Alternatives for Local Development for the Kyrgyz Republic

Abstract

This research explores alternative local development models for the Kyrgyz Republic (Kyrgyzstan). The study is motivated by socioeconomic factors such as slow development, political instability, and migration that impede development at the grassroots level in Kyrgyzstan. Therefore, this research chose two role models: the European Union’s LEADER and the Republic of Korea’s (Korea) Saemaul Undong (New Village Development). The study outlines the concepts of local development, LEADER, and the Saemaul Undong frameworks, emphasizing the need for a clear understanding of local development. It underscores the importance of forming partnerships with critical actors like public-private agencies in a specific territory. Local development is based on identifying and utilizing endogenous potentials such as resources and capacity. However, it may not achieve its intended purpose without a clear understanding of “where,” “for whom,” and “what kind” of development is needed. The study examines the similarities and differences of the role models to identify fundamental principles, characteristics, and schemes for local development through a comparative analysis. The LEADER model emphasizes a bottom-up approach based on seven principles, aiming to establish partnerships by forming local action groups to mitigate disparities in the diverse and heterogeneous EU context. In contrast, the Korean Saemaul Undong model emphasizes a top-down approach that facilitates the full participation of high-ranking officials, local governments, and villagers. Participation in Korean Saemaul Undong is encouraged through the tradition of cooperation. As the main aim is to apply role models in Kyrgyzstan, assessing their feasibility is necessary. Three distinct case studies, such as two international and one domestic-led, are selected to explore the diverse perspectives on the potential adaptation of these models in Kyrgyzstan. Semi-structured questionnaires are developed for international field studies and in-depth interviews for domestic research to gather qualitative and quantitative data. The study findings indicate that local development is still emerging in Kyrgyzstan. The potential local actors are present but different. The tradition of cooperation occurred through the 'Ashar' method in one of the case studies. The Kyrgyz analog for collaboration has proven handy in remote and mountainous areas. However, it has also revealed its limitations and ineffectiveness for long-term local development in Kyrgyzstan. This research encourages participation and cooperation through partnerships with public-private local stakeholders embedded in a particular area designated for local development in Kyrgyzstan.