The project is financed by the Government of the Russian Federation and is implemented by UNDP in Armenia in close cooperation with the RA Ministry of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure.

Overall goal: Support integrated local development and reduce inequalities in Gegharkunik and Vayots Dzor regions of Armenia through community participation, economic empowerment and strengthened livelihoods.

What we do?

The project focuses on reducing the asymmetries of territorial development of Armenia targeting sustainable development and economic integration of bordering areas in Gegharkunik and Vayots Dzor regions. The project will reach out to the vulnerable groups of 34 bordering settlements with a total population of 41,981 in two regions through reducing socioeconomic vulnerabilities and facilitating involvement of low-income population in income-generating and production activities, as well as providing access to improved livelihood as a result of rehabilitated community infrastructure.

Project objectives

The project aims at promoting participatory development in target areas facilitating engagement of local population in decision-making at local level and need-based design of local development agenda.

The project pursues the following objectives:

Objective   1:   To   foster local   participation in development   planning   and monitoring for   bottom-up community development.

Objective 2: To increase economic activity in the settlements through efficient local production and processing.

Objective 3: To innovate for improved local production and management.

The project builds its efforts on the best of already tried and tested models, particularly taking to the next level the mechanisms and models designed and piloted within the scope of “Integrated Support to Rural Development:  Building Resilient communities” project, funded by the Government of the Russian Federation.   

Expected outcomes and outputs

Outcome 1: By 2020, Armenia’s competitiveness is improved and people, especially vulnerable groups, have greater access to sustainable economic opportunities.

Output 1.1 Local capacities strengthened to develop and implement innovative and diversified income-generating practices that are sustainable and employment and livelihood intensive targeting most vulnerable groups

Strategic Plan Outcome: 1. Advance poverty eradication in all its forms and dimensions.

Strategic plan Output 1.1.2 Marginalized groups, particularly the poor, women, people with disabilities and displaced are empowered to gain universal access to basic services and financial and non-financial assets to build productive capacities and benefit from sustainable livelihoods and jobs or

1.2.1 Capacities at national and sub-national levels strengthened to promote inclusive local economic development and deliver basic services including HIV and related services.

Some Results so far

• Created 120 income generating opportunities through establishing 9 new and strengthening capacities in 2 companies,
• Renovated 9 school canteens to benefit more than 500 kids
• Supported more than 900 people by building irrigation system for 45ha
• Build and modified about 10km of central street lighting system in 4 settlements
• Renovated more than 20 agro machines
• Provided access to more than 200 tonnes of quality seeds
• Strengthened scientific cooperation between local and Russian seed breading stations.