UN agency works to reduce poverty and improve rural life in Georgia
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The Georgian Government and the United Nations International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) are joining forces to reverse the tide of Georgian youth migration to cities in search of jobs and revitalise the agriculture sector, which is vital to 43 percent of the rural population.
To solidify the partnership IFAD president Kanayo F. Nwanze is in Georgia today to meet with Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili and Agriculture Minister Otar Danelia.
The sides were due to discuss ways to revitalise the country’s agriculture sector to reduce poverty and improve the lives of smallholder farmers through unique approaches such as developing climate smart agricultural systems, improving access for farmers and agri-business to markets, modernising the value chain approach and creating opportunities for young people.
Georgia has had strong economic growth during the last 10 years but to ensure rural transformation and significantly reduce poverty there is need for a renewed focus on agriculture,” said Nwanze.
During his visit the UN agency official will also visit an irrigation system rehabilitated by the IFAD-funded Agriculture Support Project and meet with smallholder farmers who benefit from the regular flow of water.
Since 1997 IFAD has invested $118.9 million USD in five programs and projects in Georgia. This has generated a total investment of $51.6 million USD, benefiting 82,850 households.
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