Multilevel governance as a key feature within the LEADER programme for territorial development and the empowerment of local actors: The cases of aragón and midi-pyrénées

Abstract

The LEADER methodology has become the main territorial approach tool to support the development of rural areas. However, the incorporation of LEADER as another measure within the rural development programs has increased the influence of the Managing Authorities (MA), which, together with the different interpretation of the instrument by the LAGs (Local Action Groups), generates differences in the application of its basic principles at the local and regional levels. Based on surveys and interviews, the impact of these influences on the LEADER governance model is analyzed comparatively in Aragon (Spain) and midi-Pyrénées (France). The results show that the tools to channel the proposals of the LAG technicians have not been devel-oped. In addition, the MA are not open to the empowerment of local actors for the construction of the action frameworks, which are therefore experienced as too rigid and bureaucratic. These problems in multi-level governance have significant consequences for the implementation of the other key specificities of the LEADER approach.