Analysing rural development in the Leader area Meetjesland - Leie&Schelde: developing a future development plan in a participatory style

Main research question/goal

What is the situation of Meetjesland as a rural area? What are strengths and weaknesses of the region as a rural area? How is the regional development institutionalised and organised? Is the collaboration going smoothly? Which strengths does the region want to develop? These questions are at stake in the East Flanders LEADER group Meetjesland-Leie-Schelde. To gain scientific insight in the development of a region, the local action group is asking for an analysis of the rural development within their region. In addition, they ask for input into designing guidelines for a vision of the future.

 

Research approach

We initiate a participative research process in Meetjesland – Leie en Schelde. Using in-depth interviews with stakeholders and a document analysis, we first uncover the structural local characteristics and their underlying dynamics. We use the data from the in-depth interviews and document analysis to map the rural web configuration (a tool to understand and analyse processes of change). Specific attention is paid to the relationships between the different dimensions and the underlying dynamics (initiator, changes, stimuli, limitations, consequences). Through analysis of the six dimensions and their underlying relations, we investigate present rural development processes. The results of this analysis is taken to workshops, in which regional actors reflect in a participative way on the future vision for rural development.

 

Relevance/Valorisation

Following the various intermediate reports on the research process, the end results are incorporated in an accessible summary in booklet form. This booklet is presented for discussion to the relevant regional actors during the LEADER meetings. The booklet provides an overview of the most important challenges for future rural development in Meetjesland, as well as recommendations on how to deal with them. The booklet is used as input for future local development strategies and is accessible for all interested regional actors.