SPECIFICS OF THE SOCIO-ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OF TERRITORIAL COMMUNITIES IN MOUNTAIN SETTLEMENTS: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF THE LVIV AND ZAKARPATTIA REGIONS

Abstract

The article is devoted to the study of social and economic challenges faced by territorial communities in mountain settlements in the Lviv, Zakarpattia, and Chernivtsi regions. A comparative analysis of the peculiarities of socio-economic development in these regions is conducted in the context of decentralization, which has become a key reform for local self-governance in Ukraine. The article examines various aspects, including the economic capacity of communities and the provision of social services. It analyzes the impact of different factors on the development of these communities, particularly the role of agriculture, tourism, and social security in light of contemporary challenges. In the context of increasing competition and globalization processes, the features of mountain territories that significantly affect the quality of life of the population are investigated. The article emphasizes that the agricultural sector remains an important source of employment and economic stability; however, its development is constrained by geographical and climatic factors. Meanwhile, tourism, as one of the main drivers of economic growth, faces challenges related to infrastructure provision and insufficient promotion. Special attention is paid to social security, which is critically important for supporting vulnerable populations amid economic difficulties. To evaluate the effectiveness of local initiatives, the author employs a comparative method, which allows for the identification of best practices and recommendations for improving management strategies at the level of territorial communities. The conclusions are based on comparative data from the three regions and provide recommendations for enhancing the socio-economic situation in mountain communities.