Final evaluation report for the thematic assessment of the 2014-2020 Rural Development Programme in Hungary

The evaluation refers to Hungary's Rural Development Programme (RDP) during the 2014–2020 programming period. It was published in 2023 and commissioned by the RDP's Managing Authority.

The evaluation aims to demonstrate whether the LEADER approach created added value and assess the extent to which the objectives set out in the Local Development Strategies (LDSs) were achieved.

The main objective of the evaluation is to examine certain RDP measures in terms of relevance, efficiency and effectiveness, along with evaluation questions, to assess the implementation of the RDP and further develop the planning for the next period.

Both quantitative and qualitative tools are used during the evaluation. The quantitative assessment includes processing data from the operations database and results of an online data collection conducted among the LAGs. This allows for the analysis of the LAG's fourth-quarter report from 2020 and a representative social impact monitoring survey among 13 LAGs using an online questionnaire.

As part of the qualitative assessment, relevant national and international documents were analysed, including four expert interviews and 11 interviews with LAG work organisations. Through guided clustering, four LAGs were selected to carry out case studies to explore the local results of LEADER in detail. The synthesised results of the evaluation were validated through a workshop with the LEADER LAGs.

The quantitative study is based on three main data sources: operations databases, data collected from LAGs (questionnaire) and LAG's fourth-quarter report from 2020.

PMEF (R31.a and R31) and CMEF (R22/T21 and R24/T23), as well as additional indicators related to the evaluation objective, were calculated to record similarities and differences, as well as to identify any challenges concerning the calculation.

During the analysis of the data tables obtained from the operations database of the Paying Agency, several difficulties and discrepancies emerged, which were only partially resolved. Basic information is missing from several support applications, which is necessary for the priority territorial classification of applications. As regards employment commitments, the correctness of the data is questioned by the negative value of the change for 375 Applications for Support (ASs), which, in principle, is not possible based on the 'E-apply' instructions. The number of new jobs created by the supported projects should be collected in full time employment (FTE). Despite this, the majority of local calls didn’t request the employment indicator in FTE.

The implementation of the LDSs and the operation of the LAGs have resulted in significant added value.

The high number of supported beneficiaries reflects a strong demand for development opportunities related to the objectives set out in LDSs. Through LEADER LAGs and their local calls for proposals, LEADER has reached a wide range of target groups, including those actors who would not have had the chance to make developments without them.

The principle of the bottom-up initiative was successful and it was possible to respond to real needs compared to other programs that did not address or provide for potential beneficiaries' needs.

The establishment and operation of networks within the LAGs area took place in approximately a quarter of the LAGs.

LAGs' animation activities and their own-initiated facilitation projects, which bring together sectors and development directions, are most likely to encourage the emergence of territorial integrated projects.

The implementation of LEADER LDSs will also increase employment. According to the operations database, the number of new jobs forecasted with the full implementation of the projects supported by the end of 2020 is 1 497. However, among the RDP calls, the unit cost of job creation by LEADER projects is the lowest.