The Introduction of the Leader Conception into Rural Development Practice

Abstract

The article is aimed at deepening the theoretical aspects of the Leader conception, substantiating its principles and possibilities of implementation in the practice of rural areas development. The main stages of formation of the Leader conception in the European Union are covered. It is argued that the Leader conception is focused on the development of rural areas. It is proved that the essence of the Leader conception is to improve the quality of life of people in village, taking into consideration economic, social and environmental opportunities. The characteristic features of the Leader conception are disclosed; it is emphasized that, provided that this conception is in effect, there is a necessity to actively involve the population in the implementation of the Leader strategy directly. The idea about the Leader conception as one of the elements of harmonization of an ecologically safe and economically stable rural development is presented. The prospects of its introduction in Ukraine are substantiated. The basic principles of introduction of the Leader in practice of development of rural territories are laid out. The opportunities that will be obtained by villagers with introduction of the Leader conception are indicated. The priorities of development of rural territories on the basis of the Leader conception are proposed.

Keywords

• the Leader conception
• rural territory
• local development strategies
• innovations
• local actions group