The effects of the rural development programs, called LEADER and PRODER, in deprived rural areas of Portugal: the case of the Terras de Sico

Abstract

This article examines the effects of the implementation of the Community Initiative Links Among Rural Economic Development Actions (LEADER) and the Rural Development Program (PRODER,) in the development of the deprived rural areas of Portugal are analyzed, especially the Terras de Sico, an area covered by these two rural development programs co-financed by the European Union. It was found that these programs, with priorities set for deprived rural areas, have not been sufficient to reverse underdeveloped nature of most Portuguese rural areas, including the Terras de Sico. These deprived areas continue to lose population and to have expanding areas for extensive farming systems (especially forestry). This is due to a set of the policies within the European block, and to macroeconomic situation and the limitations of the IC LEADER and PRODER to promote the development of the deprived rural territories.