Leaderand rural differentiation: Czech Republic (2007-2013)

Abstract

The goal of this paper is to reveal the socioeconomic and environmental characteristic differences between supported and unsupported Local Action Groups (LAGs) from the LEADER programme in the Czech Republic in the programming period 2007-2013. Hence, the associations between the LEADER programme and rural differentiation in the Czech Republic are explored. The results of this study point out that highly rural and disadvantaged LAGs were supported significantly more often, while LAGs with strong urban characteristics and growing suburban LAGs were supported significantly less often in the LEADER programme. Two crucial dimensions of rural differentiation in the Czech Republic were tackled by LEADER, namely rural aspects and socioeconomic disadvantages. This study consequently shows that LAGs May be a highly relevant place-based instrument that compensates for urban-rural gradient and socioeconomic disadvantages of rural areas. © 2018 Mendel University of Agriculture and Forestry Brno. All right reserved.