The project focused on promoting and applying the EU LEADER methodology in rural communities by strengthening the capacities of local stakeholders and establishing Local Action Groups (LAGs) in line with European standards.
Project location: Southeastern and Eastern Planning Regions of the Republic of Macedonia
Funded by: United States Agency for International Development – USAID
Role: Project implementer
Implementation period: 15/01/2013 – 31/12/2016
Action budget: USD 78,814.00
Donor contribution: USD 78,814.00
Project Objective
The objective of the project was to promote the EU LEADER methodology as a tool that supports a participatory approach, encouraging the mobilisation and active involvement of all relevant stakeholders in processes that affect their living conditions and the development of their rural communities.
The specific objective was to develop the capacities of LAG members in the Eastern and Southeastern Planning Regions for participatory planning and decision-making, as a core element of the LEADER methodology.
Results
• Strengthened capacities of stakeholders from 21 municipalities in the Eastern and Southeastern Planning Regions regarding the specific features of the LEADER approach.
• Five Local Action Groups were established in accordance with the principles of the EU LEADER methodology:
LAG Belasica-Ograzhden
LAG Bojmija
LAG Plachkovica
LAG Bregalnica
LAG Malesh-Pijanec
As a result of the capacity-building activities, these LAGs, as public-private partnerships, developed five Local Development Strategies with measures aimed at improving stakeholder participation in decision-making processes on issues relevant to their communities.
• Three project initiatives were implemented by LAG stakeholders.
These activities enabled a simulation of the full process of implementing rural development projects, providing practical and applicable experience for future LAG members. They are expected to be among the pioneers in the practical application of the LEADER methodology and prepared to act once the Ministry of Agriculture activates the LEADER measure.стерството за земјоделство ја активира LEADER мерката.
