The main aim of this report is to present the situation of rural areas and the communities residing in each of the participating regions in the ESIRA project (Enhancing Social Innovation in Rural Areas HORIZON 101136253). These reports will act as the basis of D4.1, “Benchmark study on social exclusion in rural areas,” and D4.2, “Multi-level analysis of social economy initiatives in rural areas”.
This report aimed to go beyond the literature and statistical data available and, together with the organisations participating in the pilots, explore the regions’ situations and the drivers behind the disadvantages.
The report introduces the territorial organization of Serbia and analyses the situation of people living in rural areas, focusing on territorial inequalities.
A deeper examination of the drivers of vulnerability and social exclusion in rural contexts was done in Jablanica and Pčinja Districts. The analysis considers the social processes in the region and the livelihood opportunities at the municipal level. Existing assets and hidden resources in the municipality were assessed according to statistical data and the opinions of the leading local social economy stakeholders.
The development of a regional socio-economic report for the Jablanica and Pčinja Districts is essential for gaining a comprehensive understanding of the practical challenges faced by marginalized groups in these regions. This study aims to thoroughly examine the social and economic conditions and interpret the specific factors that can contribute to improving the position of individuals living in rural communities. By identifying unique barriers such as limited access to education, inadequate infrastructure, and high unemployment rates, the study seeks to provide a clear and detailed picture of the socio-economic landscape and the specific needs of marginalized groups, such as women, youth in NEET status, and entrepreneurs. Without such a detailed analysis, addressing these issues in a meaningful way would be challenging, as a deep understanding of the socio-economic context is crucial for developing effective and targeted solutions.