Composition and Evaluation of Saemaul Competency Index of Basic Local Governments : Focusing on the Euo-Myeon unit of Cheongdo-gun, Gyeongsangbuk

The purpose of this study is to analyze the productivity of the Saemaul Competency Index of basic local governments, and to suggest implications for strengthening the capacity of the Saemaul Index. The Saemaul index was divided into Saemaul competency indicators through government evaluation indicators, civil society indicators, and rural development indicators, and detailed indicators for each competency were set and Malmquist productivity was measured. Through this, it is possible to overcome the crisis of population decline and propose alternatives for regional development by providing implications. The Malmquist productivity results are as follows: Average productivity decreased by 1.2% from 0.9787 in 2022/2023 to 0.9665 in 2023/2024. The reason for this is believed to be technological efficiency. Therefore, the decline in productivity is not caused by external circumstances such as low birthrate, population decline, and regional extinction, but more efforts are needed to strengthen the capacity of Saemaul in each region. Therefore, it is necessary to strengthen the Saemaul competency index, form a village-centered community, and actively participate in resident-led Saemaul projects such as the Environmental Saving Contest. Looking at the average value of the Saemaul Competency Index, it is judged that the myeon areas such as Gakbuk-myeon, Unmun-myeon, Geumcheon-myeon, and Gaknam-myeon have better capabilities than the eup areas such as Cheongdo-eup and Hwayang-eup. In the case of the myeon area, there are many local gatherings, and it seems that efforts are stronger to cooperate with various projects related to Saemaul by forming a community centered on the village. Based on the results of the analysis, the strategy of the Qingdao Army is as follows. First, it is necessary to use the Saemaul capability evaluation index to jointly promote the military and the private sector and conduct not only quantitative evaluations but also resident satisfaction evaluations. Second, the development of Saemaul competency indicators should be consumer-centered. Evaluation indicators need to be developed from the perspective of satisfaction, interest, and participation from the perspective of residents. Third, as the key role of Saemaul in Cheongdo County, it is required to increase the role of Saemaul leaders and lead Saemaul activities. In addition, it is necessary to further strengthen the efforts of village health projects, village leaders, and village communities.