2012年-CEPS欧洲政策研究中心_Rural_Labour_Market_Developments_in_the_Former_Yugoslav_Republic_of_Macedonia_21页_294kb

Summary of "Rural Labour Market Developments in the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia"

Core Content

This document provides a comparative analysis of the rural and agricultural factor markets in the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM), focusing on demographic changes, the structure of the rural labour force, and the implications for the agricultural sector and rural economy. The study highlights the long-term effects of emigration, which have significantly influenced the demographic composition and economic dynamics of rural areas.

Main Points

1. Demographic Trends and Regional Differences

• The Republic of Macedonia has experienced significant demographic changes, particularly in rural areas.
• Regional disparities are evident in population distribution, with some areas being more densely populated than others.
• According to the 2002 census, 43.3% of the total population lived in rural areas, with the highest concentration in the Polog region (70.8%) and the lowest in Skopje (28.2%).
• The population density in FYROM was 82.2 per km² in 2008, with the Skopje region being the most densely populated at 329 per km².
• A large portion of the population (about 69%) resides in underdeveloped areas, which are not always accurately identified due to unreliable criteria.

2. Labour Force and Employment Trends

• The working-age population (15-79) increased by 13.7% from 2004 to 2009, rising from 38.2% to 42.3% of the total population.
• The share of the active population (labour force) in the working-age group increased from 46.8% to 54.5%, while the inactive population decreased from 53.2% to 45.5%.
• The employment rate increased from 30.0% to 37.3%, while the unemployment rate decreased from 35.8% to 31.7%.
• Despite these improvements, employment in rural areas remains relatively low, and unemployment is still high.

3. Gender, Age, and Educational Structure

• Men constitute a larger share of the working-age population and are more likely to be employed or unemployed.
• Women are overrepresented in the inactive population, largely due to their role as unpaid family workers in agriculture.
• The age structure shows a growing proportion of middle-aged and older individuals, with the largest increases in the 40-49 and 50-64 age groups.
• The youth population (15-29) has seen smaller increases, and the unemployment rate among young people is particularly high (44.1% in 2009).
• The share of the younger population (15-39) in the working-age group remained around 50% during the observed period.

4. Impact of Emigration

• Emigration has altered the demographic structure of rural areas, leading to an aging population and a decline in the number of working-age individuals.
• The reduction in the number of women in the agricultural labour force is a new trend.
• The rural population is increasingly dependent on remittances and foreign currency funds from family members abroad, which have changed the income structure of rural households.

5. Policy Implications

• Demographic revitalisation of rural areas depends on economic revitalisation.
• A more rational use of the labour force and human resources, along with restructuring of agricultural production and holdings, is necessary.
• Improvements in market institutions are required to better support small farmers and the rural economy.
• There is a need for a differentiated approach in developing rural areas and improving the functioning of the rural labour market.

Key Information

• Emigration: A major driver of demographic and economic change in rural areas.
• Aging Population: Rural areas are experiencing a significant shift towards older age groups.
• Gender Imbalance: Women are increasingly absent from the agricultural workforce.
• Income Diversification: Many rural households now rely on remittances from abroad.
• Regional Disparities: There is a significant variation in population density and rural population share across different statistical regions.
• Labour Market Mismatch: The rural and agricultural labour market suffers from a mismatch in terms of age, education, and spatial distribution of the workforce.
• Policy Recommendations: Economic revitalisation, better use of human resources, and improved institutional support are essential for sustainable rural development.

Conclusion

The rural labour market in FYROM is undergoing significant transformation due to emigration and demographic shifts. These changes have led to an aging population, reduced participation of women in agriculture, and a mismatch in the labour force's characteristics. The rural economy remains crucial for employment, small businesses, and poverty alleviation, but requires targeted policy interventions to address the challenges of depopulation, underutilisation of human capital, and uneven distribution of resources.