Economically underdeveloped rural regions in Southern Moravia and possible strategies for their future development

• Published in: Journal of rural studies Vol. 97; pp. 356 - 364
• Main Authors: Vaishar, Antonín, Šťastná, Milada
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 01.01.2023
• Subjects: Economically and socially threatened rural regions; Moravia; Rural development; Social capital; Sustainable tourism; Sustainable tourism; Economically and socially threatened rural regions; Rural development; Moravia; Social capital
• ISSN: 0743-0167; 1873-1392
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jrurstud.2022.12.024

The Regional Development Strategy of the Czech Republic 2021+ set aside economically and socially endangered rural regions. This paper aims to analyse the situation of these regions in the South Moravian Region in more detail to specify individual threats and possible approaches to rural development. In addition, the paper seeks to determine whether these regions are significantly differentiated internally, allowing the neediest areas to be focused on for growth. The research used geographical analysis and synthesis methods to identify the two most peripheral microregions as the most endangered. Their most significant strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats were summarised, and possible strategies for further development were indicated. Although the conditions and development assumptions in the two microregions were different, the significance of tourism development was indicated as the most important direction in one case and as a second direction in the other. •The Czech Republic's Regional Development Strategy 2021+ outlined endangered areas.•The endangered rural areas in the South Moravian Region were analysed in detail.•Only the most peripheral parts of the designated regions are at risk.•Regardless of the general strategy, each of the micro-regions must be managed separately.•The development of cultural tourism is one of the promising possibilities.