Rural Areas as a Driver of Sustainable Economic Development

Despite the high share of rural population and the social importance of the agro-industrial
complex, the contribution of rural areas to economic growth remains limited. The main challenges are
low labor productivity, insufficient processing capacity, and youth migration to cities.
To analyze the role of rural areas in ensuring sustainable economic development of
Kazakhstan, to determine their impact on employment, GDP structure, food security, and energy
transition.
Official macroeconomic statistics (World Bank, Bureau of National Statistics of Kazakhstan)
were used, along with comparative analysis of employment and GDP dynamics, and a review of
publications on green economy and agro-innovations.
The analysis shows that the share of agriculture in Kazakhstan's GDP has declined (from
4.7 % in 2015 to 3.9 % in 2024), while about 42 % of the population still lives in rural areas, and
employment in agriculture remains above 12 %. This confirms that rural areas are important drivers of
sustainability by ensuring employment, food security, and prospects for green energy. Their
development is strategically significant for economic diversification and reducing social inequality