Accomplishments:
- A Task Force has been set up for the purpose of drafting rural development strategy for Ukraine which includes 25 representatives from MAP, research institutions, NGOs, agriculture extension services and other organizations. At the moment, the Task Force is drafting the national rural development strategy according to relevant EU directives. Task Force members are actively involved in developing a concept of the national program for sustainable rural development until 2020.
- Pilot raions has been selected for the purpose of developing operation programs, namely: Nizhnyehorsky and Saksky raions in the AR Crimea; Zolotonivksy, Chyhyrynsky, and Zvenihorodsky raions in Cherkasy oblast. Activities in setting up local action groups for the purpose of developing operation programs are underway.
- Numerous public education events have been conducted for agrarian sector workers such as seminars, roundtables, and presentations. Besides, Project experts take part in public events organized by MAP. For example, the roundtable "Use of EU member countries' experience in the process of developing rural development strategies for Ukraine" was held as part of the XXI International Agrarian Exhibition Fair "Agro-2009" jointly with the MAP Rural Development Department on June 11, 2009. At that roundtable, a Project expert presented an overview of existing approaches to rural development and went into details of the LEADER approach to explain its advantages.
- The Project assessed needs in training specialists of the MAP Rural Development Department. Based on the assessment outcomes, the Project compiled a list of actions to improve knowledge and skills of MAP specialists.
- A study tour to Czech Republic was conducted in September 2009 to expose eight MAP specialists to European experience in planning rural development and implementing LEADER Program. One more study tour for MAP specialists, pilot oblasts and NGOs' representatives is planned for late 2009.
- Project Rural Development component has assisted the MAP RDWG in drafting and competition of the Rural Development Concept Paper . The Rural Development Concept paper has been submitted and approved by the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine (Feb 3rd 2010).
- Project Rural Development component supporting Pilot Oblasts of Cherkassy and Crimea in the initation of the process in developing Pilot RURAL development Operational Programs for both select target rayons in Cherkassy and in Crimea.
- Project Rural Development component participates and contributes to UNDP projects coordination meting in Crimea - February 10th 2010.
Methodological Guidelines
