📋 Tender Overview
Switzerland is committed to support conflict transformation in Georgia including in the break-away region of Abkhazia. Working on socio-economic issues affecting small-scale female farmers in Abkhazia and the neighbouring region of Samegrelo, the proposed project will enhance their agricultural and business skills, focusing on dairy, fruit, and vegetable production, processing and marketing. This should lead to increased incomes and reduced poverty rates.
Country/region Topic Period Budget
Georgia
Employment & economic development
Agriculture & food security
Employment creation
SME development
Food safety and quality
01.04.2025 - 31.03.2029
CHF 1’500’000
The project in brief
Background People living in the breakaway region of Abkhazia and adjacent Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti (hereby Samegrelo) region have limited economic opportunities. In Abkhazia, the protracted conflict and resulting chronic poverty disproportionately affect women. These challenging circumstances increase also the risks of early marriages and domestic violence. The situation in Abkhazia affects as well the adjacent Samegrelo, where the poverty rate is above the national average. Due to the high number of internally displaced persons from Abkhazia, a significant proportion of the population is dependent on Targeted Social Assistance. Additionally, the Administrative Border Line (ABL), separates Abkhazia region from the rest of Georgia, restricting exchange and movement, leading to limited economic opportunities, market access, social interactions, and therefore deepening the region's economic isolation and increasing vulnerability. Agricultural production is a key sector in both regions and traditionally relies heavily on female workforce. Therefore, a targeted intervention to improve agricultural productivity of female farmers is a key pathway to foster the economic empowerment of women. Focusing on dairy, fruits and vegetable production and transformation, one essential point is to address food safety standards and product quality. Improved products will generate better access to local markets and higher incomes, ultimately contributing to a reduction of poverty in these regions and more resilient communities.
Objectives The project’s goal is to increase incomes and ultimately strengthen economic resilience of small-scale female farmers in Abkhazia and Samegrelo.
Target groups 1. Female farmers of dairy, fruits and vegetables and their family members in Abkhazia and Samegrelo regions. 2. Extension service providers from the private and the public sectors.
Medium-term outcomes Outcome 1: Small-scale female farmers improve food safety and quality of their homemade products through learning in Farmer Field Schools.
Results Expected results: - 851 female farmers of dairy,
