Social ex-post evaluation of local development programs: application of a contingent valuation approach to the Guadix-Marquesado LEADER area (Spain)

As part of the evaluation of the activity of a district’s local development group (LAG), valuation by local society could be a potential element of interest. In this paper we present a social valuation of the LAG activity in the Guadix-Marquesado district (south-eastern Spain), where the contingent valuation method is one of the analytical elements used. A number of results show how the LAG has now become part the institutional network closest to local society, which values the increased welfare that its activity generates slightly more than its actual annual operating expenses. This somehow socially legitimizes the public funding it receives. Other results pertaining to change perception, familiarity with LAG activities and the scalar valuation of its social impact are also included.