“Irrigated Agriculture Development in Ararat and Armavir Marzes” (IADAAM) project, funded by the European Union (EU) with the support of the French Development Agency (AFD), is an integrated initiative aimed at transforming irrigated agriculture in Armenia (a total €10 million grant agreement).

The IADAAM project supports the Government of Armenia in developing policies related to modernized irrigated agriculture.

This project is implemented in cooperation with the RA Ministry of Economy (85%) and the RA Ministry of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure (15%), reflecting a collaborative approach to addressing existing challenges in the agricultural sector.

At the local level, the project supports farmers and other stakeholders by implementing, promoting, and financing pilot actions in the Ararat and Armavir marzes.

The technical assistance component is being implemented jointly by Agriconsulting Europe S.A., Avenue Consulting Group, Strategic Development Agency NGO, and 3R Strategy LLC as part of a consortium.

Within this component, institutional support is provided to the RA Ministry of Economy for the development of agricultural policy and reforms, implementation of program activities, communication, and preparation of project reports. It also supports adaptation to climate change and enhances the resilience of agricultural production under weather conditions such as drought, heavy rainfall, and hail. The project also contributes to the UN Sustainable Development Goals and, in particular, supports women and young farmers in participating in project activities and grant opportunities.

Already implemented:

Advisory System

• Three pilot agro-technical advisory teams (AEST) have been established in the Ararat and Armavir marzes
• Offices have been rented and equipped
• The teams provide solutions to farmers’ issues and introduce modern services
• The advisory teams have been equipped with 5 vehicles and computer equipment

Education and Capacity Building

• A manual of modules for the New Agricultural Extension Specialist (NELK) has been developed
• 17 advisors and local self-government representatives have been trained
• Trainings and experience exchange sessions have been organized (around 150 participants from different regions)

Infrastructure

• Contracts have been signed for the construction of 9 filtration stations for the Vedi Reservoir
• Construction works have been completed
• The equipment has been transferred for safekeeping (testing is not possible due to the absence of water)

Analyses and Concepts

• Analyses of the agricultural and irrigation sectors have been conducted
• The following have been developed:

o   Concept for the establishment of an advisory system

o   Guidelines for co-financing grants

o   Studies on value chain modernization

Additional Activities

• Stakeholder mapping has been carried out
• Farmers’ needs have been assessed
• A digital marketing strategy for AEST has been developed
• Land data analysis and studies on land consolidation models have been conducted
• Regional teams and community agricultural departments have been strengthened
• Documents have been developed to improve program effectiveness

For additional information about the project, you may contact via email: iadaamproject@gmail.com

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