The functioning of the Czarnkowsko-Trzcianecka Local Action Group as an example of creating local development in the Wielkopolska Region

Abstract

Local Action Groups (LAGs) are a type of territorial partnership, established as a grass-roots initiative, bringing together representatives of local organizations from the public, private and non-governmental sectors, and residents acting for the benefit of the local community. The task of the LAG is, inter alia, stimulating the involvement of the local community in the development of the region, based on the use of its resources. The aim of the article is to indicate the specificity of local action groups and their importance in shaping the development in the area covered by the local development strategy on the example of the Czarnkowsko-Trzcianecka Local Action Group (CZ-T LAG). The article uses the Local Development Strategy planned for 2014–2020 developed by the surveyed Local Action Group, a SWOT analysis, as well as a survey. The conducted research was aimed at indicating the idea of operation of the Czarnkowsko-Trzcianecka LAG through the implementation of the Leader initiative along with the role in implementing innovation in rural areas. It was found that CZ-T LAG, through its activities financed from the European Union funds, contributes to the activation of inhabitants by stimulating the initiatives of the rural community, which in turn creates the development of the region.