ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳and EFSD Partner to Improve Food Security by Strengthening Water Management Systems in Armenia
¡°At the EFSD, investments in the rehabilitation of basic infrastructure are among our strategic priorities. However, we recognise that ensuring the sustainability of projects in the irrigation sector requires more than physical efforts. To address this, we place a strong emphasis on building the capacity of water user associations and strengthening sector institutions, enabling them to manage water resources more effectively and independently in the long term,¡± said Garik Arabyan, Head of the Project at the EFSD.
ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳will work with 15 Water User Associations (WUAs) across Armenia, training over 125 WUA leaders and community water managers in practical water management skills. These include optimizing irrigation schedules, maintaining infrastructure, and adopting efficient practices like drip and sprinkler irrigation. The training will strengthen irrigation systems and support food-insecure communities in managing water more effectively for agriculture.
This is particularly important in regions facing water scarcity due to aging infrastructure, overuse of groundwater, and climate change ¨C factors that have contributed to low crop yields and food insecurity. Improved irrigation management will reduce water waste, minimize crop failure risks, and ensure better water access during key growing seasons.
Although 125 individuals will be trained directly, they manage systems serving thousands of smallholder farmers nationwide. More efficient water use is expected to boost yields of water-intensive crops, increase rural incomes, and improve household food access.
¡°Improved water management leads to improved food security,¡± said Nanna Skau, ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳Representative and Country Director in Armenia. ¡°By investing in water systems and building the knowledge of the people who manage them, we¡¯re laying the foundation for stronger food systems and more resilient communities across Armenia.¡±
ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳remains committed to supporting food-insecure communities across Armenia and aligning with the priorities of the Government. By investing in water user associations and local communities, the initiative will help farmers and their families improve income levels and gain consistent access to nutritious food.
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About the ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳
The United Nations ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳ is the world¡¯s largest humanitarian organisation saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters and the impact of climate change.
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About the EFSD
The Eurasian Fund for Stabilization and Development (EFSD) is a regional financing arrangement totalling over US $9 billion, established in 2009 by the Republic of Armenia, the Republic of Belarus, the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, the Russian Federation and the Republic of Tajikistan. The EFSD aims to promote economic and financial stability in its member states and support their sustainable development.