Published in Scientific Papers. Series "Management, Economic Engineering in Agriculture and rural development", Vol. 20 ISSUE 3
Written by Mariyana SHISHKOVA

The LEADER approach/ Community Led - Local Development (CLLD) is one of the most effective tools for rural development at EU level. It enables empowerment of the population, involving all stakeholders in the decisionmaking process. The built trust and the growing role of the Local Action Groups (LAGs), through which the approach is applied, are a prerequisite for LEADER/ CLLD to become a key instrument for tackling the challenges facing the rural areas of Bulgaria. The aim of the study is, based on the analysis of the main factors influencing the results of the implementation of integrated strategies, to outline the opportunities for increasing the number of supported initiatives, as well as to formulate recommendations in the respective field. The study encompasses 34 LAGs operating on the territory of Southern Bulgaria. The results of the regression analysis reveal the following main factors determining the number of supported initiatives under the local development strategies: the experience of the LAGs, the type of strategy (single-fund or multi-fund support) and the ongoing communication with relevant government agencies.

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