MDI to evaluate Leader principles and governance model

MDI and the Ruralia Institute of the University of Helsinki have been selected to carry out the evaluation of Leader principles and governance model for the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry. The evaluation examines the implementation of the seven Leader principles (area-based, bottom-up, local partnership, integrated and multisectoral actions, innovation, interregional and international cooperation as well as networking) across the Leader chain from policy level to local actors. Furthermore, the evaluation will cover the functioning of the Leader governance model and the future issues related to implementation of the Leader approach in the Rural Program.

During the data collection phase, several surveys (e.g. for municipalities and Leader groups), interviews, workshops, observation of Leader events, as well as documentary and indicator analysis will be conducted. The evaluation will take place between November 2018 and December 2019.