Rural development management: evolution of methodological approaches and improvement of program tools

Introduction. The article contains a factual description of methodological approaches to rural development and the main tools of rural development policy in Russia - State rural development programs. Key stages determining the specifics of state regulation in agriculture and rural economy are outlined. Aims. The article is aimed at identifying the features of rural development policy in Russia and determining the quality changes and distinctive features of the applied management approaches as used in State programs regulating the rural areas development. Methods. The following methods were used: dialectical method, formal-logical method, comparative analysis method, classification. Results. Three stages in Russian rural development policy have been distinguished: preparatory, stabilizing and integrating. The most important steps in public administration have been considered. The State program for rural areas integrated development was analyzed, with the emphasis on its structure and elements. The research identified the program’s distinctive features - namely, its complex structure and application of project approach in rural areas management. Financial mechanisms of the program implementation and possible risks have been outlined. Conclusions. Rural development policy in Russia has undergone significant changes over the past twenty years. The development of rural areas largely depends on the methods and tools of state regulation of the economy, particularly, on the State programs. Analysis of the State program for rural areas integrated development has led to a conclusion about the necessity to use the project approach in rural areas management; however, other regulatory measures should also be implemented to stimulate higher efficiency of the State programs and the improvement of rural development policy in Russia.