ORGANIZATION OF RURAL COMMUNITIES FROM THE LEADER MODEL: EXPERIENCE AND LEARNING IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF SALINAS, SAN LUIS POTOSÍ (MEXICO)

Abstract

The Postgraduate College has been working since 2004 in collaboration with the Polytechnic University of Madrid to adequate the Leader initiative to the conditions of rural areas of Mexico. The developed model is its conceptual bases in participatory action research, in planning as social learning and the specificities of innovation management from local action LEADER model groups, adapted to the contextual conditions of Mexico. This communication shows the results of the implementation of the model in the municipality of Salinas of the State of San Luis Potosí, Mexico. Territorial approach aspects are considered, as well as: bottom-up approaches, training of local organizations, innovation, funding and support management. Results show the lessons of experience and learnings from the Constitution in 2006 of a civil association (CA) serving as promoter group projects, with participation of local actors and partners in relation to the development planning mechanisms. From his works as consultant team have created 9 companies with projects oriented crop production sectors basic upland, to produce fodder, groups of producers will require to feed sheep dairy herds in intensive systems and subsequently manufactured cheese and by-products. Keywords: leader; ejidos; local action groups; rural development; social learning.