Rural Development in Russia and Uzbekistan: a comparative analysis of programs and infrastructure projects

Issue № 9, 2026, article № 15, pages 135-141

Section: ABROAD

Language: Russian

Original language title: РАЗВИТИЕ СЕЛЬСКИХ ТЕРРИТОРИЙ В РОССИИ И УЗБЕКИСТАНЕ: СРАВНИТЕЛЬНЫЙ АНАЛИЗ ПРОГРАММ И ИНФРАСТРУКТУРНЫХ ПРОЕКТОВ

Keywords: RURAL AREAS, INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT, GOVERNMENT PROGRAMS, INVESTMENT PROJECTS, EMPLOYMENT, SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

Abstract: The study analyzed conceptual approaches, large-scale infrastructure projects in the fields of road construction, water supply, energy, and social facilities, as well as mechanisms for stimulating employment and attracting private investment in rural areas. The purpose of the study was to identify common patterns and national characteristics of rural development policies in the two countries, as well as to assess the possibility of mutual adaptation of successful practices. The study used qualitative comparative analysis, content analysis of program documents and sectoral reports, as well as a comparative analysis of target indicators and achieved results. The relevance of the study is due to the fact that, despite the abundance of scientific works on individual aspects of rural development in Russia and Uzbekistan, there are almost no comprehensive comparative studies based on a unified methodological framework and empirical data in recent years. However, both countries face similar challenges, making the study of each other's experiences particularly relevant. The study revealed that the Russian model is strong in developing long-term financial mechanisms and integrating agriculture into industrial chains through individual development programs for individual regions. The Uzbek model is effective in mobilizing local communities and addressing infrastructure issues at the grassroots level, resulting in quick and visible outcomes. However, the study also identified weaknesses: in Uzbekistan, there are issues with the quality of construction work and an inefficient allocation of resources; in Russia, there is a persistent income gap between urban and rural areas and a high dependence of rural territories on federal transfers. The scientific novelty of the study lies in the comparative analysis of a set of empirical data on the implementation of specific infrastructure and investment projects in rural areas in Russia and Uzbekistan during the period of 2020-2026. The study identified differences in management models: the Russian model focuses on federal programs and the institution of individual regional development programs, while the Uzbek model relies on the grassroots "mahallabai" system and a high concentration of resources within large projects supported by international organizations. The study demonstrated that each model has both advantages and disadvantages, and the potential for mutual adaptation can be realized through the adoption of financial instruments and management mechanisms.

Authors: Rykova Inna Nikolaevna, IUreva Anna Aleksandrovna