Elena Pisani

Structures and dynamics of transnational cooperation networks: evidence based on Local Action Groups in the Veneto Region, Italy

The paper assesses the structures and dynamics of transnational cooperation projects promoted by Local Action Groups (LAGs) in different periods (from LEADER II to LEADER Axis) using Social Network Analysis (SNA) in a specific case study: the Veneto Region in Italy. The classical indexes of SNA have been critically examined, and the paper also presents innovative indexes that can capture the peculiarity of transnational cooperation: disaggregated densities of the network and transnational centrality of the node. These indexes are useful in order to quantify how transnational a network actually is, and to measure the power-information that each actor (LAG) can acquire through its transnational contacts. The methodology can become a tool for Managing Authorities to implement new forms of evaluation of transnational cooperation of LAGs.

All that glitters is not gold: the effect of top-down participation on conservation knowledge, attitudes and institutional trust in a Central Indian tiger reserve

Researchers and policymakers emphasize that people’s involvement in forest management can secure their support of conservation initiatives. However, the evidence on the effectiveness of top-down participation is weak. This study uses cross-sectional household data from 16 villages in the buffer zone of Pench Tiger Reserve (Madhya Pradesh) in India to contribute to the evidence base of such assumption. Using a propensity score matching to control for observable bias, we evaluate the effects of two state-driven incentive-based participatory projects, i.e. the Joint Forest Management and Ecodevelopment, on selected social outcomes. Specifically, we measured local people conservation knowledge, biodiversity attitudes as well as trust in and satisfaction with the tiger reserve management authorities. We found that the effects of participatory management on conservation knowledge were positive, but negligible. We found no significant effects on local people’s biodiversity attitudes, trust and satisfaction with the tiger reserve management authorities. Top-down and externally induced participation may explain our results. Our findings clearly indicate that the effectiveness of participatory conservation interventions is conditional on the level and nature of local participation. Top-down participatory projects may not be sufficient to generate local support of conservation and in some cases, they may even exacerbate local conflicts.

Social capital and rural development in Southern European regions: the case of EU-funded LEADER projects

The objective of this chapter is to examine the role of social capital in regional, rural development in the South of Europe through the EU-funded LEADER programme. LEADER’s aim is to provide rural communities with a method to tackle problems of local development by building new forms of partnerships and linking activities across various economic sectors, social groups and levels of governance. In this regard LEADER is inextricably connected to the neo-endogenous approach and relies heavily on local social capital. It has considerable appeal in rural areas of southern Europe, which have been hit hard by the crisis and are characterized by specific cultural and historical conditions and chronic structural problems. Yet we observe that funding and decision-making bodies at all levels have not explicitly and formally addressed and assessed the role of social dynamics and specifically of social capital in promoting rural development by exploiting LEADER funds. We argue that this must be remedied if we wish to enhance the effectiveness of these projects. The chapter begins with an overview of policy reports and case studies to examine the role of social capital in rural development and LEADER, particularly in areas of innovation, governance and marginalized groups. Then we use the lessons learnt from case studies in Greek and Italian rural areas in southern Europe to discuss alternative definitions and measures of social capital that take into account: economic and non-economic dimensions of local development; process-oriented evaluation methods; and context-specific characteristics of regions. Finally, we suggest ways to re-contextualize social capital in development programmes to improve their design, implementation and evaluation.

Evaluation of Social Capital in LEADER: What’s In and What’s Out?

The European Common Monitoring and Evaluation Framework (CMEF) determines the different types of common indicators for the evaluation of the two pillars of the Common Agricultural Policy, inclusive of LEADER. Moreover, the European Evaluation Network on Rural Development, under the responsibility of the EC Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development, proposes guidelines for enabling evaluation practices at different European, national, regional as well as local levels. This chapter reveals some of the shortcomings in the conceptualisation and operationalisation of social capital in LEADER and consequently it raises critical questions relating to the current evaluation system proposed for LEADER. This points to the need to propose an innovative evaluation method, which explicitly operationalises social capital and rural governance in LEADER initiatives, by thoughtfully considering the requirements set by the EU regulations.

Indicators Proposed for the Evaluation of Social Capital in Local Action Groups

This chapter provides a detailed description of the different indicators developed as part of the method for quantifying and qualifying the endowment of social capital in Local Actions Groups of the EU LEADER initiative. These indicators refer to dimensions of: (1) structural social capital (context, network actors, horizontal structure of the network, transparency and accountability, reputational power); (2) normative and cognitive social capital (trust and reciprocity among actors, trust in institutions, quality of the network, quality of participation, shared values, conflict); and (3) related aspects of governance (decision-making processes, efficiency and effectiveness, organisational culture and capacity, vertical structure).

Innovative Elements of the Proposed Evaluation Method and Indications for Improving Monitoring and Evaluation Activities in Rural Development Policy

This chapter presents the innovative elements proposed in the method for quantifying and qualifying the endowment of social capital in Local Action Groups of the EU LEADER initiative. In sum, the innovative elements of the evaluation correspond to a deep scrutiny of the economic implications of social capital in rural areas; the identification of different dimensions and sub-dimensions of social capital and rural governance; the use of Social Network Analysis for the elaboration of data regarding information sharing, reputational power, and trust among actors; the proposal of a large set of indicators selected after a careful phase of testing in the field; the validation of a methodology in the field; and a first attempt at measuring governance in relation to social capital. The chapter concludes with recommendations on the implementation of the method for improving monitoring and evaluation activities in rural development policy.

Practicing Social Capital in Local Development: How the Method Applies to Real-World Cases

The proposed method for the evaluation of the endowment of social capital in LEADER has been developed following different sequential steps. In this chapter, we show that this stepwise process can be applied to European Local Action Groups (LAGs), it can be used for comparing values across indicators for both monitoring and evaluation, and the results obtained can unveil the intervention logic of “social capital” at different steps of aggregation. As promised in the introductory chapters of the book, we show the steps taken for opening the “black box” and identify how this method fits within the 2014–2020 programming period and specifically contributes highlighting the value added of LEADER.

Evaluation of Structural and Normative-Cognitive Social Capital and Related Governance Aspects at Different Levels of Aggregation Across Regions and LAGs

The chapter presents the quantitative results of the research conducted in Italy on the endowment of social capital in specific European organisations, the so-called Local Actions Groups (LAGs) of the EU LEADER initiative. By drawing on indicators proposed in the research, the chapter shows how social capital can be measured at different levels of aggregation and how it can be used to provide a tool for initially identifying strengths and weaknesses of individual LAGs and then for comparing LAGs within and among regions. The chapter concludes with recommendations for adopting qualitative and regional analyses to explain the results of the quantitative assessment.

Introduction: Motivation, Aim and Contributions

The chapter offers an introduction to the relationship between social capital and local development processes in European rural areas. Focusing on the EU LEADER initiative, the chapter draws attention to how social factors of each territory influence socio-economic variables, thus explaining heterogeneity in socio-economic outcomes. The chapter highlights that despite the pressing social needs arising from the recent economic and financial crises, EU funding and decision-making bodies have not explicitly addressed and assessed the role of social dynamics and specifically of social capital, which still remain a black box.

Regional Comparisons: A Discussion on Social Capital and Local Development

The chapter discusses comparative results across regions regarding the application of the method for quantifying and qualifying the endowment of social capital and rural governance in Local Action Groups of the EU LEADER initiative. Results show that the Putnamian tradition alone does not suffice to capture some distinctive features of local social capital. It should be complemented by the Bourdieusian tradition which stresses the role of social networks in conjunction with the broader social and political context and thus sheds light on the multi-dimensional and contextual aspects of social capital and rural governance.