Ex-ante Evaluation of Local Action Group (LAG), Levoca Presented by: Ali, Festus Arroyo, Jose Bhandari, Thaneshwar Laing,Lan Nyoni, Abel Slovak University of Agriculture Nitra Faculty of EU Studies and Regional Development Main Facilitator: Ing. Jela Tvrdoňová, PhD Field Facilitator: Ing. Barbora Milotová, PhD.

Introduction Objectives Methodology Main findings Conclusion Recommendation Outline of the presentation

The LEADER axis (4) approach implemented in Slovakia since Integrated rural development strategy has been elaborated and is about to go operational for MAS LEV. Population of the LAG´s region: villages and 2 towns. Area of the LAG : 251 km ². 1.Introduction

Introduction (contd..)- Membership 67 members: Public sector (51,56%) Private sector (15,63%) Civil sector (32,81%)

To identify the link between the SWOT analysis, problem analysis, priorities, Strategic objective, specific objectives, measures, and activities. To establish a clear relation between the measures, action plan, chosen activities and the budget plan. To assess and judge the quality of partnership- LAG 2. Objetives

3. Methodology Collection of primary information using: questionnaires, university guidelines, discussions with key stakeholders and partners. Consulting documents of LAG and internet website. Field visit by observing historical sites and villages.

SWOT & Situation analysis Key problems priorities Strategic objective vision Specific objectives measures actions Financial plan Framework of Evaluation of strategy

4.1: SWOT analysis Is broad & reflects the situation on the ground Puts much emphasis on tourism development Used participatory bottom-up approach i.e. workshops in 29 villages covering the entire territory. Reflect the selected development priorities, objectives, measures However, improvements could be done to include: Other potential sectors like agriculture and industrial activities. Information on issues such as mobility of tourists in the region, social networks and the general situation of basic social services provision. 4. Main Findings

4.2.Problem Analysis Participatory problem analysis involving all stakeholders. Identified problems reflect the needs of the region in the tourism sector Key priorities have been established based on the problems identified. Main Findings (Contd..)

4.3 Logic of Strategic Framework & inter- linkages: Selected objectives & measures are well justified by situation analysis & SWOT Intervention logic is clearly set by strategic framework. Selected measures contributing to fulfillment of specific & consequently strategic objectives. However, Priority 4 and its specific objective are too ambitious & might not be achieved even if the planned measures and activities are achieved.

4.4 Venn Diagram

4.5 Partnership Analysis Peter Pitoňák Jozef Molčan Ing. Ladislav Maturkanič Miroslav Čurilla Ing. Monika Fabiánová Iveta Chomjak ová Ing. Andrea Hradiská Peter Pitoňák Jozef Molčan +++ Ing. Ladislav Maturkanič ++ Miroslav Čurilla Ing. Monika Fabiánová Iveta Chomjaková Ing. Andrea Hradiská : High level of partnership ++: Medium level of partnership +: minimum level of partnership 0: Neutral level of partnership

4.6 Assessment on Organisational Structure

4.7 Assessment of Management

4.8 Assessment of strategy implementation and monitoring system

4.9 Assesement of strategy/project implementation

The structure, institutional & administrative capacity of LAG promises successful implementation & monitoring of the proposed integrated development strategy. Preparedness of APA and MoA may affect the implementation of the LAG’s strategies and activities. Without additional planned measures and activities with linkage to other programs, some of the specific objectives may not be fully achieve. LAG LEV is ready to start the implementation. 5.Conclusion

Need to integrate program committee into executive body. All the committees need to be constituted in such a way that would avoid conflict of interest & ensure transparency in decision making. Need to include external members in both selection & monitoring committees. 6. Recommendations

General assembly should develop mechanism on election of members into all committees to ensure geographical balance. LAG and Micro region should clearly define their roles in integrated development in order to avoid any conflict that may arise in the future. To achieve better quality of life of rural population in priority 4, there is a need to plan additional measures and activities.

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