Representativeness and Civic Participation in Rural Development Programmes

Abstract

PRODER is a Spanish rural development programme based on the European Union's LEADER programme approach and financed by EU funds. In this paper, the authors analyse the level of involvement of the social participants and assess how such programmes can contribute to the development of new local dynamics and capabilities. The results highlight the difficulties in gaining effective involvement from people. Even in areas where significant social networks exist, the lack of a culture of participation among social and governmental organizations has hindered programme development and success. Recommendations to improve the LEADER approach are provided.