Evaluation of Measure 19 (support for local development – LEADER) of the 2014-2022 RDP

• EQ1: The relevance and coherence of the LEADER strategy in relation to territorial needs (administrative/financial and operational)
• EQ2: The effectiveness and efficiency of the implementation of LEADER measures
• EQ3: The effectiveness and efficiency — Added value of the LEADER approach
• Prospective question: Optimisation of administrative and partnership procedures

The methodology relies on implementation data and, notably, indicators such as the number of beneficiaries, projects and budgetary data to answer these questions. It also depends on data collected in the field through interviews with programme beneficiaries and technicians and documentary research.

The study clearly identified no limitations or challenges. However, it should be noted that many of the projects were not finished at the time of the study, leading to a partial analysis of the LEADER programme's results and impacts.

The evaluation showed that the Guyanese LEADER programme is overall relevant and coherent (internally and externally), despite some complementarity issues with other European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) measures and the complex criteria chosen for budget allocation based on performance. Need for improvement was found in terms of communication, collaboration, human resources, administrative burden and selection criteria for the projects. The programme also suffered delays in the early stages. Nevertheless, there are first positive effects to achieving the results and changes expected in the territories, particularly in improving the quality of life, supplying the local population with food products from local agriculture and ensuring the sustainability of agricultural and agri-food activities.