Agriculture as a factor of sustainable development in the Republic of South Ossetia

¹ North Ossetian State University, Vatutina Str., 44-46, 362000 Vladikavkaz, Russia
² South Ossetian State University, Moskovskaya Str., 8, 500200 Tskhinval, Republic of South Ossetia

^* Corresponding author: 443879@mail.ru

Abstract

In the recent history of the Republic of South Ossetia many projects aimed at providing the financial and economic basis for the country’s sustainable development have been put forward. Some experts believed that the revenues from exporting mineral water alone are sufficient for the economic prosperity of South Ossetia; other experts suggested developing forestry in order to fill the state budget. Many hopes were also attached to the creation of modern production facilities based on nanotechnology and electronics. However, potential investors considered the initiated high-tech production to be high-risk, and the implemented projects in the light and construction industries did not bring expected benefits. Agriculture of South Ossetia has sharply declined after the wars in the course of formation of statehood 1991-1992 and 2008, but with an effective state policy for the integrated development of rural areas in the near future it can ensure the country’s food security, create a basis for further competitive development of the economy, and facilitate the return of the country’s residents who migrated as a result of two wars. Based on the international experience of state support, the article defines the factors of sustainable development of rural areas in the Republic of South Ossetia.