Evaluation of the operation of training and improvement courses of the 2014-2020 RDP

The sharing of knowledge has been promoted as a central pillar for training and advisory activities subsidised by the 2014-2020 RDP of La Rioja. This was intended to provide better technical resources to professionals in the agricultural sector and other inhabitants of rural Rioja so that they could better exercise their activity on their farms or rural businesses. The main objective of the aid is, therefore, to improve the training of farmers in the management of their farms and to promote economic diversification activities for the rest of the rural population.

This study is focused on the training activity '1.1.1 Training and further training courses' implemented by the RDP and analysed in-depth the implementation of the measure, the thematic distribution of the courses taught, and collected information and opinions that allow conclusions to be drawn to make better decisions when designing the next program.

As set out in the European Commission’s guide to ex post evaluation of RDPs, the evaluation is structured in three phases.

In addition, the information needed to answer the questions previously asked was also analysed. The necessary data sources for the analysis (i.e. previous evaluation studies, statistical databases, related bibliography, etc.) have also been identified.

For study topics for which no information was available, ad hoc survey forms and interview scripts were designed to obtain primary information that meets the needs of the assessment.

The next phase of evaluation was the development or implementation of the evaluation itself i.e. the analysis of RDP monitoring data, examination of statistical sources, extraction of relevant information from the various bibliographical references, surveys and interviews.

Two types of surveys were developed: one aimed at all the training beneficiary entities and one aimed at the other participants of the courses.

The analysed monitoring data was the latest available at the date of this report, i.e. those included in the 2020 Annual Implementation Report, which had a reference date of 31 December 2020.

The final phase of the evaluation consisted of disseminating and communicating the results.

The results of the study have been limited in part by the low representativeness of the answers to the questionnaires carried out. As regards the survey of participants.

75% of the surveyed entities estimated that the new system of payment of aid through simplified cost modules has been effective for the organisation of training activities. The managing unit pointed out that this system allowed a homogeneous treatment of eligible costs. Despite this, almost half of the entities pointed out that adjusting expenses to the amount of the module made it difficult to organise and develop training activities. As a result, there are training activities in demand that fall outside the training plan. In this sense, the manager proposed that the obligation of periodic reviews be established to correctly adjust the modules to reality.

The study also revealed a clear digital divide in the rural population, so it was essential to enhance the organisation and attendance of courses to teach and deepen the use of information and communication technologies, as well as create synergies with other aids to improve coverage and internet connection.

Lastly, the success of training activities depends on the publicity of such activities and, therefore, on knowledge. The publicity of carried out training activities was facilitated differently by both the public administration and the training entities.