Within the framework of the “Irrigated Agriculture Development in Ararat and Armavir Marzes” (IADAAM) program, a focus group discussion (FGD) was held in Norakert and Baghramyan communities of Armavir marz to assess the needs and experiences of local farmers. The target groups included farmers who cultivate:
- a) up to 1 hectare of land, and
- b) at least 1 hectare or more.
The discussions were organized with the support of IADAAM Agricultural Extension Service (AEST) Armavir team. The focus group survey and assessment were carried out by IADAAM AEST consultant Aram Zakaryan, selected from the IADAAM AEST teams.
The primary objective of these focus group discussions was to identify the needs and experiences of beneficiary farmers in order to enhance IADAAM project’s interventions and to propose tailored solutions based on the farmers’ expressed priorities. Additionally, they served to evaluate the current state of advisory services, uncover existing challenges, and inform the development of future support mechanisms. FGDs were conducted using a specially developed guideline, adapted to address key sectoral challenges and enabling in-depth analysis and the formulation of evidence-based recommendations.
Irrigated Agriculture Development in Ararat and Armavir marzes (IADAAM) project, financed through the European Union (EU) with implementation by the French Development Agency (Agence Française de Développement) is an integrated initiative aimed at transforming irrigated agriculture in Armenia.
Within IADAAM project a technical assistance component is implemented jointly by AESA – Agriconsulting Europe SA, Avenue Consulting Group LLC, Strategic Development Agency NGO and 3R Strategy LLC consortium and aims to provide institutional support to the Ministry of Economy of the Republic of Armenia (MoE) in the formulation of agricultural policies and reforms in priority areas, provide technical support to the MoE in the implementing project activities, ensure communication and reporting for the IADAAM project.