Newcomers in Latvian countryside : economic and social potential

Abstract

The paper focus on increase of urban to rural migration in recent decades, which led population growth in many rural communities in in Latvia's countryside. The Covid-19 pandemic, with its restrictions, has also indirectly encouraged the move of city dwellers to the countryside. Newcomers as a separate category of rural residents receive special attention in scientific literature and research. The potential of newcomers has been studied in Latvia to a limited extent. The aim of research is to evaluate the impact of newcomers in various rural territories of Latvia. The study was conducted using the qualitative research approach - focus group interviews and semi-structured interviews. The results of the study reveal the experience of successful use of the economic and social potential of newcomers in the rural areas of Latvia. The vision, knowledge, skills and experience of newcomers enrich and empower local communities, contribute to the spread of remote work in the countryside, the creation of new economic practices, the development and recognition of places/territories. Newcomers are a significant human resource asset for any rural community, especially in remote and depopulated rural areas.