Local Action Group (LAG) Tskaltubo
Published: Mar 17, 2020 Reading time: 2 minutes
Locality: Tskaltubo
When: Since the year 2019 until the year 2022
Donors: ENPARD, Czech Republic Development Cooperation.
The project introduces the LEADER approach to Tskaltubo municipality to build on existing local development potential, support participatory mechanisms in local decision-making processes and the district’s sustainable growth, as well as improve the quality of life of its residents, especially of targeted disadvantaged groups.
The project aims to contribute to reducing poverty through integrated, sustainable and participatory rural development in Tskaltubo municipality by introducing the LEADER approach to enhance employment, rural economy, community empowerment and living conditions of rural population.
It is the basic principle of the LEADER approach that the action targets all types of local public, private and civic actors and individual inhabitants to create local partnerships and direct local resources towards more effective development. The active and committed representatives of Local Government, entrepreneurs, farmers, CSOs, citizens, IDP initiative groups and other important local players, are all invited to participate in local strategy planning and become members of Local Action Group (LAG).
Together, following on from regional research undertaken jointly by the LAG and project team, the LAG members formulate the Rural Development Strategy, with substantial input from other community members. Once the Strategy is developed, they solicit calls for proposals from residents and distribute small grants for projects in areas prioritized by the Strategy. The whole process is transparent and open to any resident of Tskaltubo. The Action includes strong capacity building component for all target groups to enable a new methodology to be efficiently implemented, and to ensure the sustainability of project outcomes.
Based on experience from EU countries, which have a long history of LEADER implementation, and on the experience of Kazbegi and Akhalkalaki LAGs, this approach ensures that active individuals are able to mobilize their social networks, the level of community participation increases overall and it helps economic development renewal. The individual projects supported by small grants can become positive models to follow. The networking activities bring innovations to remote areas.
Implementing Organization: People in Need
Partner: Georgian Institute of Public Affairs (GIPA)
