Territorial Differentiation of Private Household Plots in Russia: Analysis of Spatial Distribution and Development According to Agricultural Census

This paper provides a comprehensive analysis of the territorial differentiation of private household plots (PHPs) in Russia based on the 2016 and 2021 agricultural censusesdata. The studyaimsto assess the spatial distribution and development key indicators (number of farms, land and crop areas, livestock population, and resource structure) in 18 municipal districts of 9 pilot regions of the Russian Federation. Particular attention is paid to intraregional heterogeneity, farm concentration, and changes in agricultural activity between censuses. The relevance of the study stems from the key role of PHPs in Russia's agricultural sector – to ensure food security, support rural incomes, and preserve traditional land use patterns. The study is based on spatial statistics and economic-mathematical modelingtheory. Evidence-based recommendations stemming directly from the study findingswere developed to streamline the 2027 All-Russian Agricultural Census. These recommendations can be used for regional adaptation of survey methodology, thereby increasing the accuracy of the future census data.