ACCESS TO FINANCE FOR SMALLHOLDER FARMERS IN SOUTH-WESTERN BULGARIA AND QUALITY OF ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES

VLADIMIR KARADZHOV

 

Abstract

This research attempts to reveal the level of utilization of European funds by the smallholder farmers in rural areas in South-western Bulgaria, their problems and levels of satisfaction by the administrative services they receive. The survey was held in the spring of 2013. It collects data directly from the beneficiaries of these European programs. For the purpose of the survey data was collected through interviews with key participants with the help of local assistants. Topics like: potential corruption, problems in completing documents, administrative services quality and others were investigated. The research is focused on a small rural-mountainous area in the Western Rhodopes. The results and conclusions could be a good base for improving the work of national administration in the area. The results revealed some problems that could be overcome.

 

Keywords

rural areas, farmers, administration, EU funding, Bulgaria

 

References

Bulgarian chamber of commerce and industry:”One hundred days after Bulgaria joined
European Union, expectations of our companies in the economic environment in the country remain optimistic and begin to fulfil”

Goldberg. R., Crandall. R. – “How Anonymity in Surveys Impacts Validity”
http://www.resecon.com/news/insights/how-anonymity-in-surveys-impacts-validity/

Ministry of agriculture and forests European Union funds in Bulgaria
http://investbg.government.bg/en/pages/eu-funds-in-bulgaria-216.html

Center for the Study of Democracy, http://www.anticorruption.bg/artShowbg.php?id=1432

National Statistical Institute, Population and demographic processes in 2014
http://www.nsi.bg/sites/default/files/files/pressreleases/Population2014_2Y19BGI.pdf

 

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