Poverty sustenable strategies for combating poverty and social exclusion in rural areas [articol]

Abstract

Beginning of the XXI century catches Romania’s rural areas in unprecedented decline, with a working population shrinking, aging and with short and mid-term economic prospects uncertain. This situation brings a worrisome phenomenon of widespread poverty of rural life. This widespread poverty penetrates all aspects of rural life: from poor education, lack of specialized medical and social service and lack of work force for agriculture to the migration of people to more developed urban areas or abroad. Furthermore, the markets for traditional foods, traditional crafts, traditional materials and traditional household products are shrinking. Despite all these, Romanian rural areas can and should be saved through a sustained effort, involving EU funds and grants, promoted by APDRP with help from non-governmental organizations and, why not, even with help from the Romanian Government. The XXIst century should continue to support local tradition. If not country life will be nothing but a memory depicted or archived in a photo album.