03 Dec
NEWSENG, NEWSENG, NEWSENG, NEWSENG

Study Visit to “Vanand Agro” CJSC for Schoolchildren

As part of the Modernizing Vocational Education and Training in Agriculture in Armenia (MAVETA) project, the Strategic Development Agency organized a study visit to the almond orchards of “Vanand Agro” CJSC on November 28. The visit was arranged for students from Rafael Patkanyan Primary School No. 9 in Vagharshapat, Armavir region.
In her speech, Lilit Beglaryan, VET consultant for the ՄԱՎԵՏԱ ծրագիր / MAVETA project, emphasized that the visit aimed to introduce students to the profession of gardening in fruit and nut orchards. This profession is one of the key specialties promoted by the MAVETA project through its dual education approach.
Hayk Stepanyan, farm manager of “Vanand Agro” CJSC, provided an overview of the gardener’s role, demonstrated the equipment and agricultural machinery used in the field, and answered students’ questions.
During the visit, the students toured the almond orchards, explored seedlings of various ages, and learned about the fundamentals of horticulture. They were especially captivated by the demonstration of modern equipment used for crushing and sorting almonds, which added a practical dimension to their learning experience.
The MAVETA project is funded by a broad coalition of international and local organizations led by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), including the Austrian Development Agency, the German Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), the Government of Armenia, the Swiss Church Aid (HEKS/EPER) NGO, Izmirlian Foundation, the Strategic Development Agency (SDA) NGO and Vanand Agro CJSC.
The project’s implementing partners are the GIZ and HEKS/EPER with the involvement of SDA and the School of Agricultural, Forest and Food Sciences at the Bern University of Applied Sciences (HAFL).
03 Dec
Uncategorized

Training on “Integrating Gender and Socially Sensitive Approaches in Agricultural Professions” for MAVETA Project Partners

Within the framework of the “Modernizing Vocational Education and Training in Agriculture in Armenia” (MAVETA) project a training on “Integrating Gender and Socially Sensitive Approaches in Agricultural Professions” was held on November 25 at the Ranch Training Center in Syunik region, led by Mariam Melikyan, gender equality expert at the Strategic Development Agency.
The training was attended by lecturers from MAVETA partner colleges and representatives from the private sector.
The expert presented the assessment of the current gender situation in Armenia, international experience and trends. During interactive discussions and group work, the participants addressed the key issues of gender and social integration of students studying in VET institutions, in particular, in agricultural professions.
The training also addressed the issues of social inclusion in VET institutions in Armenia, as well as in agricultural professions, during which the expert shared a number of practical tips for effective work with individuals facing social challenges.
The discussion held during the training provided an opportunity to underline the need for women’s involvement in agriculture, social inclusion, and increasing their role in public perceptions.
The MAVETA project is funded by a broad coalition of international and local organizations led by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), including the Austrian Development Agency, the German Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), the Government of Armenia, the Swiss Church Aid (HEKS/EPER) NGO, Izmirlian Foundation, the Strategic Development Agency (SDA) NGO and Vanand Agro CJSC.
The project’s implementing partners are the GIZ and HEKS/EPER with the involvement of SDA and the School of Agricultural, Forest and Food Sciences at the Bern University of Applied Sciences (HAFL)
28 Nov
NEWSENG

🟠 Sustainable Success: Swedish Know-How in Trade and Aid

Mkrtich Ayvazyan, Chairman of the Strategic Development Agency NGO, participated in a forum on environmental sustainability, competitiveness, and market access organized by the Embassy of Sweden in Yerevan on November 19.

🇸🇪 In his opening remarks, H.E. Patrick Svensson, Ambassador of Sweden to Armenia, highlighted Sweden’s dedication to fostering partnerships with Armenia and expanding development cooperation.
The forum brought together over 80 participants, including business leaders, government representatives, and development experts, to explore how sustainability can drive economic growth and enhance trade competitiveness.
During a panel discussion titled “Sweden’s Partnerships for Sustainable Development: Sustainability and Export-Readiness,” Mkrtich Ayvazyan shared the Strategic Development Agency NGO’s longstanding collaboration with Swedish partners. He also discussed the organization’s contributions to sustainable economic development, particularly through RECONOMY’s “Digitizing Sectors for Competitiveness” and other ongoing projects.
“Operating in more than 200 communities across Armenia since 2002, the SDA’s mission has remained unchanged: to bring positive change to people’s real lives,” emphasized Mkrtich Ayvazyan.

🤝RECONOMY is an inclusive and green economic development program of the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida), implemented by HELVETAS Swiss Intercooperation in partnership with Strategic Development Agency NGO and others in the Eastern Partnership and the Western Balkan regions.
25 Nov
NEWSARM, NEWSARM, NEWSARM, NEWSARM, NEWSARM

Meeting of the Steering Committee of the “Livestock Development in Armenia: South-North 2” project․

On November 20, the year-end meeting of the Steering Committee of the “Livestock Development in Armenia: South-North 2” project was held at the Gyumri breeding station.

Klaus Kapper, Head of the Austrian Development Agency in Armenia, Tigran Aleksanyan, Head of the Livestock Breeding Department of the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Armenia, Anna Martikyan, Deputy Governor of Shirak, Mkrtich Ayvazyan, Chairman of the Strategic Development Agency NGO, Norik Mkrtchyan, Director of the Gyumri Breeding Station, representatives of the project’s target communities participated in the meeting.

Vahe Hovhannisyan, the project manager, presented the progress of the “Livestock Development in Armenia: South-North 2” project and the results recorded so far.

Mikayel Haykuni, animal health and breeding specialist, presented the directions of possible involvement of SDA regarding the implementation of “Piloting and National Programs to Increase Productivity in the Cattle Breeding Sector.”

It was emphasized that the establishment and operation of the “Gyumri Breeding station” will allow to contribute to the increase productivity of the cattle in the republic.

Tigran Aleksanyan, the head of the Department of Livestock Breeding of the Ministry of Economy, presented the state approaches to the implementation of the pilot program for increasing productivity.

At the meeting, the SDA presented another important initiative in the field of livestock development, aimed at the regulation of animal migration for pasture grazing.

Then the participants of the meeting exchanged ideas about possible cooperation in the field with involvement of local, state and international players.

“Livestock Development in Armenia: South-North 2” project is implemented by “Strategic Development Agency” NGO and financed by the Austrian Development Agency, the operational unit of Austrian Development Cooperation.

22 Nov
Uncategorized

“Farming as business” training for beginning farmers of Syunik marz

In order to promote self-employment, as part of the “Modernizing Vocational Education and Training in Agriculture in Armenia” (MAVETA) project, a practical training and consultation on the topic “Farming as a Business.” The event took place at Goris State Agricultural College from October 22 to November 2, targeting aspiring farmers and those already managing farms. The primary goal was to enhance participants’ business planning, management knowledge, and skills.
During the training, participants gained insights into planning and establishing a farm, managing limited resources effectively, researching markets, increasing income, and analyzing operational data. They also learned to use the SWOT analysis tool to evaluate potentially viable business ideas.
Following the training, participants received individualized professional and business consultations to guide them in developing comprehensive farm development plans. These consultations aimed to help them transition from family-based farming to a fully operational business model.
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