The significant changes in the quantitative and qualitative characteristics of human resources
in rural Macedonia can be explained by the continued trend of emigration from villages to
urban areas and abroad. The intensity of emigration has altered the demographic structure
and reproductive base of the rural population, along with the income of rural households.
The rural and agricultural labour market faces a mismatch with respect to the unfavourable
age, education and spatial distribution of the total labour force. A reduction in the
participation of women in the agricultural labour force is a new feature. The overall
transformation is apparent in the income structure of rural households. An increase in the
share of households with mixed income sources notably stems from households that receive
remittances and foreign currency funds from family members abroad. The demographic
revitalisation of rural areas depends on economic revitalisation, with a more rational use of
the labour force and human resources, as well as a restructuring of agricultural production
and agricultural holdings. In addition, improvements are necessary in the functioning of
market institutions to better meet the needs of smaller farmers and the rural economy.