<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">

<p>LEADER development programs have a primary objective of enhancing the quality of life. However, their evaluation has been limited due to the extensive time required for analysis. This report investigates the contribution of the LEADER approach to improving the quality of life through a thirty-year case study in the Alcarria Conquense region of Spain (1991-2021). Funding for projects focused on rural heritage, infrastructure, and essential services has played a pivotal role in creating conditions for a prosperous life in the region. Nonetheless, limitations have emerged, including deepening territorial imbalances, a heavy reliance on local government entities, and potential drawbacks to the innovation and management capacity of other economic and social actors. While LEADER offer a valuable tool for policymakers seeking to enhance rural communities' quality of life, further analysis is necessary to refine their implementation and maximize their overall impact.</p>
</abstract>

LEADER development programs have a primary objective of enhancing the quality of life. However, their evaluation has been limited due to the extensive time required for analysis. This report investigates the contribution of the LEADER approach to improving the quality of life through a thirty-year case study in the Alcarria Conquense region of Spain (1991-2021). Funding for projects focused on rural heritage, infrastructure, and essential services has played a pivotal role in creating conditions for a prosperous life in the region. Nonetheless, limitations have emerged, including deepening territorial imbalances, a heavy reliance on local government entities, and potential drawbacks to the innovation and management capacity of other economic and social actors. While LEADER offer a valuable tool for policymakers seeking to enhance rural communities' quality of life, further analysis is necessary to refine their implementation and maximize their overall impact.

Contribution of Leader Community Initiative to People’s Quality of Life: A Case of Thirty Years Application in Rural Spain

Centro de Estudios Demográficos, Urbanos y Ambientales. El Colegio de México A.C.

European Countryside

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 3.0 License.

LEADER development programs have a primary objective of enhancing the quality of life. However, their evaluation has been limited due to the extensive time...

Contribution of Leader Community Initiative to People’s Quality of Life: A Case of Thirty Years Application in Rural Spain

Published Online: Jul 03, 2024

Page range: 183 - 203

Received: Jun 27, 2023

Accepted: Apr 02, 2024

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/euco-2024-0011

Keywords
services for the population, enhancement of heritage, proximity services, depopulation, territorial approach, LEADER program, Spain

© 2024 Francisco José Gallego Moreno et al., published by Sciendo

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 3.0 License.

Contribution of Leader Community Initiative to People’s Quality of Life: A Case of Thirty Years Application in Rural Spain

Published Online: Jul 03, 2024

Page range: 183 - 203

Received: Jun 27, 2023

Accepted: Apr 02, 2024

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/euco-2024-0011

Keywordsservices for the population, enhancement of heritage, proximity services, depopulation, territorial approach, LEADER program, Spain

© 2024 Francisco José Gallego Moreno et al., published by Sciendo

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 3.0 License.

Keywords
services for the population, enhancement of heritage, proximity services, depopulation, territorial approach, LEADER program, Spain