CREATING LOCAL ACTION GROUPS FOR RURAL DEVELOPMENT IN MEXICO: METHODOLOGICAL APPROACH AND LESSONS LEARNED

The formulation, implementation and management of rural development projects require participatory processes that induce collective action. These processes require new social structures involving civil society organizations such as the so-called Local Action Groups (LAGs), established in the context of the European initiative LEADER. This essay discusses the basics of these new structures and describes their process of creation in five territories of Mexico as part of the application in this country of a development planning model based on social learning, elements of the Sustainable Rural Development Law (LDRS) in Mexico and the European LEADER initiative. The results of five years of implementation indicate that LAGs generate new channels for participation and local management, strengthening of local communities, as well as a new way to promote endogenous sustainable development through the implementation of projects.