LEADER/CLLD: A SUPPORTIVE ENVIRONMENT FOR WOMEN’S INNOVATIONS IN RURAL AREAS

Insights from FLIARA’s case study comparative analysis show that the delivery of LEADER/CLLD (Community-Led Local Development) as a method, approach, and a measure/intervention of rural development policy opened up opportunities and set
up a supportive environment for female innovation in agriculture and in rural areas.

Raising visibility of women in rural areas. The LAGs (local action group), introduced by the implementation of LEADER/CLLD, have increased the visibility of rural women in terms of participation – their active involvement in community activities, projects and initiatives, and decision-making.

Seed investment. LEADER/CLLD funds are modest, but stimulating as seed investments in rural communities, rural localities and rural fabrics – quite often putting at the forefront the social innovation which is a strong field of rural
women entrepreneurship.

Cooperation and networking are two of seven LEADER principles, both of which are deeply embedded in rural women’s entrepreneurship. Individual and collaborative networks are created amongst private, public and civil sectors, between formal and informal associations and are contributing to bonding, bridging and linking social capital in rural areas.

Operational interface. National Rural Development Networks could serve as an operational interface, functioning as a node in which support for joint learning and innovation is operationalized, awhile connecting different levels of decision-makers, advocating for rural interests and functioning as a good network broker.

Reflexive discourses. Frequent reflexive discourses among multiple rural development stakeholders are crucial for continuous learning, innovation and effective rural policy-making.