Demographic changes: The need for action in rural areas

Abstract

Demographic projections for Poland indicate a decline in population over the coming decades. This process is highly territorially diverse. The aim of the study is to show the scale of depopulation in different types of areas and the factors influencing changes in population size and structure. In addition, it aims to identify tasks to be undertaken to weaken or reverse negative trends. The research methods adopted include quantitative analysis of existing statistical data and  qualitative analysis of literature on the causes of demographic changes and possible countermeasures. The results show that the phenomenon of depopulation is territorially diverse, occurring primarily in peripheral, rural agricultural areas, along the edges of voivodeships, and in northern and eastern Poland. The causes of depopulation include both low fertility and the outflow of people, especially young people. Measures are needed to counteract these negative trends. There is currently insufficient knowledge about how to tackle depopulation, which reduces the possibility of implementing appropriate public policies to weaken or reverse these negative trends.