The Majjistral Action Group Foundation represents the north-west areas in Malta. Our territory comprises 16 localities and covers a wide section of the rural territory of the Majjistral region. Furthermore the Foundation represents a wide spectrum of private stakeholders like farmers cooperatives and associations, local NGOs and SMEs.
The Public Sector is represented by: Ħ’Attard, Ħad Dingli, Ħal Għargħur, L-Iklin, L-iMdina, il-Mellieħa, L-iMġarr, L-iMtarfa, In-Naxxar, Ir-Rabat, Is-Siġġiewi, San Pawl il-Baħar, San Ġwann, is-Swieqi, Ħaż-Żebbuġ and il-Mosta.
Local councils do a lot on their own but through the LEADER programme and with the support of MAGF, they will be able to come together to develop and implement common proposals of a regional dimension. There is a great potential for the Leader approach in the local context, on condition that it is introduced in a well-planned manner. In fact MAGF dedicated numerous consultations with the public and private stakeholders i.e Local councils, NGO’s, private enterprises and the regional community in order to build the strategy for the Foundation.
MAGF has developed a strategy to address the common needs of the Majjistral Territory. Through the implementation of the actions derived from this strategy, MAGF will strive to improve the quality of life on a regional dimension.
Territory
| Council Name | Population | Area sq km | Population Density | % Agricultural Land | % ODZ area |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CRITERION/TRESHOLD | < 5000.0 | 10.0% | 35.0% | ||
| Attard | 10,761 | 6.64 | 1,620.6 | 51.50% | 72.70% |
| Dingli | 3,599 | 5.67 | 634.7 | 57.80% | 94.20% |
| Gharghur | 2,689 | 2.02 | 1,331.2 | 83.10% | 84.70% |
| Iklin | 3,205 | 1.73 | 1,852.6 | 71.10% | 71.10% |
| Mdina | 233 | 0.89 | 261.8 | 82.60% | 93.30% |
| Mellieha | 8,926 | 22.64 | 394.3 | 38.50% | 91.20% |
| Mgarr | 3,543 | 16.12 | 219.8 | 69.50% | 97.00% |
| Mosta | 19,806 | 6.78 | 2,921.2 | 53.10% | 65.80% |
| Mtarfa | 2,582 | 0.72 | 3,586.1 | 41.60% | 52.80% |
| Naxxar | 13,376 | 11.57 | 1,156.1 | 42.70% | 79.60% |
| Rabat (Malta) | 11,176 | 26.60 | 420.2 | 59.00% | 95.60% |
| San Gwann | 12,739 | 2.62 | 4,862.2 | 34.10% | 35.90% |
| St.Paul’s Bay | 17,791 | 14.53 | 1,224.4 | 66.00% | 83.40% |
| Siggiewi | 10,761 | 6.64 | 1,620.6 | 51.50% | 72.70% |
| Swieqi | 8,327 | 19.88 | 418.9 | 66.20% | 95.10% |
| Zebbug (Malta) | 11,618 | 8.66 | 1,341.6 | 64.80% | 82.10% |
The Majjistral territory represents the North-western parts of Malta. The Majjistral area has a distinctive rural character, important historic towns and relatively modern holiday settlements.
One of the most
important characteristics of any territory is its population. This effects the
needs of the area and the extent of demand for particular services, use of
resources and hence strategic needs. In 2014, Malta’s population stood at
429,344, whilst the total population of the Majjistral region stood at 140,496[1]. Therefore, 33% of the total
Malta population resided in the Majjistral region in 2014.
[1] NSO (2016), Demographic Review 2014
Over the past
decade, the total population of Malta increased by nearly 6% whilst the
Majjistral region increased by around 9%, leading to a higher than average
annual growth rate of circa 1% per annum, as opposed to the average national
0.6% growth rate. This growth will have implications on the territory and acts
as a background to this LDS. It is also pertinent to note that further
significant demographic changes have been observed in Malta, which might not yet
be captured by the latest available population figures. A considerable influx
of foreign workers, driven by the economic and political challenges being faced
in neighbouring countries, as well as Malta’s current positive economic
performance (2015: Malta 6.3%; Euro area: 1.7%, EU: 2.0%[1]), have led to increased demand for housing, resources and usage of
other amenities, and this needs to be kept in mind within any Strategy setting
given it is likely not to be a temporary phenomenon.
[1] European Commission (2016), Spring 2016 Economic Forecast
In addition, the Majjistral’s total area is equal to circa 150.12Km2. The largest locality within this territory is Rabat with and area of c. 27 Km2. This is followed by Mellieha (22.64 Km2), Siggiewi (19.88 Km2) and Mgarr (16.12 Km2). The smallest locality is Mdina with an area of just 0.89 Km2.
About Leader
The first crucial challenge for the LAGs was the preparation of a Local Development Strategy for their territory. The Strategy has been developed to address the main weaknesses of the areas and innovative actions have been proposed to improve the quality of life as well as the economic opportunities.
The Leader programme aims to the creation of a regional identity, to the development of a local development strategy with a bottom up approach, to the implementation of innovative approaches, the implementation of cooperation projects and the networking of local partnerships.
Leader approach in Malta plays a fundamental role in bringing together and connecting all the relevant local actors. This should help in building local partnerships that can develop and implement local development strategy/s better suited to address local needs and strengths. It is aspired that this Leader approach shall stimulate the local potential to realize the management of various rural issues aimed at improving natural and cultural heritage, supporting local tourism and also implement infrastructure related tourist activities.
Link to European Commission website https://ec.europa.eu/sfc/en/2014/fund/eafrd