LEADER pilot program for rural development to cover three more  regions of Armenia

ArmInfo.  Armenia and the Czech Republic are considering the possibility of expanding the LEADER methodology for rural development. This methodology is  currently being implemented  as a pilot  and may be launched in  Syunik, Vayots Dzor and Gegharkunik, as reported by the press service  of the Ministry of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure,  citing the results of a meeting between Deputy Minister of  Territorial Administration and Infrastructure Asatur Vardanyan and a  Czech delegation led by Deputy Minister of Territorial Development of  the Czech Republic Radim Srsen.

This program was implemented in pilot mode in Tavush, Lori and  Shirak. Within the framework of the program, 8 local action groups  (LAGs) were created in these regions, significantly increasing the  effectiveness of local economic development. According to the press  service of the department, the proposal to expand the program was  made due to its significant impact on territorial development. 

Note that the LEADER method was introduced in Armenia in 2021 as part  of  the LEAD Project, jointly implemented by UNDP and FAO, funded by  the European Union. The goal of the project is to enhance the  involvement of local actors (organizations, farmers, entrepreneurs in  rural areas) in planning the development of their regions,  decision-making, and resource management to improve the quality of  lives and promote sustainable development in  rural areas.