Strategic approach to the territorial distribution of EAFRD projects

Background: The implementation of the Common Agricultural Policy of the European Union aims at a balanced territorial development and economic convergence of the rural areas. However, in some cases, EU rural funding didn't manage to reduce the gaps between regions, but quite the contrary, the wealthiest regions attracted most of the resources. Purpose: The main objective of the paper was to assess whether EAFRD funding reached the most vulnerable areas. This is a measure of the contribution of CAP to economic convergence. Study design/methodology/approach: Cluster analysis was performed on Galaţi County in Romania. The analysis was performed at LAU level, considering four variables: population, poverty, agricultural area and the value of implemented EAFRD projects. Findings/conclusions: The analysis concluded five clusters, with poorer areas receiving less funding, calling for better development strategies, focused on the central, northern and northeastern parts of the county, where these areas are concentrated. Also, territorial reorganization of rural areas may be necessary in some cases, in order to address the uneven development and poverty. Limitations/future research: The present research focused only on EAFRD funding related to agricultural exploitations. For more precise conclusions and recommendations, further research will also need to include other EAFRD submeasures.