepreneurship, social economy, and sustainable and resilient value chains) in rural areas, based on SHERPA science-society-policy interface co-learning and co-creation results in Lithuanian MAP. Research results show that the combined bottom-up and place-based approaches with the help of regional MAPs as science-society-policy rural interfaces hold high potential to be applied to develop reflective research and policy agendas for the regions in the EU.

OPPORTUNITIES FOR REVITALIZATION OF RURAL AREAS IN POLAND AND BULGARIA AFTER THE WAR IN UKRAINE

As a result of the armed conflict in Ukraine, nearly a third of Ukrainians have been forcibly displaced from their homes. This is one of the largest displacement crises in the world and in our time. Bulgaria and Poland were among the first EU countries to welcome the migrant wave in the early hours of the war. The aim of this paper is to identify the current problems and certain socio-economic prospects of Ukrainian migrants in Poland and Bulgaria after the start of the military conflict The article also aims to try to answer the question of whether it is possible to revive rural areas in Poland and Bulgaria, given the potential that incoming foreigners (mostly Ukrainian citizens) represent for our countries. To achieve the set goal, the authors use quantitative and qualitative methods, representative official statistical data from the NSI, migration services, non-rovernmental organizations, results of primary research, office studies, Internet sources etc. The application of the scientific method, as well as the inductive and deductive methods helps to analyze demographic and socioeconomic processes in their dynamic development and highlight their impact on the socio-economic environment in Bulgaria and Poland. The authors reveal the need to make more effective use of the economic and social potential of migrants and the opportunities for rural revitalization in both host countries. The integration of migrant business into the economic environment of Bulgaria and Poland requires not only training of the migrants themselves, but also of the institutions and society as a whole regarding the benefits of this activity. This is definitely an underestimated area with huge potential that is underutilized for the socio-economic development of rural areas and ensuring a normal and peaceful existence for Ukrainian families in the chosen host country. Key words: refugees, migration, Ukraine, rural areas JEL: J15, J24, F51

CONDITION, PROBLEMS AND PERSPECTIVES OF THE LABOR FORCE IN RURAL AREAS OF BULGARIA

The specific features in the socio-economic development of rural areas in Bulgaria are the basis of non-uniform processes and trends in the formation of local labor force contingents. Based on data from the population and housing censuses conducted in 2011 and 2021, the dynamics of the labor force in rural areas of Bulgaria, as well as its structure by age, gender and education, are analyzed in this study. The research aims to outline the regions with the most serious problems with the reproduction of the labor force through a comparative analysis of the potential of the labor force in rural areas, urban areas and the average level for the country. Emphasis is placed on the impact of changes in the age structure of the working-age population (aging) on the general level of activity, as well as the degree of demographic and economic burden on the labor force throughout the study period. The changes in the structure of the labor force in rural areas are examined in detail and the prospects for the reproduction of the labor force in the short term are outlined. Based on the conclusions, some of the problems facing the effective use of the available labor force in rural areas were analyzed and recommendations were formulated regarding the necessary and adequate changes in the demographic policy, to promote the birth rate and retain a young labor force in the local labor markets. Keywords: Labor force, aging, unemployment, demographic reproduction, rural areas JEL: J20; J21; Е24

БІОЕНЕРГЕТИКА ЯК ФАКТОР НАЦІОНАЛЬНОЇ БЕЗПЕКИ В УМОВАХ ВОЄННОГО СТАНУ

The purpose of the article is to study the current state of the fuel and energy system, its vulnerability to wartime risks, and analysis of the potential of bioenergy in solving the problem of strengthening the national security of Ukraine by recognizing the critical importance of energy security. The relationship between the definitions of "national security" and "energy security" as components of a part and a whole is revealed. The hypothesis about the critical importance of energy security in the national security system is formulated, considering the importance of the energy sphere for all elements of both economic and social segments without exception. The characteristics of the fuel and energy complex were studied as part of a retrospective analysis. The system of factors that increase the parameters of the vulnerability of the national energy system has been decomposed. The structure of electricity generation in Ukraine, which corresponds to the signs of a high level of centralization, is analyzed. Attention is focused on the need to diversify sources of energy in order to strengthen positions in energy security and, therefore, in national energy security. Special attention is paid to bioenergy development as part of implementing the strategic task of building a combined energy supply system. The influence of the latter on national security was studied through the disclosure of factors of direct influence (diversification of the resource base, substitution of imported energy carriers, strengthening of stability in the conditions of wartime challenges due to the production of stable and predictable electricity; the ability to balance the energy system), as well as highlighting positive external effects (reduction of anthropogenic impact on the environment, diversification of agricultural production, increasing the level of socio-economic development of rural areas, development of innovations, creation of new jobs). A list of the main directions of the regulatory influence of the state on the processes of changing the energy balance in the direction of expanding the share of bioenergy as a driver of the development of decentralized generation based on the combination of socio-ecological and economic imperatives of the development of the national economy, which corresponds to the concepts of sustainable development and national security requirements, is given.

ПОВСЯКДЕННЕ ЖИТТЯ СІЛЬСЬКОГО НАСЕЛЕННЯ УКРАЇНИ В УМОВАХ «ПЕРЕБУДОВИ» 1985–1991 рр.

On the eve of Gorbachev’s «perestroika» of 1985–1991, a special type of Soviet family was formed in Soviet society, characterized by the presence of a state or cooperative apartment, saving money for cars and retirement, standing in long lines for scarce or imported goods. Life in the city was becoming more comfortable, while the situation in the countryside was improving slowly and even regressing in some places. It was the worst in villages with a population of less than 100 people. Such settlements lacked basic infrastructure, such as a kindergarten, school, medical center, cultural center, catering facility, etc. The only thing they had was a small shop. In 1985, a republican scientific and practical conference on the complex restructuring of rural settlements was held in Dnipropetrovs’k. The isolated experience of the Dnipropetrovs’k region on the socio-economic development of rural areas was summarized by the Central Committee of the CPSU and the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Ukraine. The Dnipropetrovs’k version of village reconstruction was considered justified and was used as an example for other regions of the Ukrainian SSR. Understanding the migration problem, the Dnipropetrovs’k region tried to find various incentives for young workers. In particular, it provided housing on a priority basis; provided consumer goods; and retained 25% of the average salary during the term of service for those who left their native village to join the USSR Armed Forces. And most importantly, it created a network of secondary schools that provided the necessary secondary education and the perspective of obtaining an agricultural profession in the vocational education system, thereby encouraging young people to stay in the countryside. At the same time, the village was losing its prestige. There was a growing migration of young people from villages to cities. The birth rate was decreasing. Villages were rapidly «aging». Young people in the countryside wanted to «escape» to the city as soon as possible, as they saw the hard, hopeless life of their parents. Those who «escaped» from the village mostly joined the ranks of workers and received housing in a dormitory in the city. The dissatisfaction of rural residents was primarily caused by the social and domestic sphere. Namely, poor medical care, poor road transport networks, low gasification, trade and cultural services, and water supply. Although the provision of living space exceeded the city’s average, it was significantly inferior in terms of comfort.

РОЛЬ МЕХАНІЗМІВ ЕКОЛОГІЧНОЇ БЕЗПЕКИ У СОЦІАЛЬНО-ЕКОНОМІЧНОМУ РОЗВИТКУ СІЛЬСЬКИХ ТЕРИТОРІЙ

This article examines the impact of environmental security mechanisms on the socio-economic development of rural areas, emphasizing the importance of their integration to ensure sustainable development. The economic and environmental principles that provide for the rational use of resources, production efficiency, biodiversity conservation, pollution reduction and resource conservation are considered. It was emphasized that the pollution and depletion of natural resources continues to threaten the health of the population, ecological safety and economic stability of the state. The problems of legal provision of food security in crisis situations, such as wars or natural disasters, are also considered, with a special focus on price regulation and support for agricultural production. It is emphasized that the creation and application of ecologically acceptable technologies will become a factor in saving the environment. The advantages of introducing environmental safety mechanisms are analyzed. The article emphasizes the need for an integrated approach that takes into account environmental, economic and social factors for the effective implementation of environmental safety mechanisms. It is indicated that agriculture is of special importance in the development of rural areas, because it provides a permanent income to the rural population, creates and controls natural biological cycles, uses and protects natural resources. It is emphasized that one of the directions of diversification of the development of rural areas in conditions of decentralization is the diversification of organizational and legal forms of management. Measures are proposed to promote the creation of new organizational and legal forms of management in order to improve the quality of life of the rural population and ensure the competitiveness of rural areas. The analysis concludes with the importance of rural areas in food security and sustainable development, with a special emphasis on the potential for economic growth and social well-being depending on the state of the environment and effective environmental security systems.

Polish-Romanian Joint Research Projects with a Focus on Internal Peripheries in Poland and Romania – Role of Endogenous and Exogenous Factors in Their Development Processes

Scientific collaboration between Polish and Romanian geographers is based on a very good and long tradition. It was long developed between human and physical geographers alike. The common bilateral projects had in view aspects related to the impact of natural and human process on the planning of mountain and hilly areas, the social-economic transformations in the Romanian and Polish suburban zones, the regional development in Central and Eastern Europe, the socio-economic development of rural areas in Poland and Romania. The last bilateral project on Internal peripheries in Polish and Romanian regions – role of endogenous and exogenous factors in their development processes, coordinated by Prof. Konrad Czapiewski from the Polish side, had as main research findings identifying common solutions serving the practical problems connected with the economic and social development of the internal peripheries in both countries.

Development of rural areas in the context of implementation of agricultural policy

The socio-economic development of rural areas of Kazakhstan is largely determined by the magnitude and degree of use of potential, effectiveness of which largely depends on optimal combination of its constituent elements involved in economic turnover. The main directions of modern social policy are to improve the quality of life and modernize the national economy to ensure the required level of income for the rural population. The goal is to develop methodological provisions for a holistic assessment of the state and prospects for increasing the internal reserves of rural areas. Methods – comparative and system analysis, statistical-economic, logical generalization. Results – it is noted that target indicators are key indicators: level of agro-industrial production per capita, employment, average monthly wages of rural residents, the size of capital investments, consumer prices, environmental well-being. The authors focus on the importance of improving engineering and logistics infrastructure, expanding the capabilities of border rural settlements, uniting small farms and organizing agricultural cooperatives, allowing farmers to reduce costs for fertilizers, fuels and lubricants, feed, increase the volume of production through the sharing of land, agricultural machinery, stable sales of goods. Conclusions - the Concept for the Development of Rural Territories of the Republic of Kazakhstan for 2023-2027 provides for a number of measures to involve villagers in local self-government, provide state support, spread agritourism, stimulate exports, ensure environmental safety and, in general, aimed at the systemic restructuring of the Kazakh village, where a significant number of rural population with high opportunities for sustainable growth. Such organizational and managerial approaches help solve the demographic situation and investment attractiveness of rural areas.

Устойчивое развитие сельских территорий

This article attempts to analyze the level of socio-economic development of rural areas of the Russian Federa-tion and the Republic of Mordovia as a fairly typical region of the country with their characteristic trends and development problems. It is determined that the development of Russian rural territories is still very far from the state of sustainability. It is emphasized that the situation is changing for the better, but at an extremely slow pace. The problem of saving people in rural areas of the country is raised as one of the most fundamental and requiring close attention from the state. It is proposed to use not only the category of sustainability, but also the concept of inclusiveness in the prospective program documents on rural development in the Russian Federa-tion to characterize dynamic transformations based on the conditions created for the normal life of each person living in rural areas, including transport provision of territories, accessibility of education, medicine and digital technologies, developed infrastructure and employment opportunities.

Eco-tourism and socio-economic development of rural areas

Eco-tourism and socio-economic development of rural areas

The socioeconomic development of rural municipalities representing various demographic and functional types

Motivation: Rural areas are usually characterised by a slower pace of growth as compared with urban areas. However, they do not constitute a uniform group of entities, representing a considerable diversity in terms of development. Among the determinants of the socio-economic development of rural areas, an important role is played by their demographic potential and the economic functions performed. The demographic typology of municipalities is used in identifying population development types in the analysed entities, depending on natural growth rates and a migration balance. The functional typology of rural municipalities is based on differences between them in terms of socio-economic structure. Understanding the relationship between the development of a municipality and its demographic and functional type is indispensable for planning the development policy and for formulating local strategies.Aim: The aim of the paper is to assess gaps in the level of development of the rural municipalities of Małopolska Voivodeship, depending on the demographic types they represent and the economic functions they perform.Results: The results of the conducted analyses indicate that the highest levels of development among Małopolska’s rural municipalities are recorded by urbanised areas. These levels are much higher than in the remaining entities classified as multi-income, agricultural and tourist municipalities. It was proved that the best developed municipalities record an increase in the number of population resulting from a positive migration rate. There is a correlation between a demographic and functional type of municipalities.

Implementation of innovative EU approaches to regulatory policy for the development of agricultural production and rural areas

The study of the experience of the European Union in solving the problems of the weak development of agriculture as a sensitive sector and the polarization of the socio-economic living conditions of residents in rural areas has an applied value for the implementation of this experience in Ukraine, which determines the relevance and novelty of this research. The object of the research is the tools of the state innovation policy for the development of agricultural production and rural areas of the EU. The subject of this study is the experience of the European Union in supporting the development of agriculture, as a sensitive industry, and increased support for the development of certain depressed regions of the EU in order to reduce their socio-economic depolarization. The purpose of this work is to justify the need to strengthen state policy and its tools for the innovative development of agricultural production and rural areas on the example of the settlement of relevant issues in the European Union. The practical significance of the results lies in the possibility of practical application of the recommendations regarding the definition of instruments of the state innovation policy for the development of agricultural production and rural areas in Ukraine. To achieve the goal, the following were used: а systematic analysis of the evolution of solving the issue of the common agricultural policy of the European Union, which contributed to the formation of recommendations for the definition of innovative tools of state policy for the development of agricultural production and rural areas in Ukraine; management approach - to strengthen the control function of state management in the implementation of state programs related to the support of agriculture as a sensitive industry and the development of rural areas. Conclusions. The development of sensitive industries in each country has not only economic, but also social and political significance, since it is about preserving jobs, consumer opportunities of the population, generating GDP and deducting taxes to the local and state budget, reducing the depolarization of economic growth between individual regions and strata population, and, therefore, socio-political peace in the state. The multifacetedness of this issue affects the decisions of the governments of countries and international integration groups, in particular the EU, whose experience is very useful for research and further implementation in Ukraine. The starting point for the effectiveness of the Program for the Sustainable Development of the Agricultural Industry in Ukraine is a comprehensive approach to solving the problems of increasing the competitiveness of Ukrainian agricultural production and leveling significant disparities in the socio-economic development of rural areas. These tasks are two sides of the same problem, due to the neglect of which it is possible not only to lose a large number of small and medium-sized Ukrainian villages, but also to face the fact of food insecurity, which threatens the national security of Ukraine. Special attention in the process of implementation of the Program for the Sustainable Development of the Agricultural Industry in Ukraine is needed by the control function, which must be carried out permanently and qualitatively.

Regulatory and Legal Support for the Development of Digital Infrastructure in Rural Areas as a Factor in Improving the Level of Sustainable Development and Quality of Life of the Rural Population

Widespread problems of rural development have been the subject of scientific analysis and discussions for many years. The current debate is the result of reflections on improving the effectiveness of rural development policy and the search for new approaches to their development at the local level. They are also the result of the need not only to implement the Sustainable Development Goals more effectively but also to reduce the social and economic inequality between the village and the city, which is possible through the development of the digital infrastructure of rural areas. The purpose of the article is to identify priority areas and institutional and legal barriers to the development of digital infrastructure, the tools necessary to overcome them, and regulatory and legal support for the development of digital infrastructure in rural areas. The article identifies the advantages of digital infrastructure for the socio-economic development of rural areas, the priority level of the introduction of digital infrastructure and technologies for various sectors in the life of the rural population, institutional and legal barriers to the development of digital infrastructure of rural areas, as well as tools of regulatory support for the development of digital infrastructure of rural areas. It is concluded that the creation of the necessary regulatory framework that would stimulate the formation of digital infrastructure while protecting the interests of rural residents is the most significant of the problems of rural areas.

Typology and Reasons for the Development of Non-Agricultural Activities in the Rural Areas of The Sub-Prefecture of Koun-Fao (Ivory Coast)

Agriculture will remain the main source of income and socio-economic development in rural areas of Côte d'Ivoire for a long time to come. However, the successive crises in the coffee-cocoa sector and in almost all other agricultural sectors have led to the emergence of non-agricultural activities in rural areas of Côte d'Ivoire, such as those of the Koun-Fao sub-prefecture in the east of the country. In these areas, these activities have become a real alternative in the fight against rural impoverishment. Given the role played by this non-agricultural sector, the main objective of this research is not only to identify the types of activity but also to determine the reasons behind their development in the Koun-Fao area. To achieve this objective, the methodology adopted is a combination of documentary research, observation, interviews and surveys by questionnaire with 122 actors of non-agricultural activities in 8 villages of the Koun-Fao sub-prefecture. The surveys in the sub-prefecture of Koun-Fao reveal a diversity of non-agricultural activities, which include all the small trades described as informal in urban areas. The actors in this sector are not only Ivorians and non-nationals, but also a high proportion of young people. Non-agricultural activities owe their establishment and development to several factors, the most important of which are the lack of arable land and the income generated by these activities, which is clearly better than that from agriculture in a region with a long agrarian tradition.

Influence of the M&A of Agricultural Companies on the Development of the Rural Areas

"The purpose of the study is to establish the main areas of influence of agribusiness, through the conclusion of M&A transactions on the development of adjacent rural areas and non-agricultural businesses. The authors used methods: generalisation-systematisation of scientific provisions; analogy and comparison – characteristics of changes in agricultural companies after the conclusion of M&A transactions; analysis and synthesis – features of the functioning of agricultural companies and their impact on the development of rural areas; algorithmization – definition of conceptual provisions for improving the problem under study. The areas of the impact of agribusiness on rural development were substantiated to achieve the goals of the study. The study describes the M&A market in the context of the most influential economic sectors of the country, highlighting the role and place of the agricultural sector. The values of land plots in land banks of the ten largest agricultural enterprises of Ukraine are analysed. A comparative description of individual agrarian companies that were parties to M&A transactions for 2020–2022 is conducted. A number of factors that affect the development of rural areas after the conclusion of M&A transactions are identified. It is determined that the regional development policy should be based on mutual cooperation between rural communities and agricultural companies. The practical significance of the study is that the consolidation of agricultural companies and the expansion of their field of influence on the region, including through active cooperation with local communities, will allow for achieving high indicators of socio-economic development in rural areas."

INTEGRATIVE PROCESSES IN THE AGRICULTURAL COMPLEX OF THE NATIONAL ECONOMY

In the article, the study of the essence of agro-industrial integration was further developed. It is well-founded that the creation of integrated agricultural formations contributes to the achievement of a synergistic effect, however, excessive integration has negative socio-economic consequences: monopolization of the agricultural market, making it impossible to form competitive advantages of small commodity producers, reducing the need for labor, and therefore the threat of unemployment in the countryside, which emphasizes the need for anti-monopoly control and regulation of the economy by the state, as well as support for alternative forms of combining the efforts of agricultural producers, in particular, agricultural service cooperatives. The question of the formation of product sub-complexes within the agro-industrial complex was studied. The peculiarities of inter-branch integrated structures and components of the agrarian-industrial production cycle are considered. The positive consequences of the functioning of product verticals are highlighted. Scientific views on the role of the agrarian sphere in the economy through the prism of trends in the development of the world economy are determined. It is well-founded that the main criterion for determining the role of agro-industrial complex in the economy of rural areas is the employment level of the population. The role of the agricultural sector in the regions of Ukraine is analyzed based on the employment criterion. A mechanism for the development of the agro-industrial sector as the basis of the economy of rural areas is proposed, the implementation of which is based on integration, investment and innovation directions. It is substantiated that despite the diversification processes of the economy of these territorial entities, most of them have agro-industrial specialization, so their development depends on the changes taking place in the agricultural sector. But the inconsistency of the impact of European integration on the development of the agrarian sector causes an equally contradictory situation in the socio-economic development of rural areas, as it involves the uncertainty of external conditions for their functioning and the strengthening of interregional competition. All this requires a new theoretical assessment of the peculiarities of the functioning of the agricultural sector as the basis for the development of the economy of rural areas in the context of European integration processes.

Designing a Mixed Model (ANP-SWOT) to Evaluate Practical Scenarios in the Development of Rural Cooperatives in Iran

Rural cooperatives as a small member-owned organizations are the potential to facilitate socio-economic development in rural areas. This study presents a novel hybrid method to develop strategies for development of rural cooperatives. It combines SWOT analysis, TOWS strategic alternatives matrix, and the analytic network process (ANP). SWOT was used to analyze the external and internal environment of rural cooperatives in Iran using the contributions of a team of experts. This team identified 19 SWOT sub-factors. A TOWS matrix was then constructed and the internal and external environmental sub-factors were combined to create good strategic alternatives. The expert team used the TOWS matrix to identify 11 strategic alternatives. ANP was applied to prioritize the strategic alternatives. According to the experts’ team, the presented combined approach helps managers to choose the best alternative strategies considering both internal and environmental factors.