CHALLENGES
The imbalance between the development of urban and rural communities in North Macedonia, particularly the large gaps in infrastructure and technology, encourages further migration from rural to urban areas. Limited capacities of institutions, small budgets, frequent changes of local policies, stalled fiscal decentralization, and low levels of transparency all contribute to mistrust and weaken rural development. Citizens and civil organizations are not typically involved in actions to improve their communities. Lack of private sector engagement and investment result in underutilized land, deserted villages, and little commitment to community development.
ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION
This activity is part of the Local Works initiative through which USAID is helping communities to drive their own development by creating their own programs and activities. Rather than follow the typical top-down approach of initiatives created outside communities, activities stimulate locally led development by supporting local action groups and other local leadership. Efforts engage community members in the design and delivery of solutions to their challenges and seek local resources to develop rural areas. Special focus is given to engage the private sector, acquiring funding at the local and regional levels, and linking different sources of funding.
EXPECTED OUTCOMES
- Increased number of partnerships among community members.
- Increased engagement of community members in identifying and prioritizing community issues and opportunities such as pollution, public health, lack of job opportunities, out-migration, social service provision, and local economic development.
- Improved ability of local actors to use local resources in designing and implementing local solutions to address community issues.
- Effective replication of sustainable locally led development models in other communities and regions.
