Rural economics covers agricultural economics, environmental economics, and rural economic development. It examines food production markets, natural resource use, and local economies. Career options include economic analyst, agribusiness manager, and researcher.
The rural economy is the foundation of a social science that focuses on a variety of issues that specifically affect rural communities. Agricultural economics is a topic of study within this discipline that includes various aspects of food production markets, agricultural economies and agribusiness. Another discipline, environmental economics, looks at the costs and benefits of using natural resources. Finally, regional economic development is concerned with the unique challenges that smaller communities face when trying to stimulate local economies. Possible careers for a student of rural economics could include economic analyst, agribusiness manager or researcher.
Agricultural economics is an area of study within the discipline of rural economics. It involves examining the relationships between groups involved in the agricultural system, including farmers, retail food stores, wholesalers, distributors and processors. Agricultural economics researchers also study the effects of factors such as globalization and technological changes on food production. Those who study the agricultural aspects of the rural economy also learn about the specific characteristics and general operation of this market sector. Agribusiness, which refers to the production of food by large corporations rather than small farmers, is a significant part of the agricultural economy.
A second part of rural economics is called environmental economics. In this field, researchers study the ways in which economic markets and financial interests can negatively or positively affect areas rich in natural resources. A prominent area of study in this discipline is carrying out cost-benefit analyzes of natural resource use to demonstrate that sustainable practices can generate a greater economic benefit than environmentally unsustainable methods. Unlike conventional economics, environmental economics attempts to quantify the financial costs of destroying Earth’s natural reserves. Environmental economics does not exclusively study rural areas, but it is an area of focus because it is often rich in natural resources.
Yet another part of the rural economy is rural economic development. It involves overcoming the unique challenges faced by rural communities as they try to improve their local economies. People interested in regional economic development study individual household decision-making and the ways in which this affects the functioning of the larger market. Rural development is also concerned with the issues of poverty and unemployment in small communities.
Career options for rural economics students can vary greatly depending on the specific area of study. Those with a focus on agricultural economics can work in agribusiness as managers. Students who major in environmental economics can work as analysts for a variety of private companies or not-for-profit organizations. Many rural economists also choose to earn doctorates and embark on research careers.
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