The sample included the settlements from four statistical regions of Serbia and three regions in Kosovo. Statistical regions of Serbia included in the sample are: Belgrade, Vojvodina, Šumadija and Western Serbia, South and Eastern Serbia. Statistical regions of Kosovo included in the sample are: North Kosovo, South Mitrovica and Pristina. Within these regions were selected municipalities, using method of random numbers on a reduced lists of municipalities. Lists of municipalities were formed according to one of the results of the conducted desk analysis (the first phase of our research) - on the coverage of the territory of Serbia and Kosovo with social services. The implemented number of structured interviews with rural people, both men and women, in Serbia was 60, and in Kosovo 40 interview partners (both men and women in need for different social services). The main criterion was the distance from the institution. We used snowball sampling techniques, including organisation lists NGO-s and social protection institutions having clients in rural areas, but also word-of-mouth approach to reach the interview partners in rural areas being in need of but having no contact with organised support systems. Also, 20 interviews with representatives of organizations were conducted in each of the countries. The list of organizations, which were contacted for the research, was formed based on the desk analysis conclusions. We chose organizations engaged in providing services and cooperation with users who come from rural areas or deal with data or political activities related to the rural population. Recruitment of the interview partners was the task of the researchers on the field, as well as Project Coordinators.
