Project Detail

Cultivation and production of wild berries in high-mountainous communities in the context of conservation of local agro-ecological system

The project aims to support local cultivation of endangered wild blueberry (Vaccinium L.), hawthorn (Cratageus) and barberry (Berberis Vulgaris L.) for development of eco-production in Navur, Itsakar, Verin Karmiraghbyur and Berd communities of Tavush region. The project will involve local women in all of the activities of the project for increasing their knowledge and capacities on sustainable management of agro-ecological systems and developing their business skills on local eco-production.
Being far from the capital Yerevan and having one of the longest border with neighboring Azerbaijan, the above-mentioned communities were and are still economically disadvantaged, having the highest indicators of unemployment among local women and migration among men. Besides, the energy crisis of early 1990s resulted in illegal logging and massive deforestation in the region, which negatively affected some populations of wild berries and tree species.
Within the proposed project it is planned to introduce on-farm cultivation of wild blueberry, hawthorn and barberry to support conservation of the mentioned species of berries and ensure employment opportunities among local women. It is envisaged to establish experimental production of wild berry jams and jellies and sell the products at sale-exhibitions and through e-commerce modality.

Project Snapshot

Grantee:

Berd Women's Resource Center Foundation

Country:

Armenia

Area Of Work:

Biodiversity

Operational Phase:

OP6 - Y2 (Jul 16-Jun 17)

Grant Amount:

US$ 50,000.00

Co-Financing Cash:

US$ 6,982.00

Co-Financing in-Kind:

US$ 10,927.00

Project Number:

ARM/SGP/OP6/Y2/CORE/BD/16/02

Start Date:

11/2016

End Date:

6/2019

Status:

Satisfactorily Completed

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Project Characteristics and Results

Emphasis on Sustainable Livelihoods

As a result of the project, it is expected that 25 households will have an opportunity to establish an experimental farm, where wild blueberry, hawthorn and barberry will be cultivated. Also, it is envisaged that 5 women will be engaged in wild berry collection, 4 women will make jams and jellies, and 3 will pack the final product. This will ensure increase of family income by 25-30%.

Significant Participation of Indigenous Peoples

N/A

Linkages gef projects

N/A

Planning gef grant

N/A

Planning non gef grant

N/A

Policy Impact

N/A

Policy Influence

N/A

Replication of project activities

N/A

Notable Community Participation

The beneficiaries of the project are local women aged 18-53 years old from vulnerable families in Navur, Itsaqar, Verin Karmiraghbyur communities and Berd. Different youth groups will be involved in project activities, such as fencing of planting areas, organizing workshops, conferences and sale-exhibitions. It is also planned to organize an eco-camp for 40 teenagers to gain knowledge on local agro-ecological practices, healthy life-style and save environment.

Inovative Financial Mechanisms

The project plans to establish 25 experimental farms for cultivation of berries, which will become experience sharing centers for other communities. Also, beneficiary women groups will have a chance to get knowledge and practical training at the ?Green Training Center?. The created Facebook page as well as the website of BWRC will be used for information exchange and knowledge sharing.

Project sustainability

The project sustainability is based on the complex measures that include environmental, social and economic components. Around 1125 young trees will be planted in 25 households in Navur, Itsaqar, Verin Karmiraghbyur and Berd communities. The BWRC staff and invited experts will monitor the planting and provide regular consultation until the first yield. Project beneficiaries will take responsibility to ensure proper cultivation of the planted berries for at least 5 years. Another component ensuring project sustainability is creating job opportunities for 12 unemployed women, who will involve in the processes of collecting, drying and packing the products. An on-line cooperation through Facebook page and BWRC webpage will bring together not only the beneficiaries of the project, but also experts, specialists and interested parts outside of the project. A planned eco-camp will mobilize and educate 40 youth who will meet on regular basis and present their own initiatives on sustainable agro-ecological practices.

Gender Focus

The project will target women living in bordering communities of Tavush region with high migration rate. It is planned to support local women in finding opportunities for improving their livelihoods and increasing their awareness on environmentally-friendly practices.

Promoting Public Awareness of Global Environment

To ensure public awareness on the project it is planned to establish online cooperation (Facebook page) between local women, farmers, interested parties, etc., where overall information the project?s activities will be available and free-of-charge consultations will be provided. The Foundation will also ensure that information on project is available at its website www.bwrc.am. Video coverage of the project will be developed and broadcasted by local and public TV channels.

Capacity - Building Component

Within the project its? anticipated to use knowledge and experience of staff of BWRC Foundation, experts of ?Green Lane? agriculture assistance NGO and marketing specialists of the Business Support Center (BSC). It is planned to organize specialized trainings for women groups on cultivation of wild berries, collecting and drying techniques, environmentally-friendly agricultural practices, organic production and business management. Project beneficiaries will have a chance to participate in sale-exhibitions in the capital Yerevan for promoting their ago-products. The activities will be widely advertised through posters, booklets and broadcast on TV. Also, established 25 pilot farms will serve demonstration and knowledge sharing sites for other communities.

Project Results

The project will produce the following key results:
? On-farm cultivation of wild blueberry (Vaccinium L.), hawthorn (Cratageus) and barberry (Berberis Vulgaris L.) is introduced in Navur, Itsakar, Verin Karmiraghbyur and Berd communities;
? At least 65 beneficiary women gain knowledge and practical skills on the cultivation of wild berries and marketing of the product;
? At least 25 households become an experience-sharing centers;
? At least 12 local women get employment in collecting, drying and packing of ?Berd Berry? products.

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Indicators

Biophysical

Number of globally significant species protected by project 3

Empowerment

Number of women participated / involved in SGP project 65

Livehood

Number of households who have benefited* from SGP project 25

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