Project description

Title: Promotion of Food Security, Regional Cooperation and Stability in the Southern Caucasus
Commissioned by: Bundesministerium für wirtschaftliche Zusammenarbeit und Entwicklung (BMZ)
Country: Armenia, Georgia, Azerbaijan
Lead executing agency: Ministry of Economic Development (Azerbaijan), Ministry of Social Security (Armenia), Ministry of Agriculture (Georgia)
Overall term: January 2002 to December 2006

Context

After the dissolution of the Soviet Union, the southern Caucasian countries of Armenia, Georgia and Azerbaijan suffered a dramatic collapse of their economies and social security systems. The termination of collective farming resulted in a severe decline in agricultural production, while  territorial claims and counterclaims and military clashes over the disputed Karabach region brought about the collapse of cross-border small-scale economic and trade relationships. The broad gap between rich and poor, the distrust countries feel towards their neighbours, and the drastic worsening of the socioeconomic situation have led the people of the Caucasus to lose confidence in their own ability to help themselves. Structural poverty and emigration of the younger age groups in particular are on the rise.

Objective

As part of the Caucasus Initiative, the project supports the forces of democratic reform in the three countries. The objective is the step-by-step elimination of regional potential for conflict.  Particular attention is paid to food security in the crisis-endangered regions. The project supports the national poverty reduction strategies, especially the eradication of poverty and hunger, thus rendering a contribution to achieving the United Nations Millennium Goals.  Decentralised services and local self-help structures are given targeted support. The population is to be actively involved in the policy-making process.

The supranational approach promotes reconciliation of conflicting national interests and contributes to cross-border cooperation. Responsible governance and practice in and adherence to democratic rules in the disadvantaged regions create the social and political framework conditions necessary  for economic development. Transparent use of natural resources and establishment of decentralised government are also promoted. 

Approach

The project supports and facilitates the reconciliation of interests between the population and decentralised public and private executing organisations in regard to demands and supply of services and aid. The provision and financing of consulting services, training and upgrading empower the population to use the economic potential of their region more effectively. Municipal associations, farmers’ groups, economic promotion centres and farm equipment procurement funds receive not only advisory services but financial support as well. In the scope of the project, potential for marketing and sales of farm produce is developed as other income sources. The project cooperates with the World Food Programme (WFP) and the Organization for European Security and Cooperation(OSCE).