Implementation and impacts of the LEADER-approach – reflections on the intervention logic of a participatory approach for rural development

One approach to support a smart rural development is LEADER, which is funded by the European agricultural fund. A general assumption about LEADER-approach is that the implementation of the LEADER-principles (like participation, cooperation, bottom up-orientation) creates an added value because of a better identification of local needs and solutions, more commitment of stakeholders and a greater scope for innovation. To reflect the implementation and impacts of the LEADER-approach we can present results from the evaluation of Rural Development Programs (RDPs) in six federal states in Germany. Object of evaluation are more than 100 LEADER-regions.