Methods and Tools for a Participatory Local Development Strategy

Abstract

The paper is based on the activities promoted and developed within the project “Rehabilitating Countries. Operational Strategies for the Valorisation and Resilience of Inner Areas” (RI.P.R.O.VA.RE). It describes the first results of the activities to define a local development strategy based on participatory practices and processes, in which institutional and non-institutional actors of the Media Val d’Agri territory in Basilicata (Italy) were involved. The so-called inland areas, such as the one under investigation, are involved in a twofold challenge: on the one hand, to comply with the issues common to the marginal territorial realities of our country (accelerated depopulation, poor infrastructure network and public transport, poor accessibility to essential services), and on the other hand, to cope with the consequences of the recent pandemic and its impacts. The participatory process approach refers to a combination of traditional and innovative tools, from the classic interview to online questionnaires, from SWOT analysis to the AHP (Analytic Hierarchy Process) method, from Living Lab to Geodesign, up to completing the phases of the Logical Framework Approach (LFA) hoping for future implementation by local actors. Therefore, a so-called “engaged research” has been launched, which - starting from the involvement of stakeholders - tries to promote a more resilient and responsible territorial development process, based on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and that can be financed by the excellent public investments that are involving Italy and Europe in this historical moment.