Cherepanova E. A., Shirokova P. A., Nazarenko G. A., Prusikhin O. E., Krutov O. D., Aleksandrov E. A., Koldobskaya N. A. The impact of path dependence on the adaptation of old-developed industrial regions of the Lower Oka Region to changing economic conditions in the post-Soviet period // The Russian Peasant Studies. 2025. V.10. №4. P. 165-184.

EDN: RHYULJ

Annotation

The article considers the influence of “path dependence” on the adaptation of old industrial territories of the Nizhny Novgorod Region to the changing economic conditions in the post-Soviet period. The authors identify two different development trajectories — in the northern part (Pavlovsky and Vachsky districts) with a predominance of small business and handicraft production and in the southern part (Vyksa, Kulebaki, Navashino) with a predominance of large enterprises. The study is based on interviews, statistical and archival data. The comparative analysis showed that northern territories managed to adapt by restructuring and diversification of production based on the historical handicraft traditions, while southern territories maintained a monocentric model with the city-forming enterprise determining economic and social life. The authors identify three types of “blocking effects” (functional, political, and cognitive) that make it diff icult to diversify the economy in southern regions. On the contrary, in northern regions, a developed network of cooperating small enterprises contributes to the sustainability and flexibility of the local economy. Thus, historical specialization of territories still determines their development trajectories.

Keywords

Old industrial territories, path dependency, Nizhny Novgorod Region, Lower Oka Region, small towns, single-industry towns, ferrous metallurgy.  

About the authors

Ekaterina A. Cherepanova, Senior Analyst, Center for Strategic Research, Gazetny Per., 3–5, bldg. 1, Moscow, 125009, Russia.
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Polina A. Shirokova, Independent Researcher. Sitnikova St., 2, Balashikha, Moscow Region, 143923, Russia.
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Grigory A. Nazarenko, PhD Student, Department of Economic and Social Geography of Russia, Faculty of Geography, Lomonosov Moscow State University. Leninskie Gory, 1, GSP-1, Moscow, 119991, Russia.
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Oleg E. Prusikhin, PhD Student, Senior Engineer, Department of Economic and Social Geography of Russia, Faculty of Geography, Lomonosov Moscow State University. Leninskie Gory, 1, GSP-1, Moscow, 119991, Russia.
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Oleg D. Krutov, PhD Student, Senior Engineer, Department of Economic and Social Geography of Russia, Faculty of Geography, Lomonosov Moscow State University. Leninskie Gory, 1, GSP-1, Moscow, 119991, Russia.
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Evgeny A. Aleksandrov, Master’s Student, Department of Economic and Social Geography of Russia, Faculty of Geography, Lomonosov Moscow State University. Leninskie Gory, 1, GSP-1, Moscow, 119991, Russia.
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Natalia A. Koldobskaya, PhD (Geography), Associate Professor, Department of Economic and Social Geography of Russia, Faculty of Geography, Lomonosov Moscow State University. Leninskie Gory, 1, GSP-1, Moscow, 119991, Russia.
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Shagaida N. I., Ternovsky D. S. From garden to fields: The difficult path of the potato // The Russian Peasant Studies. 2025. V.10. №4. P. 146-164.

EDN: PDSUBX

Annotation

The article considers the structural shifts in the Russian potato market from 1991 to 2025. Based on the Rosstat data, agricultural censuses and household budget surveys, the authors identify long-term trends in the potato price dynamics, consumption, production and economic affordability. Thus, despite periodic price jumps, in the long run the potato has steadily become cheaper in real terms, while simultaneously losing significance in the consumer basket under the rising population income. The authors focus on the deep transformation of the production structure — a rapid shift in dominance from households (their share in production fell from 90% in the 1990s to 50% in 2022) to the commercial sector (agricultural enterprises and (peasant) farms). This shift is determined by the declining economic viability of household production compared to large enterprises implementing new technologies. The authors warn of risks to food security associated with the decline in household production outpacing growth in the commercial sector, which potentially leads to increased price volatility, and propose government support measures aimed at stimulating cooperation, facilitating access to land, and increasing production efficiency to ensure a stable potato market.

Keywords

Potato, households, food consumption, agricultural production, food security, food prices, price volatility, economic affordability, purchasing power.  

About the authors

Natalia I. Shagaida, DSc (Economics), Head of the Center for Agro-Food Policy, Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration. Vernadskogo Prosp., 82, Moscow, 119571, Russia.
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Denis S. Ternovsky, DSc (Economics), Senior Researcher, Center for Agro-Food Policy, Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration. Vernadskogo Prosp., 82, Moscow, 119571, Russia.
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Rogozin D. М. Subjecthood matters: Autoethnography of caring for father with dementia under rural constraints // The Russian Peasant Studies. 2025. V.10. №3. P. 289-305.

EDN: PTBHWG

Annotation

The article presents a deeply personal and scientifically grounded analysis of caring for an aging parent with progressive dementia in rural Russia. Based on the experience of caring for his father in the town of Abaza (Khakassia), the author shows the complex interplay of administrative, social and cultural factors that determine the quality of palliative and long-term care in rural areas. Although Abaza has a city status, it is rather a rural settlement with a shortage of medical and social resources, close community ties, widespread subsistence farming, and weak institutional support. The author describes how these “rural constraints” both complicate caring and develop a specific care culture in which professional assistance often turns into the formal performance of duties, ignoring the patient’s subjecthood. Under the crisis caused by his father’s deteriorating condition, the author shows how a return to a person-centered approach (negotiated actions, respected individuality and emotional engagement) can restore the patient’s speech, mobility, and dignity. The author emphasizes that dementia does not eliminate subjecthood but demands to rethink care practices. The article calls for a paradigm shift: from efficiency and bureaucratic regulation toward reflexivity, ethics of care and recognition of the elder as full-fledged subjects, regardless of cognitive impairment or geographical location.

Keywords

Autoethnography, dementia, long-term care, rural constraints, social isolation, sociology of aging, subjecthood, person-centered approach, ethics of care.

About the author

Dmitry М. Rogozin, PhD (Sociology), Head of the Field Research Laboratory, Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration. Prechistenskaya Nab., 11, bldg. 1, Moscow, 119034, Russia.
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Gusakov T. Yu. Crimean dachas: History and the current development of rural-urban space // The Russian Peasant Studies. 2025. V.10. №3. P. 261-288.

EDN: OUCJGC

Annotation

The article considers the dacha movement on the Crimean Peninsula as a unique phenomenon in the development of rural areas under the transformation of spatial organization of society. The author reconstructs the historical evolution of dacha settlement — from the first estates and dachas of the Russian Empire to the numerous gardening and dacha cooperatives in the Soviet and post-Soviet periods. Based on pre-revolutionary and contemporary statistical, cartographic and legal sources and field studies, the author identifies the main stages and mechanisms in the formation of the dacha landscape in Crimea, its morphological and functional features, focusing on the current role of non-commercial associations as integrating rural territories into urban lifestyles, mechanisms of social mobility and multi-locality. The article considers institutional uncertainty, land fragmentation, infrastructural challenges and environmental risks associated with the uneven and often spontaneous dacha expansion. Dacha and gardening settlements have become an integral part of the settlement system, affecting landscapes, land use and social structure, promoting the development of new types of rural-urban communities and suburbanization. The article summarizes trends of the territorial distribution of dacha associations, provides examples of local practices and settlement transformation, stresses the need to consider the features of dacha development in regional policy and spatial planning, to ensure an inventory and institutionalization of such settlement forms for the sustainable development of Crimea. 

Keywords

Population geography, dachas, rural settlement, suburbanization, ruralurban communities, spatial mobility, spatial planning, informal settlements, Crimea.

About the author

Timur Y. Gusakov, Researcher, Center for Agrarian Studies, Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration; Vernadskogo Prosp., 82, Moscow, 119571, Russia.
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Imangulov L. R. Territorial differences in migration patterns of the rural youth in post-Soviet Russia // The Russian Peasant Studies. 2025. V.10. №3. P. 234-260.

EDN: NMKTIG

Annotation

The article considers the features of post-Soviet migration of the rural youth in Russian regions based on the statistical data and interviews with rural school graduates, their parents and experts. The author used the age shift method to show a longterm increase in the migration outflow of the rural youth in the post-Soviet period — from 5% to more than 18% — for cohorts born in the late 20th century. The results of the study confirmed the low attractiveness of rural areas in most regions of Russia for living. The author identified eight types of regions based on the features of post-Soviet migration of the rural youth: only three types show a smaller outflow of the youth from rural areas; for each type, the ratio of push, pull and attracting factors for the rural youth is presented. Based on the field materials, the author describes a type of return migration which is quite rare for rural regions: the return of the youth is highest in the southern agrarian regions and in the national republics of the North Caucasus; its distribution in these regions is limited. Return migration of the youth to rural areas is described on the example of eight rural districts of Bashkortostan, Krasnodar Region, Dagestan and North Ossetia–Alania. In the national republics of the North Caucasus, the return of the youth to rural areas is influenced by the social factor and the low competitiveness of rural school graduates in urban labor markets, in the Krasnodar Region — by the large-scale settlement in rural areas and high barriers for the rural youth in cities (like high real estate prices).

Keywords

Rural youth, population migration, educational migration, return migration, migration factors, rural areas.

About the author

Linar R. Imangulov, Junior Researcher at the Scientific Center for the Study of Rural Issues at Vernadsky University, Balashikha, Moscow Region, 50 Entuziastov Highway. PHD student, Engineer, Faculty of Geography, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Leninskie Gory, 1, 119991.
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Fadeeva O. P. Digitalization “from above” in the Russian agro-industrial complex: From projects to reality // The Russian Peasant Studies. 2025. V.10. №3. P. 205-233.

EDN: LYCPIE

Annotation

Digitalization of almost all aspects of life in contemporary Russia has not bypassed the agricultural sector. Due to its combination with a clear administrative message to control everything in the economy, this gives interesting results for researchers and sometimes unexpected ones for developers. Thus, digitalization has already determined additional costs for producers and ultimately for consumers of agricultural products. In-depth interviews with direct users of information systems, which are quickly introduced by the state to ensure the “traceability” of all chains from inputs producers to outputs consumers, on the one hand, revealed the most acute organizational and technical problems associated with the implementation and practical operation of such systems; on the other hand, raise the question of the government intervention in business processes that have significant and difficult to standardize features. The imperative implementation of numerous information systems that are difficult to integrate can make life easier but also complicate it for producers. Moreover, the completely understandable desire of officials to know everything often leads to consequences that are opposite to expectations, thus creating an “illusion of control” based on unreliable information.

Keywords

Agricultural producers, federal state information systems (FGIS), FGIS “VetIS”, FGIS “Grain”, FGIS “Saturn”, Unified Federal Information System on Agricultural Lands (EFIS ZSN), traceability of production and sales, Altay Region, Krasnodar Region, Novosibirsk Region, Nizhny Novgorod Region.

About the author

Olga P. Fadeeva, PhD (Sociology), Head of the Department, Institute of Economics and Organization of Industrial Engineering, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences. Ac. Lavrentyev Prosp., 17, Novosibirsk, 630090, Russia.
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Elanskaya A. A. Russian agricultural policy in the 21st century: From producer support to consumer support? // The Russian Peasant Studies. 2025. V.10. №3. P. 182-204.

EDN: JVIVTG

Annotation

The article considers the transformation of Russia’s agricultural policy since the beginning of the 21st century. The author applies the OECD methodology to assess structural shifts and make comparisons with other countries. The article shows significant policy changes, although producer support remains its core and market-distorting measures still prevail. However, price support for agricultural producers at the expense of consumers has decreased, while the share of expenditures on general services and consumer support has increased, bringing Russia’s agricultural policy closer to that of developed nations. Although Russia does not provide food assistance as part of its agricultural budget, the state actively stimulates food demand. The author estimates the scale of consumer subsidies aimed at purchasing food products and their role in effective demand for agricultural products. Thus, Russia’s agricultural policy has gradually, albeit slowly, shifted toward greater consumer support.

Keywords

Agricultural policy, export-oriented economy, government program, OECD, producer support, consumer support, support for general services, food assistance, school nutrition programs.

About the author

Alexandra A. Elanskaya, PhD (Geography), Research Fellow, Center for Agrifood Policy, Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration. Vernadskogo Prosp., 82, Moscow, 119571, Russia. 
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Mukha V.N., Chemulova A.V. Discovering social aspects of rurbanization: A literature review // The Russian Peasant Studies. 2025. V.10. №2. P. 161-179.

EDN: CBBUWO

Annotation

The article considers social aspects of rurbanization as a process when rural areas increasingly adopt urban characteristics, which blurs the lines between traditional rural and urban lifestyles. The article presents a comprehensive literature review and a topic modeling analysis to identify key issues when considering social aspects of rurbanization: the impact on mental health, theoretical changes in understanding social interactions, challenges and opportunities in the sustainable infrastructure development, the role of economic policies in balancing rural and urban needs, the influence of smart innovations on local governance and community engagement, changes in education and employment. The authors’ findings highlight both positive and negative effects of rurbanization, such as an enhanced access to urban amenities and increased social tensions. The authors emphasize the need for multi-faceted approaches to diverse challenges determined by rurbanization.

Keywords

Rurbanization, social aspects, mental health, sustainable infrastructure, economic policy, smart innovation, education and employment, community cohesion, rural-urban integration, social cohesion, theoretical frameworks.

About the authors

Victoria N. Mukha, PhD (Sociology), Associate Professor, Department of Sociology, Law and Work with Personnel, Kuban State Technological University; Moskovskaya St., 2, Krasnodar, 350072, Russia.
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Alena V. Chemulova, Research Assistant, Kuban State Technological University, Moskovskaya St., 2, Krasnodar, 350072, Russia.
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Makeeva S.B. Current implementation of the Chinese strategy for agricultural development in the North-East // The Russian Peasant Studies. 2025. V.10. №2. P. 136-160.

EDN: CAAWWD

Annotation

The article considers agricultural development of the Northeastern region of China, focusing on the current implementation of the state agricultural strategy in three provinces — Heilongjiang, Jilin and Liaoning. Since 2003, these provinces have implemented the strategy of restoring the old industrial base and since 2023 — the strategy of strengthening the agricultural complex and ensuring food security in Northeast China. Based on the analysis of normative and statistical data from the reports on the development of Northeast China, the author aims at summarizing the experience of implementing its strategy with system and statistical methods. Thus, Northeast China has significant advantages in the development of agricultural sector due to the restoration of its industrial base since 2003, which became an impetus for agricultural production and subsequently led to the inclusion of Dongbei in the project of the strong agricultural state. Today Northeast China develops high-quality, scientific-technological, ‘green’ and ‘branded’ agriculture. The implementation of the new agricultural strategy in the Northeastern region affects the development of rural infrastructure in Heilongjiang, Jilin and Liaoning provinces.

Keywords

Northeast China, black-earth belt, agricultural production, strategy, rural areas, agricultural workers, ‘green’ food, grain growing, animal husbandry, ‘branded’ agriculture, food security.

About the author

Svetlana B. Makeeva, DSc (History), Associate Professor, Department of Chinese Studies, Head of the Department of Regional Demography, Institute for Demographic Research of the Federal Center of Theoretical and Applied Sociology of the Russian Academy of Sciences. Fotievoy St., 6, Moscow, 119333.
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Sheresheva M.Yu., Belyaev A.A. On the BRICS Grain Exchange: The role of the Russian platform B2B-technologies // The Russian Peasant Studies. 2025. V.10. №2. P. 118-135.

EDN: BAAKDK

Annotation

The article identifies opportunities and directions for the use of the Russian digital platform solutions to develop the BRICS Grain Exchange. Based on the analysis of academic literature, the authors describe the features of exchange trade in agricultural products and the dangers of its turning into a platform for hedging price risks and financial speculation (when a balance of supply and demand for physical goods would have no impact on prices). The authors propose to use the Russian B2B platform technologies to ensure a balance of interests of different business forms in the agro-industrial complex, providing an example of the GrainChain digital platform technologies developed for the grain and oilseeds market and a possible technological basis for the BRICS Grain Exchange. The digital trading channel for agribusiness supported by the Russian technology can ensure transparency of interactions between the BRICS countries, since the exchange and platform solutions in B2B trading would increase the number of trade participants in the digital space and speed up the formation of price indices based on a representative sample.

Keywords

Technological sovereignty, food security, digital platforms, technological innovation, agribusiness, BRICS.

About the authors

Marina Yu. Sheresheva, DSc (Economics), Head of the Marketing Department and Laboratory for Institutional Analysis, Lomonosov Moscow State University. Leninskie Gory, 1, bldg. 46, Moscow, 119991.
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Artem A. Belyaev, PhD (History), CEO of “Znamensky Trade Company”, Co-founder of “Grain Chain”, Adviser to the President of the Association “Afanasy Nikitin”.
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