Increasing Economic Disparity Between Urban and Rural Populations in Azerbaijan

Abstract

This paper analyzes income inequality between urban and rural populations in Azerbaijan, shedding specifically light on discrepancies in education, job availability and access to medical services. The main research problem is the current income inequality in the country between urban and rural populations. It is important to address this problem to achieve equitable growth and ensure all regions contribute to and benefit from the national economic development. Our research has identified numerous crucial factors that contribute to these discrepancies. The main issue is that the skills being taught at Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) and Vocational Education and Training (VET) institutions do not align with the specific requirements of the local employment markets. Moreover, urban and rural regions exhibit notable disparities in terms of job prospects and healthcare provisions, hence intensifying economic and social disparities. In order to address these problems, the paper suggests a range of remedies such as revising educational programs to match the demands of the local job market, generating new employment prospects through regional development projects, and distributing resources to enhance healthcare availability in rural regions. The effectiveness, equity, feasibility, flexibility, and efficiency of these policy choices are thoroughly assessed. The evaluations indicate that the proposed solutions are strong in tackling the root causes of regional differences. However, their effectiveness will heavily rely on the efficient execution and continuous adaptation of these initiatives to accommodate evolving economic and social circumstances. The report finishes by proposing a multi-stakeholder strategy incorporating government agencies, educational institutions, and local enterprises to ensure the sustainability of the proposed changes and to meet the demands of Azerbaijan’s various people. The recommendations are directed towards policymakers.