“Tavush Region Integrated and Balanced Economic Development” project was co-funded by the European Union and RA Government. It was implemented by “Community Center for Development” Territorial Cooperation NGO. The Project implementing partners were “Lusadzor”, “Achajur”, “Sevkar”, “Sarigyugh”, “Nerkin Tsakhkavan” and “Koghb” Pasture Users’ Unions.
The Project activities were orientated at a more balanced social and economic development among Tavush region communities and poverty reduction in the region through creation of new economic opportunities and jobs for local population. This initiative contributed to support the diversification of economic activities, the development of competitiveness of local farmer cooperatives and small/medium enterprises (SMEs), including new opportunities for investment and realisation of agricultural products.
Implemented actions through the project life cycle in the rural sector permitted to diversify the agriculture production and better position it in the market. The production standards were enhanced, technologies were renewed and the grounds for sustainable development were laid. New businesses were founded and established. As a result the project created 120 direct and 400 indirect jobs in the region. The latter promoted the inclusive employment and substantially contributed to the poverty reduction and reduced tendencies of outward migration.
Actions:
- Conduct baseline study (including market research) to reveal the existing economic conditions in Tavush Region target communities
- Establish “Tavush Agribusiness Association” – a non-profit business incubator consisting of two sections:
1. Animal Breeding Section ( with new created 3 enterprises: Meat production, Pilot chicken farm, Advanced dairy company).
2. Horticulture Section (with new created 4 SMEs: Fruit and vegetable freezing, Production of dried fruits, Greenhouse, Production of herbs and tea) - Road-repairing works in hardly accessible sections of the roads leading to main pasture lands to develop the capacity of the animal breeding farms.
- High-bred pedigree goats (Saanen) and female high-bred pedigree cows (Jersey and Simmental) were imported in order to disseminate more productive cattle breeds in Tavush Region
- Organise trainings and consultations for representatives of SMEs and agricultural farms to increase local agribusiness representatives’ employability.
- Hold a job fair for potential employers and job-seekers, and conferences with participation of local and international individual investors or investment organisations.
Project Duration: December 2016 – November 2020
Total Project Budget: EUR 1,626,333.33