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IMRD Case Study 2015, SUA Nitra: "Are stakeholders ready for Community-led Local Development? - Slovakia Case"

The Case Study:"Are stakeholders ready for Community-Led Local

Development? - Slovakia Case"

Case study Nitra, 2015Final Report

Jela Tvrdoňová, 2015

List of acronyms

CLLD Community Led Local DevelopmentCMEF Common Monitoring and Evaluation Framework

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CMES Common Monitoring and Evaluation systemEAFRD European Agriculture Fund for Rural DevelopmentEMFF European Maritime and Fishery FundESI Funds European Structural Investment FundsEP European ParliamentEU European UnionFG Focus GroupICT Information and Communication TechnologyIMRD International Master for Rural DevelopmentLAG Local Action GroupLDS Local Development StrategyLEADER Liaison Entre Actions de Développement de

l’Économique RuraleKSF Key Success FactorMA Managing AuthorityNR Nitra RegionNRN National Rural NetworkPA Paying AgencyRDP Rural Development ProgrammePPT Power Point PresentationSUA Slovak University of Agriculture in NitraSWOT Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, ThreatsTNC Transnational Cooperation

CONTENT

The Context...................................................................3Objectives, portfolio and tasks of the case study Nitra 2015..............................................................................4Dynamics of the case study 2015..................................6

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Participants of the case study 2015...............................9Outcomes of the case study........................................10The Overview of the methodological approaches........10Case study findings......................................................13Remarks to the case study:.........................................19List of Annexes............................................................19

The ContextThis case study is an organic part of the 2 - year Course in International MSc. in Rural Development - IMRD (supported by the EU Erasmus Mundus Programme) organized by the Network of Universities led by Ghent University (Belgium)1 for international students. The qualification obtained by IMRD is an internationally recognized Master of Science degree jointly awarded by 5 universities of the IMRD consortium.

A practical four-week case study, is an important compulsory part of the IMRD study and it has to be attained by students after the 1st year of the Master Study, with the award of 10 ECTS. The Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra (SUA) is one of the participating universities, which offers this possibility on annual base.

1 Other involved universities and institutions: Agrocampus Ouest Rennes (France), Humboldt University of Berlin (Germany), Wageningen University (Netherlands), University in Pisa (Italy), SUA in Nitra (Slovakia),

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Among important learning objectives of the IMRD is to: gain the knowledge of different approaches to rural development

and skills for their application in diverse situations in developing, developed and transition countries

learn about instruments, methods and innovative tools to analyze, evaluate and solve problems related to the rural development and countryside management

Reflecting these two learning objectives of the IMRD the Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra (SUA) has prepared the case study on the preparedness of stakeholders in Slovakia to EU Community–led Local Development2.

Organizers of the Case Study in Slovakia were:

The Faculty of European Studies and Regional Development - IMRD Local Coordinator - prof. Anna Bandlerová, PhD., the Dean of the Faculty,

The Center of International Programmes of the Faculty of the EU Studies and Regional Development, SUA (Assoc. Prof. Loreta Schwarczová, PhD, Head of the Centre of International Programmes).

The case study of 2015 was built on previous experiences in assessing the practical implementation of Leader approach in Slovakia3, when students have evaluated Leader approach, local development strategies and local action groups as public-private partnerships in rural areas (2009 – 2012), and the Leader approach delivery mechanism (2014).

Objectives, Portfolio and Tasks of the Case Study Nitra 2015The teaching objectives of the case study were:

learn the EU CLLD/Leader approach, learn the practical application of Leader Axis in Slovakia and Nitra

Self-governing Region, in the programming period 2014 – 2020, learn practices in integrated governance in rural development in SR

and preparedness of stakeholders active in Leader for coming CLLD approach as the successor of Leader,

be familiar with common monitoring and evaluation framework for EU rural development,

2? Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013, Art.32 - 353 Case study 2009,2010,2011

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experience design and usage of qualitative evaluation tools (interviews, focus groups),

learn how to work in teams and perform results in synthetic way.

In 2015 the case study portfolio was extended into: Assessment of the key success factors for the correct

implementation of the CLLD approach at national and LAGs levels in light of 7 features/principles of the EU Leader approach: area based and bottom up development, public private partnership, multi-sector strategies, networking, cooperation and innovation,

Identification of strengths, weaknesses, opportunity and threats with respect to CLLD approach which will be implemented in Slovakia in 2014 – 2020,

Provision of conclusions and recommendations for the RDP and LAG level to improve the readiness of stakeholders to apply CLLD approach in rural development.

The major task of the students was to answer the leading evaluation question:

“To what extent are stakeholders in Slovakia ready to implement the CLLD? (at RDP and LAG level)?”

To answer the evaluation question students had to accomplish the following tasks:

1. To study Leader and CLLD approach and the EU common monitoring and evaluation framework for rural development of 2007-2013 (CMEF) and common monitoring and evaluation system of 2014 – 2020 (CMES).

2. To discuss the CLLD guidelines in Slovakia,3. To design the evaluation framework to assess the readiness of

stakeholders in Slovakia for the CLLD, 4. To develop and test evaluation tools: interviews and focus groups, 5. Conduct the field research with representatives of national/regional

administration and in selected local action groups and examine the readiness of stakeholders for successful implementation of the CLLD,

6. To conduct the SWOT analysis on the CLLD implementation in SR,7. To draft conclusions and recommendations in relation to CLLD

implementation at national and LAG level,8. To prepare and present PPT on case study findings and present them

in plenary (final event of the case study), 9. To draft the final report on case study findings.

The biggest added value of this year case study was that all the students have been able to visit several LAGs in 5 of 7 regions, where the EU Leader approach was implemented in programming period 2007-2013. Students could discuss with local people their experiences with the Leader

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approach and how they perceive the coming CLLD. Additionally, students could talk to important national and regional experts, responsible for Leader implementation and involved in the CLLD preparation. The opportunity to design and use the evaluation tools was also seen as very positive part of the case study.

Results obtained during the case study were offered to local action groups and other stakeholders involved in Leader during the final presentation on 30th July 2015 during the final conference in Nitra and in the form of report.

Dynamics of the Case Study 2015The case study was divided into following parts:4

Theoretical lessons – general orientation in Slovakia, macroeconomic situation, the EU rural development policies, the Common Monitoring and Evaluation Framework of Rural Development Programs, the EU CLLD and Leader approach, the state of the art of the Leader Axis in Slovakia. CLLD guidelines and Leader implementation in Nitra Self- governing Region as example of the regional best practice in the field.

Development of evaluation framework – discussing the CLLD guidelines and identification of key success factors (KSF) in the implementation of the CLLD. KSF were developed with the help of matrices, crossing 7 principles of Leader (predecessor of CLLD) and steps in delivery mechanism. Two matrices have been developed, one for national and one for local/LAG level.

Design of evaluation tools: The matrices served as the input to design the interview to be used at national level and the screenplay for the focus groups to be used at the local level.

The field research – application of evaluation tools was as follows: 3 people have been interviewed: Mr. Majerech- responsible for Leader approach at the Ministry of Agriculture/RDP Managing Authority, Ms. Baková from the National Paying Agency and Mr. Králik from the office of the Nitra Self-governing Region. Focus groups have been applied at the local level in following LAGs – Radosinka and Tekov-Hont (Nitra region), Vršatec (Trenčín region), LEV (Prešov region), Muranska planina and Malohont (Banská Bystrica region) and KRAS (Košice region). Alltogether 78 people have participated in the focus groups.

Figure 1 LAGs and places visited by students (including Bratislava and Nitra to interview officials)

4 In detail see part 3 of this report

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Source: PPT of Jela Tvrdonova, adapted by students

The following figure illustrate the attendance statistics during the focus groups:

Figure 2 Focus groups attendance

Source: final students´ PPT

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Conducting the SWOT analysis on current strengths and weaknesses to implement the CLLD to follow the 7 features of Leader, as well as opportunities and threats for its future development (Part 7 of the report)

Summarizing findings: o Organizing and conducting the final presentation for

representatives of the local action groups and other Leader related stakeholders on findings, SWOT, conclusions and recommendations for CLLD implementation.

o Developing the final report - summarizing evaluation findings, SWOT analysis, answering evaluation question, including conclusions and recommendations for LAG and RDP level.

The outline of the case study method, dynamics and process to answer the above evaluation question can be illustrated with the following figure:

Figure 3 The outline of the case study method

Source: Introductory PPT of Jela Tvrdonova

The complete agenda can be found in Annex 1.

Participants of the Nitra Case Study 2015

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Participnat CountryMaria Boa, MexicoEnrique Hernandez, MexicoKamrul Hasan, BangladeshKatarina Jakabsicova, Slovak RepublicTyler Knapp, USAMatteo Metta, ItalyEmily Nachtigal, USANassim Njeim, LebanonAbrahan Urbina, NicaraguaKazusa Yoshimura Japan

In addition three Slovak facilitators helped to conduct the case study (facilitating and guiding students during the group works and the field reasearch, translating, assisting in organisation etc.):

Monika Bumbalová, Ivan Takáč, Martin Valach.

Figure 4 – students of the IMRD case study 2015 in Nitra

Source: Students´ final PPT

Outcomes of the Case Study The following outcomes of the case study 2015 have been produced and used in writing the final report:

Final students ‘report, Final PPT presented at closing event of the case study,

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SWOT analysis on Leader delivery mechanism.

The Overview of the Methodological ApproachesThe method of the case study was based on series of interactive exercises which can be outlined as follows:

presentations/discussions and information sharing, desk research, constructing matrices of key success factors, developing evaluation tools, field research, analyzing evaluation findings, formulating judgments, reporting including conclusion and recommendations.

Information sharing happened during the first week of the case study, when students have received the information on the overall situation in Slovakia with special attention to the macroeconomic context and rural development. Further, the EU rural development policy was explained, as well as the EU Common monitoring and evaluation framework for rural development. Leader approach and the CLLD was elaborated in more details, with the specific focus on its implementation in the Slovak Republic. The best practice case of Nitra Self-governing Region was presented as a contribution to the successful implementation of Leader approach by local action groups of Nitra Region.

Methods used during this part were as follows:a. interactive presentations complemented by plenary

discussion,b. interactive discussion sessions.

In order to facilitate the subjects, the following literature as compulsory reading prior to the Case study has been proposed:

Europe 2020 http://ec.europa.eu/europe2020/index_en.htm

Leader Approach – theBbasic Guide, EC Fact Sheets, 2006 http://ec.europa.eu/agriculture/publi/fact/leader/2006_en.pdf

European Court of Auditors – Implementation of Leader Approach for Rural Development, Special Report No. 5, 2010 http://www.eca.europa.eu/Lists/ECADocuments/SR10_05/SR10_05_EN.PDF

Guide for the Application of Leader Axis of the Rural Development Programmes 2007 – 2013 Funded by the EAFRD,EC 2007 http://enrd.ec.europa.eu/enrd-static/leader/leader/en/further-info_en.html

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http://enrd.ec.europa.eu/enrd-static/leader/leader/en/further-info_en.html

http://enrd.ec.europa.eu/enrd-static/leader/leader/en/further-info_en.html

http://www.eca.europa.eu/Lists/ECADocuments/SR10_05/SR10_05_EN.PDF

http://www.eca.europa.eu/Lists/ECADocuments/SR10_05/SR10_05_EN.PDF

http://ec.europa.eu/agriculture/publi/fact/leader/2006_en.pdf

http://ec.europa.eu/europe2020/index_en.htm


The Working paper on Capturing Impacts of Leader and of Measures to Improve the Quality of Life in Rural Areas, Helpdesk EEN RD 2009 http://ec.europa.eu/agriculture/rurdev/eval/wp-leader_en.pdf

CLLD Guidelines http://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/sources/docgener/informat/2014/guidance_community_local_development.pdf

CLLD Guidelines for Local Leaders http://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/sources/docgener/informat/2014/guidance_clld_local_actors.pdf

Regulation (EU) No. 1303/2013 http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=OJ:L:2013:347:0320:0469:EN:PDF

Regulation (EU) No. 1305/2013 http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=OJ:L:2013:347:0487:0548:EN:PDF

IMPLEMENTATION OF THFORRURALEVELOPMENTThe suggested additional reading prior coming to the Case study

European Strategic Guidelines for Rural Development, 2005 http://europa.eu/legislation_summaries/agriculture/general_framework/l60042_en.htm

EC Regulation 1698/2005 on Support for Rural Development by EAFRD ur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=celex:32005R1698

Commission Regulation 1974/2006 Lying Down the Detailed Application of the EC Regulation 1698/2005, http://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/en/ALL/?uri=CELEX:32006R1974

Annex VIII of the Commission Regulation 1974/2006 – The Common Monitoring and Evaluation Framework for the EU Rural Development Programs, Handbook and Annexes – A, B, C, E, 2006 http://ec.europa.eu/agriculture/rurdev/eval/index_en.htm

Commission Regulation 434/2007 amending Com. Reg. 1974/2006 Various publications of the Evaluation Helpdesk in 2007 – 2013

http://enrd.ec.europa.eu/enrd-static/evaluation/library/evaluation-helpdesk-publications/en/evaluation-helpdesk-publications_en.html

NTATION OF THFORRURALEVELOPMENTAs for desk research, students have discussed the CLLD guidelines in the Slovak Republic, prepared by the Managing Authority for future LAGs. Desk research was done interactively with Slovak experts. PPTs of presenters from managing authority and paying agency have been also used as the source. One part of this session was also the exercise on outlining the key steps in the Leader implementation at LAG and RDP level.

Methods used during this part were interactive discussion, brainstorming and group work.

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http://ec.europa.eu/agriculture/rurdev/eval/index_en.htm

http://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/en/ALL/?uri=CELEX:32006R1974

http://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/en/ALL/?uri=CELEX:32006R1974

http://europa.eu/legislation_summaries/agriculture/general_framework/l60042_en.htm

http://europa.eu/legislation_summaries/agriculture/general_framework/l60042_en.htm

http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=OJ:L:2013:347:0487:0548:EN:PDF




http://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/sources/docgener/informat/2014/guidance_clld_local_actors.pdf

http://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/sources/docgener/informat/2014/guidance_clld_local_actors.pdf

http://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/sources/docgener/informat/2014/guidance_community_local_development.pdf

http://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/sources/docgener/informat/2014/guidance_community_local_development.pdf

http://ec.europa.eu/agriculture/rurdev/eval/wp-leader_en.pdf


In constructing the matrices of key success factors, students have discussed the seven principles/features of Leader and their definitions. The 7 principles have been crossed with steps in delivery mechanism identified by students at the national and local level (students worked in two groups for this purpose). This exercise helped students to understand and frame the evaluation subject and consequently develop evaluation tools.

Methods used during this part were interactive discussion in the small groups (national versus local) based on the pre-prepared matrices, (see the Annex 4) and plenary exchange/ finalisation of outcomes (see the table in Annex 4)

In developing evaluation tools, students have used previous exercises in designing the interview and the focus group screenplay (Annex 5).

Methods used during this part were interactive discussion and brainstorming in two small groups and plenary exchange and finalisation of outcomes.

During the field research students have collected evidence to answer the evaluation question via using interviews and focus groups.

Methods used during this part were interviews implemented with representatives on national and regional authorities and interactive focus groups sessions conducted with local action groups.

Students have analyzed evaluation findings on readiness of stakeholders in Slovakia to implement the CLLD, using the SWOT analysis. In the SWOT analysis, the SW have been looked at from the point of current development and OT from the point of future of CLLD approach.

Methods used during this part were small group work and plenary discussion including finalising the SWOT findings.

Students have received the structure of the report, in which they elaborated on all above-mentioned steps including answering the evaluation questions and drafting the conclusion and recommendations for future successful implementation of the CLLD in Slovakia.

Results of the field survey, SWOT analysis, conclusions and recommendations have been presented during the final presentation of the case study.

Case Study Findings

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During the Case study students have evaluated the readiness of stakeholders in Slovakia for the implementation of the newly coming EU approach to integrated development – CLLD. The main task was to answer the evaluation question: “To what extent are stakeholders in Slovakia ready to implement the CLLD? (at RDP and LAG level)?”

During the case study students have visited 7 LAGs. Two of them were located in Nitra region, one was officially recognized by the Managing Authority of the RDP Slovakia and one new LAG, which is undergoing the preparation to apply for Leader funding within the RDP 2014-2020:

Local action group Radosinka (recognized) and Local action group OZ Tekov-Hont (not recognized)

One LAG was located in Trenčín region - Vršatec (recognized), one in Prešov region – LEV (recognized), one in Košice region – KRAS (recognized) and two LAGs were located in Banská Bystrica region:

Malohont (recognized) and Muránska planina (not recognized).

Students have analyzed these local action groups for the purpose of the case study, using the evaluation tools and collecting evidence to answer the evaluation question.

Students have also conducted the interviews with national and regional authorities in Leader approach:

Mr. Martin Majerech, RDP Managing Authority, responsible for Leader approach,in Bratislava,

Ms. Eva Baková, Agriculture paying agency, responsible for Leader approach, Nitra,

Mr. Štefan Králik, Office of the Nitra Self-governing Region, responsible for Leader approach.

The main findings of the case study can be summarized as follows:

7.1 Defining the key factors for successful implementation of CLLD in Slovakia at RDP and LAG levels

As a first step, students identified the steps of delivery mechanism at national and local level and place them in pair-wise matrices against 7 principles of Leader. The result can be seen in the tables below:

LAG level:

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National level:

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As the second step, students filled the matrices with key success factors. Both filled matrices – national and local level can be found in the Annex 4 in the excel format. Snap shots examples from the students´ final PPT are below:

Source: students´final PPT

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Source: students´final PPT

7.2 Designing the Interviews and Focus Groups and Collecting Evidence

Draft evaluation tools have been prepared by students after definition of key success factors. Students have used key success factors as the base for defining open questions in interviews and design the focus group screenplay.

In the case of the interview, open questions were used, each of them aimed at addressing one aspect of the delivery mechanism, keeping 7 Leader principles in mind. Interviews have been used to obtain information from national/regional level. Interview format can be found in Annex 5.

In the case of the focus group, three questions were designed with the purpose of retrieving in-depth and comprehensive information pertaining key success factors. Focus groups have been used to obtain the information from local level. Questions for the focus group evolved as students were applying the tool in the field (see the final report of students in Annex 7). Focus group screenplay can be found in Annex 5.

Collected evidence can be found in the final students ‘report in Annex 7.

7.3 Development of SWOT Analysis on Effects of Axis 4 Delivery on Leader Approach

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After collecting the evidence, students have synthetized their findings and conducted the open SWOT analysis, where strengths and weaknesses are determined by their connection to the system presently, while opportunities and threats were determined by their linkages to the system in the near future. The SWOT was organized at the national and local level separately and around of 7 Leader principles. The full SWOT is very well presented in the final report of students and in the PPT. As an example of SWOT, the snap shot from the PPT demonstrates the strengths and weaknesses at the national level.

7.4 Conclusions and Recommendations

At the end, students have drafted the conclusions and recommendations base on the synthesis of evaluation results and SWOT analysis. Conclusions and recommendations are well presented in the final students ‘report in Annex 7.

Again as an example here is one snap shot from the final students´ PPT how the conclusions and recommendation were presented during the concluding session.

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Remarks to the Case Study:All selected local action groups were very helpful and assisted students in obtaining necessary information in using the evaluation tools. The logistics arrangements in territories of local action groups were satisfactory, well supported by the local action group managers. Preparatory session and developed evaluation tools were sufficient to carry on the task.

Students have shown high degree of dedication and involvement during the case study and completed tasks in satisfactory manner. They took very positive learning attitude during the whole time the case study was implemented. They have shown the willingness to understand the topic and rural areas of Slovakia, which they could experience personally being presented as guests of selected local action groups.

Students have learnt about Leader and CLLD approach, its 7 features and they had very good understanding of which factors have to be accomplished to implement the CLLD correctly in the near future. Students examined practical implementation of Leader in the Slovak context; they correctly identified its strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats for the CLLD. They have shown sufficient analytical skills and willingness to understand the situation as well as the good group affiliation and positive group dynamics. Presentations have proven satisfactory synthesizing skills. The understanding of the topic was very good.

List of Annexes :

Annex 1: The Programme of the Case study

Annex 2: Presentations of Mr. D. Húska, Mr. P.Schwarcz, Ms. E. Baková,

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http://www.fesrr.uniag.sk/en/final-report-annexes/


Mr. M. Majerech and Ms. V. Juricová

Annex 3: Presentations of Ms. J. Tvrdoňová

Annex 4: Matrices of Key Success Factors for the CLLD Implementation –

National and Local Level.

Annex 5: Evaluation Tools: Interviews and Focus Group Screenplay

Annex 6: Final Presentation of Students

Annex 7: Final Report of Students

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