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.

Under the framework of the LILA Project, an intensive course on “Capacity Building Training for the Development of Mountain, Sports, and Adventure Tourism” has been successfully completed – marking a significant milestone in strengthening Armenia’s potential for sustainable and responsible adventure tourism.

Throughout the program, participants not only expanded their theoretical and technical knowledge but also put their newly acquired skills into practice through immersive, real-world exercises.

The field training, conducted in the breathtaking mountainous landscapes of Lori, became the program’s most dynamic and memorable phase – emphasizing the essential principles of teamwork, responsibility, leadership, and safety in organizing adventure tourism activities.

The course was expertly delivered by the Armenian Federation of Alpinism and Mountain Tourism, with sessions led by distinguished professionals Suren Danielyan, Antuan Ananyan, Edgar Navasardyan, Narine Chagharyan, and Gegham Aloyan, whose expertise and dedication ensured a transformative learning experience for all participants.

At the conclusion of the course, participants were awarded certificates in recognition of their achievements – symbolizing not only their strengthened professional competencies but also their readiness to lead the development of a more responsible and sustainable adventure tourism sector in Armenia.

Conceived as more than a professional training initiative, LILA Project designed this program as an inspirational journey of self-growth, collective learning, and leadership development. The knowledge and field experience gained will serve as a solid foundation for launching innovative and sustainable initiatives in mountain, sports, and adventure tourism – transforming forward-looking ideas into meaningful experiences and tangible opportunities.

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.