Abstract
The purpose of the article is to analyze disparities in living conditions between rural and urban areas and to evaluate the prospects for implementing a Smart Village strategy to enhance the efficiency of agricultural development. Our results indicate that significant differences persist between rural and urban areas, affecting life satisfaction in rural communities, agricultural development, and urbanization patterns. In low-income countries, the rural population is proportionally higher than in high-income and upper-middle-income countries, whereas disparities in living conditions are less pronounced in high-income countries. We propose quantitative indicators to assess rural living standards and inform decisions regarding residence in rural areas. Also, we identify the key components of a Smart Village strategy and examine barriers to its practical implementation.