Transformácia krajiny s lazníckym osídlením na príklade Poľany a Podpoľania
Transformation of a Region with Mountain Farmers (Exemplified by the Poľana Mountains and the Podpoľanie Region)

Summary/Abstract: In 2004-2006 the issues of sustainability and quality of the mountain/upland farmers´ (lazníci) life in the region of the Poľana Mts. and Podpoľanie (the piedmont area) were being dealt with since this region associates with one of the most important mountain farmers´ settlements in Slovakia. This region is famous for its natural and cultural values (concerning the wealth of both material and non-material culture). The Poľana Mts. range and a part of Podpoľanie belong to a natural conservation area and a biosphere reservation denoted by the same name. The beginnings of the mountain farmers´ settlements date back to the period of the earliest colonisation waves. A great influence on the development of these settlements in the piedmont and mountain areas of Podpoľanie was exerted by the Wallachian colonists and the kopaničiari (small farmers, peasants). The land was mainly used for shepherding and extensive farming carried out by the peasants who during the 16th-18th centuries gave rise to a particular pattern of dispersed settlements (laznícke osídlenie). These two waves of colonists transformed the original mountainous and piedmont landscape; however, the greatest changes brought about by these new settlers concerned local forest communities. After the colonisation period was brought to an end, the area of land remained nearly the same, only the methods of employment and the division of land, sorts of plants,and agricultural technologies, etc. became different. The establishment of engineering plants and the growth of housing estates in Detva, Hriňová and Valaská, and the concentration of socio-economic activities in the largest settlements in the area changed the traditional character of Podpoľanie. Only after 1990, when the job opportunities in the largest factories in the region were much reduced, the decades lasting process of abandoning the solitary farmsteads was reversed and now many of them are being revitalised so that their owners can engage in agricultural production again. Results of this socio-economic development are reflected in the demographic picture of the region as a whole. In general, we may speak about a decreased rate of depopulation tendencies. Over the past two decades another trend has become significant. It is a kind of ”secondary resettlement”. On the one hand, it prevents the abandoned farmsteads from falling into complete decay and, on the other it supports regeneration of these small holdings. Essentially two groups of people are involved in these processes: the descendents of the original owners who have decided to find a new permanent home there and embark on farming, and people who are just seeking a second house, i.e. a weekend cottage. These farmsteads may serve as permanent, seasonal or only temporary recreational homes. However, they are also expected to perform various economic activities typical of such farmsteads dispersed throughout a mountainous area.

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