The social structure of the agricultural population, such as demography,and education, are important development factors for the dynamic of the sector. Innovation and progress of the agricultural sector can be seen as a complex function, which partly consists of the level of education of farm holders, age, and also landownship structures. Based on this fundamental educational and traditional factors, agricultural decision-making determines the level of innovation and prograss and thus overall agricultural performance.

Demographic development

Only about one third of the total population lives in rural areas,mostly villages of 500-1000 inhabitants. Around 30 % of the population are concentrated in the capital, Lefkosia. The average size of a farm household is 3.5 persons, with declining tendencies. Especially in the mountain areas farm households tend to be smaller, which can be related to migration activities of younger population into urban areas, specifically Lefkosia. Looking at the average age range within Europe and Cyprus, the majority of farm holders are between 35 and 54, and there are even 11 % of farm holders younger than 35, compared to Greece with only 7.3 % or Portugal with 4.9 %. Younger farmers are especially found in the coastal regions. Rapid changes can be expected in the moutain and vine areas, where 48 % of farm holders were already over 60 years in 1994.

(See demographic map )

Education

Long term research has shown that the development of the agricultural sector is directly related to the level of education of farm holders (Blanckenburg, 1975, Abel ), and thus farm holders with higher eduction are often more innovative and more flexible towards risks. Although the situation has steadily improved over the years, there were 52. % of farm holders in 1994 having only a primary school education. Especially in the moutain areas there are still farmers without school eduction. On the other side, farmers around the urban settlements Limassol, Lefkosia have in average a better school eduction up to high school.

(See education map )

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