Vartanova M.L. Demographic transformation of rural employment in Russian regions: challenges and inter-regional inequalities. Regional problems of economic transformation. 2026. No. 3 (185). Pp. 211-224.

Abstract

This study is a significant contribution to understanding the socio-demographic and economic processes taking place in the labor market in the regions of the Russian Federation. The main purpose of the work is a comprehensive analysis of changes and trends in the regional labor market in the agricultural sector of Russia. The analysis is carried out taking into account the structural, social, demographic and institutional transformations of the agro-industrial complex. The paper identifies and analyzes the key factors contributing to the demographic transformation of rural areas: a decrease in the number of able-bodied people, an increase in the proportion of the elderly population, gender imbalance, an acute shortage of qualified specialists, and the need to retrain personnel from other industries. It is noted that the identified factors have a significant impact on the reproduction of labor in the agricultural sector, which requires the development of new approaches to personnel policy: geographically differentiated employment models.; the system of continuous agricultural education. The introduction of modern approaches highlights the need for a transition to high-tech rural labor, but requires systematic measures to retain labor resources in the regions. The article scientifically substantiates new economic solutions, the implementation of which can significantly improve the efficiency of employment management in rural areas. The measures proposed by the author provide for an integrated approach to solving rural employment problems, including both programmatic regulation and financial and economic incentives for the growth and development of the regional labor market infrastructure. The data obtained in the course of the study can be used to develop effective HR policy strategies and formalize employment, which will improve the situation on the regional labor market in agriculture.