LEADER: 168.5 million lei invested in projects in over 500 Moldovan localities over two years
Infrastructure development, support for small businesses, and the advancement of social programs are some of the key achievements of the National Rural Development Network LEADER. Local Action Groups (LAGs) are active in over 60% of the localities in the Republic of Moldova, playing a vital role in enhancing the living conditions of residents in rural areas.
Local action groups play a crucial role in the economic and social development of villages by implementing projects that modernize infrastructure, support entrepreneurship, preserve local heritage, and develop rural tourism and community services. Vitalie Jereghi, the executive director of the National Rural Development Network LEADER, shared this insight during an interview with Radio Moldova.
In recent years, the funding landscape for these initiatives has transformed significantly. Until 2022, support was primarily provided by external donors. However, the main funding source is now the LEADER program, which is managed by the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industry through the Agency for Intervention and Payments in Agriculture.
Local action groups (LAGs) also access additional funding from various national and international donors, but public funding has become the most stable source of support, according to Jereghi.
Approximately 21,000 citizens from the districts of Fălești, Ungheni, and Sângerei benefited from civic and economic projects backed by development partners through the LEADER Program. Vladimir Bejenari, the mayor of Făleștii Noi, noted that the community is receptive to and interested in these initiatives.
Between 2022 and 2024, 1,409 projects were implemented, with an approximate total value of 168.5 million lei.
The National Network for Rural Development LEADER, active since 2016, currently comprises 54 established LAGs, involving 513 localities in the Republic of Moldova.
