Rural development investments supported in Erzurum and the activities of Local Action Groups operating under the IPARD III Programme were examined on-site. During the visits, meetings were held with local authorities to review ongoing rural development activities.
Field visits were conducted in Erzurum as part of the rural development activities carried out by the General Directorate of Agricultural Reform of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry.
During the visits, investments supported by the Ministry in the field of rural development were inspected on-site. In addition, the activities of the Tortum-Uzundere, Narman and Şenkaya Local Action Groups (LAGs), supported under Measure 5 – Implementation of Local Development Strategies (LEADER Approach) of the IPARD III Programme, were reviewed.
Activities of Local Action Groups Examined on-site
During the field visits, information was obtained on the activities undertaken by the Local Action Groups in line with their local development strategies, the projects they have implemented and their work plans for the upcoming period.
Discussions focused on initiatives aimed at promoting the economic and social development of rural areas, ensuring the effective use of local resources, enhancing production and entrepreneurship capacities, and strengthening the participation of local stakeholders in development processes.
Furthermore, assessments were made regarding the enhancement of the institutional capacities of Local Action Groups, the effective implementation of local development strategies and the promotion of sustainable development in rural areas.
Rural Development Activities Discussed with District Governors and Mayors
As part of the field visit programme, meetings were also held with the district governors and mayors of Tortum, Uzundere, Narman and Şenkaya.
During these meetings, the rural development potential of the districts, local needs and priorities, ongoing activities and potential projects to be implemented in the coming period were discussed.
Particular emphasis was placed on the importance of strengthening cooperation among local administrations, public institutions, civil society organisations and Local Action Groups to enhance the effectiveness and sustainability of rural development activities.
Continued Support for Local Development through the IPARD III Programme
Through the LEADER approach implemented under the IPARD III Programme, co-financed by the European Union and the Republic of Türkiye, rural communities are supported in developing local development strategies based on their own needs and priorities and implementing these strategies with the active participation of local stakeholders.
Local Action Groups operating within this framework bring together representatives of the public sector, private sector and civil society, contributing to the mobilisation of local potential, diversification of rural economic activities and increased community participation.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry continues its efforts to enhance production capacities, strengthen local economies and improve the quality of life in rural areas through the IPARD III Programme and other rural development support mechanisms.