31 Oct
Uncategorized

Shaping Change Together: IADAAM AEST Field Visits in Ararat Marz

As part of the “Irrigated Agriculture Development in Ararat and Armavir Marzes” (IADAAM) project, the Agricultural Extension Service Teams (AEST) of Vedi and Artashat met with residents and the administrative head of Aygavan community.

During the meeting, agricultural extensionists delivered a comprehensive presentation on all components of the project, highlighting the importance of agricultural extension services, knowledge transfer, and farmer capacity building.

The teams also introduced the concept and objectives of demonstration farms, explained the application process, and distributed application forms to the residents. Advisors provided on-site assistance in completing the forms and guided participants through the next steps.

Following the meeting, ten field visits were conducted. In Noyakert community, the teams met with several potential candidates who had applied to establish demonstration farms, assessed their farms on-site, and discussed possible directions for collaboration.

The advisors also met with the administrative head of Ararat community to present the project’s ongoing activities and explore opportunities for joint work and coordination.

Such meetings foster the active engagement of farmers and communities, contributing to the advancement of sustainable and innovative agriculture in Ararat Marz.

The Irrigated Agriculture Development in Ararat and Armavir Marzes (IADAAM) project, financed by the European Union (EU) and implemented with the support of the French Development Agency (AFD), aims to transform irrigated agriculture in Armenia.

Implemented by the Ministry of Economy of the Republic of Armenia, the project’s technical assistance is provided by a consortium comprising AESA – Agriconsulting Europe SA, Avenue Consulting Group LLC, Strategic Development Agency NGO, and 3R Strategy LLC, with the aim of strengthening agricultural policy and advancing sector reforms.

28 Oct
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LILA Fam Tour: Revitalizing Community Tourism in Lori and Vayots

On October 17 in Lori and October 23-24 in Vayots Dzor, within the framework of the “Living Landscapes for Market Development in Armenia” (LILA) program, a series of familiarization tours were organized with the participation of partner tour operators and representatives of the Tourism Committee.

The visits aimed to provide participants with firsthand insight into the tourism experiences developed through the LILA program, explore local businesses and their offerings, and assess the potential of community-based tourism. This initiative created an important platform to assess the potential of community-based tourism, paving the way for the design of more integrated, sustainable, and competitive tourism packages, as well as for mutually beneficial partnerships.

In Lori, participants visited the communities of Margahovit, Dsegh, and Debet, exploring the operations of Blackwood Resort, Aura Village, WOW Glamping, Loreni Tea House, and Chamic Guesthouse. These visits showcased community tourism models that harmoniously blend the region’s natural beauty with the dedication and creativity of local entrepreneurs.

In Vayots Dzor, the familiarization tour highlighted ecotourism and gastrotourism experiences, including the Ranger Tour within the Arpa Protected Landscape, honey tasting at Bee Home, visits to Poonj canned food factory and Kria winery, Magellan Cave and an innovative VR experience in the Areni-1 Cave.

These familiarization tours represent another key step toward advancing LILA’s objectives – promoting nature-based and community-driven tourism, enhancing collaboration among local enterprises, and contributing to the sustainable development of rural communities across Armenia.

Living Landscapes for Market Development in Armenia (LILA) project is funded by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and implemented by WWF-Armenia in collaboration with SDA NGO.

27 Oct
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Practical Knowledge and New Skills: SEIRA Short-Term Trainings in Syunik on “Best Practices in Poultry Farming”

Within the framework of the “Socio-Economic Integration of Refugees in Armenia” (SEIRA) project, two short-term training sessions on “Best Practices in Poultry Farming” were conducted on October 17 and 24 in Syunik region, hosted by The Ranch LLC.

The trainings were designed for forcibly displaced persons from Nagorno-Karabakh residing in the communities of Goris and Sisian, aiming to provide them with practical knowledge and hands-on skills in poultry farming.

Trainer Mikael Haykuni introduced participants to:

  • The main directions of poultry farming and its key products,
  • Modern approaches to feeding and animal care,
  • Innovative methods for ensuring biosecurity and preventing poultry diseases.

The knowledge gained during these sessions will serve as a practical foundation for participants to make effective use of the support provided through the next stages of the project.

Such initiatives create powerful platforms of trust, collaboration and shared progress –

📌 fostering socio-economic cohesion,

📌 supporting the full integration of refugees into the local economy,

📌 and transforming agriculture into a driving force for community renewal.

SEIRA Project continues to transform challenges into opportunities, contributing to the development of resilient, inclusive, and sustainable communities across Armenia.

“Socio-Economic Integration of Refugees in Armenia” (SEIRA) project fosters socio-economic integration by improving food security, creating sustainable livelihoods, and empowering both refugees and host communities in Armenia, promoting resilience and economic growth through agricultural and business development.

“Socio-Economic Integration of Refugees in Armenia” (SEIRA) project is funded by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation and implemented by the Strategic Development Agency NGO and the UN World Food Programme.

22 Oct
Uncategorized

IADAAM: On the Path of Agricultural Unity: New Perspectives for Cooperative Development in Armenia

On October 21, 2025, a workshop titled “Seeds of Unity: Advancing Armenian Agriculture through Cooperation and Cooperatives” was held within the framework of the “Irrigated Agriculture Development in Ararat and Armavir Marzes (IADAAM)” program. The event was organized with the objective of enhancing the professional capacities of specialists from the Ministry of Economy of the Republic of Armenia.

The workshop brought together senior officials from the Ministry of Economy, representatives of international organizations, and leading experts in the field to discuss the current state, development prospects, and innovative models of agricultural cooperatives in Armenia.

Discussions focused on strengthening the efficiency of agricultural cooperatives, improving their adaptability to climate change, promoting land consolidation, and designing policy instruments to foster high-value agriculture. The exchange of perspectives and expertise contributed to the generation of new ideas aimed at advancing sectoral policies and strengthening state institutional capacities.

Representatives of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the Ministry of Livestock, Agriculture and Fisheries (MGAP) of the Oriental Republic of Uruguay shared successful international experiences in the development and management of agricultural cooperatives. The workshop was also attended by H.E. Silvana Lesca Barolin, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Oriental Republic of Uruguay to Armenia, who delivered opening remarks underscoring the significance of fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange between Uruguay’s experience and Armenia’s agricultural sector. Drawing on Uruguay’s example, participants explored effective governance practices and international mechanisms for ensuring cooperative sustainability.

The workshop served as an effective platform for the exchange of knowledge, experience, and ideas – reaffirming that cooperation is a cornerstone of sustainable agricultural development in Armenia. It represented an important step toward improving cooperative-related policies and reinforcing institutional capacities, while emphasizing the vital role of partnership and unity in ensuring the sector’s long-term progress.

The Irrigated Agriculture Development in Ararat and Armavir Marzes (IADAAM) project, financed by the European Union (EU) and implemented with the support of the French Development Agency (AFD), aims to transform irrigated agriculture in Armenia.

Implemented by the Ministry of Economy of Armenia, the project’s technical assistance is provided by a consortium comprising Agriconsulting Europe S.A., Avenue Consulting Group LLC, Strategic Development Agency NGO, and 3R Strategy LLC, with the aim of strengthening agricultural policy and advancing sector reforms.

20 Oct
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Strengthening the Roots of Sustainable Agriculture: A Joint Field Visit under the IADAAM Project

On 17 October 2025, representatives of the Agence Française de Développement (AFD), RA Ministry of Economy’s Project Implementation Team (PIT), and the IADAAM Project Team conducted a joint field visit to Ararat Marz – the target region of the IADAAM initiative and one of Armenia’s most vital agricultural hubs.

This mission was more than a routine site visit. It was an opportunity to see impact in action – where policies, partnerships, and technology meet the realities of the field.

The field visit began at the Avshar Agricultural Extension Service Office, where the team explored the digitalization of agricultural extension services and met with the Agricultural Extension Service Teams (AEST) of Vedi, Artashat and Armavir, who bridge innovation and farmers’ everyday needs. Discussions focused on how digital tools and coordinated advisory efforts are helping farmers access knowledge, improve practices, and strengthen their resilience.

A visit to a potential demonstration farms followed, providing insight into site selection rationale and planned demonstration themes. The team engaged with the farmers and AEST advisors to discuss capacity building, co-financing mechanisms, and implementation pathways that will bring innovation closer to the field.

At the Artashat Extension Office, discussions centered on grassroots collaboration – how the Agricutlural Extension Service Teams’ advisors collaborate with community actors to ensure that modern irrigation and farming solutions reach the grassroots level – where real impact begins.

The visit concluded at the Vedi Reservoir, where the team reviewed the infrastructure, operational systems, and on-farm network. Together with water management authorities, they explored strategic steps to bridge the time gap between reservoir readiness and project closure, ensuring long-term continuity through effective planning and coordination.

This joint field visit reaffirmed the shared commitment of AFD, PIT, and IADAAM to build a resilient, efficient, and inclusive irrigation future for Ararat Marz.
Through innovation, partnership, and people-centered implementation, the project continues to strengthen the foundations of Armenia’s irrigated agriculture – one field, one farmer, and one community at a time.

The Irrigated Agriculture Development in Ararat and Armavir Marzes (IADAAM) project, financed by the European Union (EU) and implemented with the support of the French Development Agency (AFD), aims to transform irrigated agriculture in Armenia.

Implemented by the Ministry of Economy of Armenia, the project’s technical assistance is provided by a consortium comprising Agriconsulting Europe S.A., Avenue Consulting Group LLC, Strategic Development Agency NGO, and 3R Strategy LLC, with the aim of strengthening agricultural policy and advancing sector reforms.

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