The World Food Programme (WFP) in Armenia is implementing initiatives to strengthen food systems, enhance resilience, and improve the livelihoods of refugees and vulnerable host communities. Key interventions include agricultural support, vocational and technical training, and smallholder farmer assistance, particularly in the Syunik, Vayots’ Dzor, and Gegharkunik regions. Projects focus on sustainable agriculture, irrigation systems, high-value crops, and community-level capacity building to boost food security and socio-economic integration.
Overview
The World Food Programme (WFP) is delivering targeted interventions across Armenia to support food security, resilient livelihoods, and socio-economic integration of refugee and vulnerable host communities.
Since 2021, WFP has worked closely with local authorities and organizations to implement agricultural and livelihood support interventions in Vayots’ Dzor, Syunik, and Gegharkunik marzes.
Programme Focus Areas
The initiative focuses on:
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Education and Skills Development: Emphasizing adolescent skill-building to strengthen community capacities
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Food Security: Providing agricultural inputs and improving access to productive resources
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Livelihoods Support: Supporting smallholder farmers through technical and vocational training, market assistance, and income-generation activities
Key Interventions
Agricultural Development and Irrigation Support
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Rehabilitation and construction of irrigation infrastructure to enhance water availability
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Provision of drip irrigation systems for smallholder farmers
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Support for cultivation of high-value crops to increase household income
Socio-Economic Integration of Refugees
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105 smallholder farmers from Goris, Sisian, Tegh, and Tatev in Syunik are establishing backyard berry gardens equipped with drip irrigation
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Initiative aims to strengthen household income and promote productive agricultural practices
Capacity Building for Beneficiary Farmers
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Training for 750 smallholder farmers across Syunik, Gegharkunik, and Vayots’ Dzor
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Focus areas include:
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Drip irrigation and water management
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Gardening and orchard care
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Competitive marketing and value chain knowledge
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Combination of training, consultations, and provision of high-value crop seedlings enhances resilience and productivity
Expected Outcomes
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Improved food security through enhanced agricultural productivity
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Increased household income for refugee and host communities
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Strengthened community resilience against socio-economic shocks
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Enhanced technical skills and capacity of smallholder farmers
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Sustainable use of irrigation and agricultural inputs for long-term productivity
Who Benefits
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Refugees and vulnerable host populations in targeted marzes
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Smallholder farmers in Syunik, Gegharkunik, and Vayots’ Dzor
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Communities involved in backyard gardens, orchards, and high-value crop cultivation
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Adolescent populations receiving skills development training
How the Programme Works
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Provision of Inputs: Farmers receive seedlings, drip irrigation systems, and other agricultural inputs
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Training and Capacity Building: Farmers undergo hands-on training in productive agricultural practices
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Market Integration: Guidance on competitive marketing and value chain linkages
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Community Support: Collaboration with local authorities to strengthen social cohesion and collective resilience
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Monitoring and Follow-up: Continuous support to ensure sustainable adoption of interventions
Common Tips for Maximizing Impact
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Ensure proper use and maintenance of drip irrigation systems
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Integrate high-value crop cultivation with market opportunities
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Apply knowledge from training consistently for long-term productivity
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Encourage community collaboration to share best practices and resources
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Focus on adolescent and youth engagement for sustainable skill development
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Which regions in Armenia are targeted?
The programme focuses on Vayots’ Dzor, Syunik, and Gegharkunik marzes.
2. Who benefits from these interventions?
Refugees, vulnerable host communities, and smallholder farmers in targeted marzes.
3. What types of agricultural support are provided?
High-value crop seedlings, drip irrigation systems, technical inputs, and guidance for sustainable practices.
4. How many farmers receive training?
Approximately 750 smallholder farmers participate in training initiatives.
5. What skills are taught in the training programmes?
Drip irrigation, water management, gardening, orchard care, and competitive marketing skills.
6. What is the main goal of backyard berry gardens?
To improve household income, promote high-value crop cultivation, and enhance socio-economic integration.
7. How does the programme support food security and resilience?
Through agricultural development, skill-building, and capacity strengthening that increase productivity, profitability, and community resilience.
Conclusion
The WFP Armenia initiatives strengthen food systems, enhance the resilience of smallholder farmers, and improve livelihoods for refugees and vulnerable host communities.
By combining irrigation infrastructure, agricultural inputs, and capacity-building programmes, WFP promotes sustainable food production, socio-economic integration, and long-term resilience across targeted communities.
For more information, visit UN Partner Portal.