Agriculture and Rural Development Projet

funded by the European Union
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The European Union-funded action aims at improving the situation of small and medium-sized farms in Sheki-Zaqatala and Mountainous Shirvan by making significant contributions to both advisory and information services, providing more effective farm and rural business decision support and the promotion of local traditional foods and community-driven agricultural connections.

The overall objective of the Action is to improve access to comprehensive agricultural and entrepreneurial-oriented advisory services in order to further develop and market local products and harness agri-tourism potential.

Rural and Agriculture development

in Sheki-Zagatala and Mountainous Shirvan regions of Azerbaijan
Agriculture advisory and information support
The Action established Agriculture Advisory and Information Centers in Sheki and Shamakhi districts. The Center's agronomists provided all necessary advisory, counseling, and information support to farmers to solve their farm-related problems. The advisory support is also provided directly in the field in all regions of two economic regions.
Business education to youth and women
The Action provided business development sessions for young people and women from rural areas. Through this program, they gained knowledge and skills in business management and development, marketing, sales, business-plan writing, and others.
Promotion of farmers' products
The Action helped promote farmers' products by organizing agriculture products fairs in the Sheki and Shamakhi districts of Azerbaijan. Within these events, farmers were able to showcase their products and sell them to local people and tourists.
Promotion of food heritage
One of the Action's components was the promotion of local food heritage and within this component, four food festivals were organized in Sheki and Shamakhi for local and foreign tourists who were able to taste local foods.
Supporting business ideas of youth and women
The Action provided technical start-up support to women and youth. Through this support, 10 persons from Sheki-Zagatala and 15 from the Mountainous Shirvan regions established their businesses. All businesses are in the agriculture sector, including bee-keeping, poultry, sheep-breeding, and others. All winners of the "Create your business" competition received materials, resources, and equipment to start their businesses.

Project news and materials