What is the predominant economic activity in rural West Virginia?

The predominant economic activity in rural West Virginia is agriculture. This region has a long-standing tradition of farming and livestock raising, which utilizes the area's diverse landscapes and fertile valleys. Agriculture encompasses not just traditional crop production but also the breeding of livestock, including cattle and poultry.

While tourism, mining, and manufacturing do play significant roles in the overall economy of West Virginia, especially in certain regions, they do not dominate the rural landscape as much as agriculture does. Tourism tends to be more prominent in areas with natural attractions and state parks, while mining is concentrated in areas rich in coal and minerals, and manufacturing often relates to urban centers where infrastructures and labor are available. Thus, agriculture remains the foundational economic activity in many of the state's rural areas, relying on the rural population's historical engagement with the land and its products.