The food system and its impact on rural development: the case of the Slovakian regions of Košice and Nitra

Abstract

At the moment, demographic trends indicate that rural populations are migrating to cities; as a result, rural areas are undergoing depopulation. To halt this downward trend, it is critical to create good prospects for the rural environment and population; one option is to focus on rural tourism and agritourism. However, the absence of an intervention strategy in the agricultural sector creates uncertainty and even existential problems for many farmers. The article focuses on the Nitra (NR) and Košice (KE) regions of Slovakia (SR), which are characterised by highly fertile land enabling the development of agriculture, especially the production of organic food, regional tourism, and agritourism. The author proposes connecting agricultural production with rural tourism. Both regions are well-known for their winemaking and grape cultivation. Unfortunately, their fertile land is being destroyed to build industrial parks. As a result, their natural resources are not being utilised for the intended purpose. The study described in the article is based on a comparison of economic indicators, such as GDP and the unemployment rate in agriculture. The two regions supply a significant percentage of products manufactured in Slovakia. Additionally, the development of rural tourism and agritourism could support agriculture and forestry, protect the environment and create and retain jobs in the Slovak countryside.