Annual Evaluation Report 2021: National Rural Network

This annual evaluation report (AER) focuses on analysing the networking generated by the National Rural Network (NRN) projects and evaluating the communication carried out in the rural network over the years.

With regard to the analysis of the networking generated by the NRN projects, the report concentrates on the second phase of the process related to the identification of the main actors involved. This second phase intended to reconstruct the sub-networks developed thanks to participants' actions in the programme's initiatives. This step indicates the ability of the NRN to concretely pursue the objective of promoting networking and social capital among the actors of rural development in Italy.

In relation to the evaluation of communication, the report presents the final results and conclusions of an analysis launched in 2019.

Concerning the analysis of the networking generated by NRN projects, a methodological approach is based on a social network analysis (SNA) of NRN hubs identified in the first phase of the evaluation process. The necessary information was collected through three structured questionnaires containing closed and open questions. The SNA was conducted for three identified categories (i.e. projects): LEADER network, social agriculture promotion and Rural4learning.

To evaluate the communication carried out in the institutional context, a qualitative-quantitative approach was used to build the surveys and analyse the results.

The primary and secondary data collection and construction techniques were a documentary analysis of the NRN programming documents, primary data construction techniques and in-depth interviews with the project managers of Priority 3 and others. These interviews aimed to reconstruct the role of structured communication within the NRN system in accompanying the implementation of individual projects. Finally, a Citizen Satisfaction Survey (CSS) was carried out to gather information on a group comprising diverse but target stakeholders.

Shared and participatory discussion of survey results (CSS and in-depth interviews) with the project managers allowed for the identification of other perspectives, opinions and reflections on activities in progress or planned by the main stakeholders involved.

The lack of objective data concerning the evaluation of the NRN communication strategy is mentioned.

Referring to the networking generated by NRN projects, the evaluation concluded that each LAG refers to a network of established relationships with entities included in the LEADER chain. In total, 31% of respondents indicated relationships and collaborations with other entities not belonging to their 'natural' network. In most cases, these collaborations were independently activated by LAGs, with only 10.5% of cases facilitated by the NRN.

In the field of social agriculture (17 participants), the SNA highlighted the individual sub-networks that participants created. The objectives underlying the different collaborations are differentiated by type of institution. The level of participation and satisfaction in the activities is medium to high.

The network developed by the 18 participants of the survey under the RURAL4LEARNING initiatives is quite active and has a positive perception of the work it carried out. Within RURAL4LEARNING, each entity has activated seven additional types of relationships with other partners. This allowed the project to expand consistently with its initial objectives (i.e. active involvement of new actors/actors and transfer of knowledge).

Regarding communication, the report concluded that the set of activities carried out in the field of communication is consistent with the objectives and adapts to different targets and styles. Over the years, the objective of communicating rural development has been effectively pursued through a communication activity, which is also aligned with disseminating NRN projects' work. The activities appear well structured and varied, capable of reaching different target audiences. Generally, they have given rise to coherent action capable of pushing the NRN initiative towards achieving its main objectives (i.e. improving the quality of Rural Development Programmes, stimulating stakeholder participation, informing the public and promoting innovation).