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ENPARD Annual Report Y2 PRE Final 2
The Project Funded by the European Union
“Towards a New Direction: Supporting Agricultural Co-operation in
Georgia”
ANNUAL REPORT – YEAR 2
February 1, 2015 to February 1, 2016
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ENPARD Annual Report Y2 PRE Final 2
Georgia Hazelnut Stakeholder Forum Demo Days (Shida Kartli)
Exhibition of ENPARD Agricultural Cooperatives MOA Strawberry Green House Cooperative “AgroExportGroup”
NTFP Forum Demonstration Plot
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Contract number 2013/332-266 Reporting Period:
01/02/2015-31/01/2016
ANNEX VI
INTERIM NARRATIVE REPORT
List of Acronyms Used in the Report
CD Country Director
AFSP PM Agriculture and Food Security Policy Programme Manager
RICCs Regional Information Consultation Centers
PSC Project Steering Committee
PMB Project Management Board
MEAL Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning
M&E Monitoring and Evaluation
ACDA Agricultural Cooperatives Development Agency
MoA Ministry of Agriculture
ODT Organizational Development Toolkit
OCAT Organizational Capacity Assessment Tool
CARE Cooperative for Assistance and Relief Everywhere, International Humanitarian
Organization
MC Mercy Corps, International Development Organization
PiN People in Need, International Organization
NTFP Non-Timber Forest Products
HACCP Hazard Analyses and Critical Control Points
ECU ENPARD Communication Unit
SDC Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation
FAO Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
CI Capital Investment
BP Business Planning
EPI/USAID Economic Prosperity Initiative/ United States Agency for International Development
EC European Union
NGO Non-Governmental Organization
DRR/CCA Disaster Risk Reduction/Climate Change Adaptation
WEL Women Economic Leadership
OD&BP Organization Development & Business Planning
N/A Not Applicable
RSF Regional Stakeholder Fora
BNF Beneficiary
GAARD Georgian Alliance on Agriculture and Rural Development
List of Annexes:
Annex 1: Direct Beneficiary and Beneficiary Cooperatives’ Baseline Survey
Annex 2: Monitoring Visit Report
Annex 3: Accountability Mechanism
Annex 4: Information on Demonstration Plots
Annex 5: Information on Contracted Beneficiary Cooperatives
Annex 6: Serbia study tour programme and list of participants
Annex 7: Stakeholder Fora Communiqués
Annex 8: Internal Audit Report
Annex 9: ENPARD Media Coverage 2015/2016
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1. Description
1.1. Name of Coordinator of the grant contract: Keti Getiashvili / CD / OXFAM
1.2. Name and title of the Contact person: Levan Dadiani / AFSP PM / OXFAM
1.3. Name of Beneficiary(ies) and affiliated entity(ies) in the Action: Biological Farming Association
ELKANA; Fundación Acción Contra el Hambre (ACF); Rural Communities’ Development
Agency (RCDA)
1.4. Title of the Action: “Towards a New Direction: Supporting Agricultural Co-operation in
Georgia”
1.5. Contract number: 2013 / 332-266
1.6. Start date and end date of the reporting period: FEB/01/14 – JAN/31/15
1.7. Target country(ies) or region(s): GEORGIA – Regions of: A.Samegrelo: Municipalities of
1.Zugdidi, 2.Tzalenjikha, 3. Chkhorotzku. (Senaki municipality initially proposed has been
replaced by one of the municipalities in Kakheti region) B. Shida Kartli: Municipalities of 4.
Gori; 5. Kaspi. (Kareli municipality initially proposed has been replaced by one of the
municipalities in Kakheti region) C. Kvemo Kartli: Municipalities of 6. Bolnisi, 7. Dmanisi,
8. Tzalka. D. Mtskheta-Mtianeti: Municipalities of 9.Dusheti, 10.Mtskheta, 11. Tianeti. E.
Kakheti: Municipalities of 12. Akhmeta; 13. Telavi (these two municipalities have been added
in line to request of the donor instead of Kareli and Senaki municipalities).
1.8. Final beneficiaries &/or target groups1 (if different) (including numbers of women and men): (i)
Approximately 40 Farmers Groups or Co-operatives with minimum involvement of women at a
factor of 30% (approx. 2400 individuals including family members) (ii) Additional small-holder
farmers (minimum 18,000 individuals) as recipients of trainings (from RICCs etc) on cooperation
/ agricultural techniques due to evolving context and low capacity. (iii) 13 Regional Information
and Consulting Centres (RICCs) (60 specialists): selected as they represent a key resource for
farmers groups, service providers and investors yet have only recently been initiated and would
welcome greater collaboration and support with capacity development to support data
dissemination, farmer assistance and extension services. (iv) 13 Local Authorities: selected as a
key stakeholder that will have increasing access to resources (i.e. Law on Self Government,
Regional Support Fund, Village Support programme) to provide complementary services to
develop rural services and infrastructure. (v) Between 5-10 private businesses (processors,
service providers etc.) including Bioproduct Ltd, KULA Ltd and Ferrero SpA selected as
important actors within target sectors/value chains. (vi) Rural communities throughout target
regions: (approx 300,000 people) as final beneficiaries who will be affected by improved
agricultural services, infrastructure and investment
1.9. Country(ies) in which the activities take place (if different from 1.7): Georgia, Serbia, Turkey,
Armenia (study and exchange/exposure tours for beneficiary management representatives)
1 “Target groups” are the groups/entities who will be directly positively affected by the project at the Project
Purpose level, and “final beneficiaries” are those who will benefit from the project in the long term at the level of
the society or sector at large.
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2. Assessment of implementation of Action activities
2.1. Executive Summary of the Action
The consortium formed by four organizations led by OXFAM and comprised by ELKANA, ACF
and RCDA to implement the above action have jointly developed this report.
The year two of the project has been explicitly dedicated to the capital investment component of
the project that includes: 1. Finalising Business Plans and basic capacity building of the
beneficiary Cooperatives selected through the first round capital investment grants’ competition
process; 2. Supporting them in registration and obtaining the status of “Agricultural Cooperative”
from ACDA; 3. Contracting; 4. Procurement of machineries, equipment and materials for
construction; 5. Construction and installation works. In addition to the above said the action has
conducted a second round of the capital grants’ competition processes including 1.
Announcement of the competition and public outreach campaign; 2. Screening, field assessment
and pre-selecting business ideas and farmers’ groups; 3. Capacity building of the pre-selected
groups 4. Business planning and; 5. Final selection. Furthermore, in the reporting period action
have been concentrated on the facilitating of the establishment and development of the
influencing/advocacy platforms with an aim to ensure enabling legislative and policy
environment for the small holder farmers’ groups/cooperatives in different target value chains.
The activities of this reporting period also focused on developing solid base for
measuring progress towards impact on beneficiaries:
1. Completed baseline survey of the Direct Beneficiaries and Beneficiary Cooperatives selected
through the first round grants’ competition process – In the year one of the project the general
baseline survey of the rural population of the project target municipalities has been conducted
thus providing sound background for measuring project impact during the mid-term evaluation
planned in the middle of Y3 and through end line survey to be conducted after the completion of
the action. The project impact measurement background has been further reinforced by the
individual survey of direct beneficiaries and organizational survey of the selected cooperatives
conducted in the reporting period additionally providing necessary baseline data on the
individual and organizational levels – this will relevantly ensure informing the further evaluation
processes of the project as by completing the above surveys the project is now well equipped
with all the required baseline data. Furthermore, the baseline data will be enriched by the same
type of surveys on the individual and organizational levels to be conducted in the first two
quarters of the year 3 with the individuals and their cooperatives that are already selected and
that will be contracted through the second round of capital investment grants’ competition
process. (see full surveys’ report in the annex 1)
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2. Biannual Monitoring Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) Process Completed –
A. Six months monitoring and evaluation exercises have been conducted with the purpose to: 1.
assess whether the initial activities are already taken from those outlined as the action points
during the previous monitoring visit and inform farmers about these activities and collect their
opinion as well (programme monitoring and accountability part); 2. assess the effects of
purchases on programme visibility, farmers trust and general attitude towards the project
(programme monitoring part) 3. assess and summarise the advancement of programme in
achievement of target outcomes of the project activities and measure them against the log frame
targets (achievements are to be measured as since last report, also get cumulative results
(Programme evaluation part); 4. Along with general assessment of the programme achievements,
put a special emphasis on and investigate the key patterns of the behaviour on market and
production patterns of selected cooperatives – as well try to capture the signs of changes in the
patterns of behaviour/ wider changes on market (Programme learning part); 5. Assess the
information campaign carried out by WEL Campaign and detect the linkages between campaign
activities and progress against set target results (see Annex 2). B. The accountability mechanism
ensuring the opportunity for beneficiaries and/or any interested third party to post their
concerns, propositions and/or complaints and to get relevant feedback from the project is in
place. It is comprised by the special feedback form that can be filled in by any interested third
party in any of 13 target municipalities of the project. The filled in forms are to be placed in
the sealed envelope and to be addressed to the OXFAM Focal Point in its Tbilisi office. The
municipal focal points of the project embedded in local governments as well as consortium
member organizations are responsible for delivering the filled in forms into the sealed
envelopes as per their respective target municipalities to the OXFAM focal point in Tbilisi.
The forms are available at the municipal focal points offices as well as at RICCs in all 13
target municipalities of the project. As a summary of the monitoring processes it reveals
positive general attitude towards the establishment of Agro Cooperatives and recognition of the
important project contribution to this achievement. Members of the Agro Cooperatives supported
by the Action continue demonstrating great interest, enthusiasm and showing their willingness to
continue working as a group and thus encouraging other farmers to joint efforts for the
development of their agro businesses. Furthermore, the process entailed strengthened
collaboration with the RICCs and other relevant stakeholders in the target regions. (see annex 3);
Organizing Demo Plots – A. 13 demo plot farmers selected through the first round of the open
competitive process and contracted received financial support and assistance from the project in
the reporting period; The innovations that demonstrate through demo plot component of the
project comprise advanced production techniques and irrigation systems; new high value and
resilient varieties of crops; cost-effective storage and primary processing technologies and
techniques as well as quality planting materials nurseries; B. One additional demo plot farmer
has been selected through the second round of the open competitive process in Mtskheta
municipality currently awaiting permits from the state necessary for conducting required
construction works; all the needed procurements of materials for this demo plot are completed.
The total investment made for demo plots amounts to 77, 748 EURO. Detailed information on
the demo plots see in annex 4.
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Capital Investment in Agricultural Cooperatives and their Capacity Building – A. 33 groups of farmers
(340 members in total – 136 women (39%) selected through the first round of the competitive process
out of which 22 were already registered agricultural cooperatives have been contracted, obtained the
status of “Agricultural Cooperative” from ACDA and received financial support. The total investment
(incl. beneficiary cash contribution) allocated as per contracts amounts to 998,649 EURO ; Through
33 contracted cooperatives and 340 direct beneficiaries, programme has reached 250 households
comprised by 1, 050 people. The contracted 33 cooperatives in total have accumulated (approx.
EURO 235,000) worth baseline assets, these assets count immovable and movable assets
which were accumulated by the cooperatives alongside the grant contributions by the
programme, but does not include programme contribution itself. B. 15 additional groups of
farmers - 729 members in total – 255 women (35%), out of which 8 were already registered
agricultural cooperatives, finally selected through the second round of the competitive process; the
business plans have been approved by the selection committee of the project and passed to the Project
Management Board (PMB) for final approval; The total investment (incl. beneficiary cash
contribution) required as per business plans amounts to 652,000 EURO C. In the process of the
second round grant competition 175 individuals (36% women) have been trained in Organizational
Development and Business Planning; D. The following areas of cooperation are covered through the
contracted agricultural cooperatives: i. Machinery Use (3 Cooperatives); ii. Joint value addition:
includes storage, greenhouse, processing, packaging and branding facilities (6 Cooperatives); iii. Joint
cultivation and sale (6 Cooperatives); E. The following value chains are covered through the
contracted cooperatives: i. Fruits & Berries; ii. Vegetables: includes potato, cucumber, tomato, onion;
iii. Non-timber Forest Products: includes rosehips, mushrooms, wild fruits, berries and plant teas; iv.
Cheese (branded mountain sheep cheese – “Tushuri Guda”) – 1 Cooperative; v. Honey – 1
Cooperative; vi. Fruit and Grape Seedlings; vii: Cereals. For detailed information on capital
investment component – see annex 5.
Women Economic Leadership Campaign Achievements: 1. Facebook page under the brand of
“Empowered Rural Women” was launched; 2. Promotional video clip for awareness raising of
Women Economic Leadership Campaign under brand “Empowered Rural Women” has been
produced and ready for rolling out; 3. Women farmer clubs have been initiated and established in
project target regions.
Achievements of the Advocacy and Influencing Work – the following remarkable achievements are to
be highlighted:
A. Amendments to the law “on Agricultural Cooperatives” are adopted by the parliament at its
winter session in DEC/2015 – As a result of the continuous advocacy work of our consortium
under OXFAM leadership already initiated in 2014 through inter ENPARD consortia - ACDA
platforms, resulted in elaborating draft amendments to the above law, approval by the
Government council, presenting to the Parliament and its final approval. The amendments
entered into force in January/2016. As per the adopted amendments two particular areas are to be
underlined in this regard: i. The Agricultural Cooperatives are entitled to provide services to non-
members at a factor of 30% of their annual turnover – this is an indirect measure to motivate
cooperatives to increase their membership base on the one hand and to motivate non-member
farmers to apply for membership on the other; ii. The “Associate Member” status has been
introduced as a measure to create opportunity for potential investors including foreign ones to
conduct direct investments into the Agricultural Cooperatives.
B. ACDA has adopted 2015-2020 indicative action plan for supporting strengthening women
involvement in agricultural cooperatives as a result of the joint work of ENPARD Consortia –
ACDA platform and gender working group of ENPARD consortia partners;
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C. Hazelnut Value Chain Forum supported by the project brought about number of enabling
policies and programs for hazelnut sector, namely: 1. State Investment in Hazelnut Producers
Cooperative of almost 600 members (Darcheli Community/Zugdidi Municipality/Samegrelo
Region/West Georgia) for organizing 1000 MT hazelnut drying facility – total investment
amounted GEL 770K (approx. EURO 286K) 2. The whole cycle of hazelnut processing is
exempted from VAT; 3. Elaboration of technical and quality standards for hazelnuts completed
by MoA; already included into the agenda of the Government Council and is to be adopted in the
beginning of March/2016 at a latest.
D. Non-timber Forest Products’ Value Chain Forum supported by the project ensured multi
stakeholder platform to work out regulations for NTFP use. As a results of the joint work of
private sector, farmers’ groups/cooperatives and Forestry Policy Department of the Ministry of
Environment and Protection of Natural Resources (MoE) the draft law “on the use of non-timber,
timber and auxiliary wood resources of the State Forest Fund” is already finalised and approved
by the Government Council and will be presented to the parliament for the adoption at its
Spring/2016 session
During the reporting period OXFAM/ENPARD Consortium hosted two audits on the financial
and operating effectiveness of the internal control systems. First audit took place in December
2015 conducted by the ‘’Moore Stephens’’ invited by EC. They audited first 12 months of the
project implementation from 2 February 2014 to 31 January 2015. The details on their findings
are incorporated into the relevant sections of the report sent directly to EC (CC-ed to OXFAM).
The EC is expected to feedback and notify on final decision on the ineligible costs highlighted in
the report. The second audit was invited by the lead agency to audit whole 24 months
implementation from 2 February 2014 to 31 January 2016. The "Audit-Centre LTD’’ finalized
their report on findings by 18 March 2016. The original copy of this audit report is attached to
the report hereby (see annex 8) of the year 2 interim financial and narrative report pack).
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2.2. The Statement of level of achieving the indicators of the Specific Objectives and Results
Specific
Objective
Indicator Level of Achievement
1: To support the
establishment and
strengthening of
business-oriented
farmers’ groups to
promote increased
effectiveness and
competitiveness of
small farmers in
the agricultural
economy.
1.1 80% of supported business-orientated
farmers’ groups/ co-operatives operating
independently at end of the project
N/A for 2015; For the end of
reporting period number of business-
orientated Farmers Groups
contracted – 33 against the targeted
minimal value of 30.
1.2 At least 70% of supported farmers’ groups /
co-operatives members have an increase in
production, revenues and sales by end of project
N/A for 2015 – Relevant baseline
data available; this indicator is inter-
related to the investment phase of the
project that has started in the middle
of Q1 of Year2; measuring the result
will start during the midterm review
(2016)
1.3 At least 70% of women members of farmers
groups/ co-operatives have an increase in
production, revenues and sales by end of project
N/A for 2015 – Relevant baseline
data available; this indicator is inter-
related to the investment phase of the
project that has started in the middle
of Q1 of Year2; measuring the result
will start during the midterm review
(2016)
2: To facilitate the
creation of a more
conducive,
sustainable
environment for
the development
of farmers groups
in Georgia.
2.1 At least 30% of farmers in target regions
have increased equitable access to, and
improved quality of services by end of project
N/A for 2015 – Relevant baseline
data available; result measuring to be
started in the midterm review (2016)
2.2 At least 30% of women farmers in target
regions have increased equitable access to, and
improved quality of services by end of project
N/A for 2015 – Relevant baseline
data available; result measuring to be
started in the midterm review (2016)
2.3 Number of gender-responsive
policy/legislative proposals submitted to state
authorities for consideration
Partially Achieved 1. OXFAM led
consortium made a substantial
contribution in elaborating draft
amendments to the law on
Agricultural Cooperatives initiated by
ACDA; The amendments are adopted
by the parliament at its winter session
in DEC/2015; 2. ACDA has adopted
2015-2020 action plan for supporting
strengthening women involvement in
agricultural cooperatives as a result of
the joint work of ENPARD Consortia
– ACDA platform and gender
working group of ENPARD consortia
partners
2.4 Number of gender-responsive
policy/legislative proposals adopted by state
authorities by end of the project
Result Indicator Level of Achievement
<quantify the achievement of each result
from the beginning of the action and
explain any changes, especially any
underperformance; refer to the indicators
and assumptions in the Logframe
R1: Business
oriented and
sustainable
farmers’ groups
1.1 100% members of at least 30 target farmers’
groups / co-operatives are aware of co-operative
legislation by end of project
Achieved – 45 pre-selected groups of
farmers (378 people, 149 women
(40%)) have been trained in
legislation and regulatory framework
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ENPARD Annual Report Y2 PRE Final 2
developed in the
Fruit and
Vegetable, Non
Timber Forest
Products (NTFP)
and Hazelnut
sectors
for agricultural cooperatives
1.2 100% members of at least 30 target farmers’
groups / co-operatives trained in and
demonstrate increased knowledge of business /
co-operative management by end of project
Achieved – 100% of the members of
the 45 pre-selected groups of
beneficiary farmers (328 people, 125
women (38%)) are trained in business
planning and demonstrate very active
participation in business planning
process.
1.3 At least 30% of members of farmers groups /
co-operatives trained in business/co-operative
management are women
Achieved – average 36% of members
of farmers groups / co-operatives
trained in business/co-operative
management are women – a. 149
women (40% of all trainees) are
trained in Organizational
Development; b. 125 women (38% of
all trainees) are trained in business
planning
1.4 At least 30 target farmers’ groups/co-
operatives registered/receive status of
agricultural co-operative by end of the project
Achieved – Project beneficiaries
consist of 33 already registered
cooperatives with an official status of
“Agricultural Cooperative”.
1.5 At least 30 target farmers’ groups/co-
operatives have a minimum 30% women’s
membership by end of the project
Achieved - The total number of
contracted direct beneficiaries is 340
out of which 136 are women (39%).
1.6 Number of direct market linkages/
contractual agreements established and/or
strengthened per value chain by end of project
N/A for 2015 – Baseline data
available; this indicator is inter-
related to the investment phase of the
project that has started in the middle
of Q1 of Year2; measuring the result
will start during the midterm review
(2016).
R2:
Competitiveness
of farmers groups
increased through
improved
productivity,
quality of
produce, technical
knowledge and
enhanced linkages
with service
providers
2.1 Target farmers’ groups/co-operatives
achieve an average of 30% increase of
yield/hectare and harvest (NTFP)
N/A for 2015 – baseline data
available; these indicators are inter-
related to the investment phase of the
project that has started in the middle
of Q1 of Year2; measuring the results
will start during the midterm review
(2016).
2.2 At least 80% of members of target farmers’
groups/co-operatives are implementing
improved production technologies by end of
project
2.3 Average 20% revenue increase for target
farmers’ groups / co-operative members
compared to baseline data by end of project
2.4 Average 20% revenue increase for women
members of farmers groups / co-operatives
compared to baseline data by end of project
2.5 Average 20% increase in sales for target
farmers’ groups/co-operatives through enhanced
market linkages by end of project
2.6 At least 10 farmers’ groups / co-operatives
have received quality/ecological/food safety
certificates (Organic, Fair Trade, Global GAP,
N/A for 2015 – the process of
identification of the opportunities for
the contracted beneficiary
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HACCP) by end of project cooperatives started in the mid of
year2
2.7 Business plans of at least 30 target farmers’
groups/co-operatives developed
Achieved – 45 business plans for 45
pre-selected direct beneficiary
farmers’ groups are developed out of
which 33 are financed. Additional 15
business plans are developed as of 2nd
round of CI competition and are
ready for approval. Total number of
Business Plans developed – 60 twice
of the target.
R3: Capacity of
women farmers
strengthened to
enable their active
participation and
leadership within
farmers’ groups
3.1 At least one women’s co-operative is
operational with profitable business by end of
the project
Not achieved as of now – one
informal group that was comprised
only by women (“Sadagi”/Telavi
municipality/Kakheti Region –
strawberry greenhouse farming) is
evicted from the competition process
due to the infrastructural constraints
in relation to water supply thus
creating a high risk for the viability of
the project. The average membership
of women in all contracted 33
cooperatives is 39% (the proposed
amendment of 3.1. result indicator –
see the log frame below)
3.2 In more than 50% of farmers groups / co-
operatives at least 30% women are in
management roles by end of project
Achieved – As per baseline
beneficiary cooperative survey in all
33 contracted agricultural
cooperatives the proportion of women
in management roles is 33% (1-
woman p/every 3 members of the
Cooperative board as an average).
3.3 At least 30% increase of women members in
farmers’ groups / co-operatives by end of
project
N/A for 2015 – to be measured
during mid-term review (2016) and
end-line survey (2018)
3.4 Percentage of women and of men showing
positive increased attitudes towards gender
equitable roles by end of project
N/A for 2015 – to be assessed during
mid-term review in 2016
R 4: Enabling
legal and policy
environment
developed and
improved public
and private
services accessed
by farmers’
groups
4.1 Five regional stakeholder fora with
representation of Local/ National Authorities
established and operational by end of project
In progress – Two out of targeted five
value chain stakeholder fora for
hazelnuts and NTFP sectors are
established and operational with a
vast representation of the Regional
Governors’ offices, Municipal
governments as well as MoA and
MoEn.
4.2 Percentage increase in state budgetary
allocation for co-operative services
(extension/financial services etc) by end of
project
760% (!) increase of allocations in the
state budget for 2016 in comparison
to the one of 2015:
In 2015 the investment of approx.
EURO 300K has been allocated for
Hazelnuts producers cooperative,
whereas in 2016 the allocations in the
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state budget for targeted investments
for bee-keepers, milk producers, dry
fruits, wine and wool producers’
cooperatives amounts to approx.
EURO 2, 3M.
4.3 Number of policy and advocacy documents
on key identified issues produced and presented
to national level stakeholders
Total four policy propositions have
been presented:
1. Draft Amendments to the law “On
Agricultural Cooperatives”;
2. Draft law “On the use of non-
timber, timber and auxiliary wood
products of the State Forest Fund”
jointly elaborated by NTFP Forum
approved by Government and is to be
presented to the parliament for
adoption in Spring/2016;
3. Proposal to exempt Hazelnut
Processors from VAT has been
agreed by Hazelnut Forum and
presented to the Government through
its session communique.
4. ACDA action plan for
strengthening women involvement in
agricultural cooperatives has been
jointly elaborated by ENPARD
consortia – ACDA platform.
4.4 Number of policy recommendations
integrated into legal framework by end of
project
1. amendments to the law on
Agricultural Cooperatives advocated
by OXFAM led consortium and other
ENPARD consortia, initiated by
ACDA and adopted by the parliament
in DEC/2015;
2. The hazelnut processors are
exempted from VAT.
4.5 Number of gender sensitive policy
recommendations in agriculture and co-
operative development policy adopted and
implemented by state authorities (local and
national) by end of project
ACDA action plan for 2015-2020
included a section on strengthening
women involvement in agricultural
cooperatives;
R.1 Business orientated and sustainable farmers’ groups developed in the fruit and vegetable, non-
timber forest products (NTFP) and hazelnut sectors
Activity 1.1 Conduct Baseline/End line Survey
Member organisations of the consortium have jointly developed a Monitoring,
Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) System which is in compliance with
the tools used by member organisations and can contribute to smooth achievement of
ENPARD project targets. Particularly, the monitoring system is built in a way to reflect
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the baseline condition and afterwards programme attributable changes in key focus
areas: - Impact on farmers’ cooperatives – Assessment of programme activities result,
influences on cooperatives as on business units – 33 contracted agricultural cooperatives
have been surveyed; such surveys will be conducted annually in the coming two years of
the lifetime of the project;
- Impact on programme target direct beneficiaries – Assessment of the programme
influence on the well-being of the individuals and their households who are the members
of programme financed farmers’ cooperatives – 340 (136 women – 39%) direct
beneficiary farmers’ members of the above 33 contracted agricultural cooperatives have
been surveyed; The last survey will be conducted in the end of last year of the project
and will constitute an integral part of the end-line survey processes;
- Impact on indirect beneficiaries - Capturing and assessment of the programme impact
on population living in programme area which can indirectly benefit from programme
generated positive spill-overs – 500 farmers, inhabitants of the project target 13
municipalities have been surveyed already in the year 1 of the project.
The baseline study has started together with the programme in February 2014, and has been
finalized in January 2016, just after the finalization of the first round selection of the cooperatives.
The tools exploited by the programme during the study were three independent surveys:
Programme Area Household Survey (September 2014), Farmers Cooperatives First Annual Survey
(September- October 2015) and Programme Direct Beneficiaries Base-line Survey (October –
December 2015). Each of these surveys has aimed to investigate different areas of programme
focus: Farmers cooperatives as business units, programme target beneficiaries and indirect
beneficiaries. Farmers Cooperatives Annual Survey Methodology have been jointly developed and
agreed by all four ENPARD consortia partner organizations. Special thanks to ISET/CARE
consortium for its leadership and coordination efforts to come up to the sound package of tools
that created enabling background to develop annually updateable national baseline survey of
ENPARD beneficiary Farmers’ Cooperatives from all 48 ENPARD target municipalities
(excluding UNDP/Adjara target areas).
All three surveys collect data with formal, structured and semi structured interviews. The detailed
description of the methodologies applied can be found in Annex A of the full report annexed to
this report (see annex1).
Besides, the study reflects the information from Department of Statistics as well, programme
financed cooperatives business plans and first two monitoring visits conducted are used to enrich
the data with qualitative perspectives.
Activity 1.2 Create awareness raising programme and guide on co-operatives
Public Broadcaster (Channel1) TV Program “My Farm” has been contracted with an aim to
produce and broadcast documentaries describing operational processes of the agricultural
cooperatives comprising but not limited to the following areas: 1. Joint supply; 2. Joint Value
addition and marketing; 3. Legislative environment, regulations and tax obligations; 4. Product
diversification, branding and quality assurance; 5. Value chains and market positioning. The
documentaries will be produced and broadcasted in the period of March-August/2016 and
accordingly the media plan and concept has been jointly developed with a contractor and agreed
within the consortium media&communication working group; the campaign will produce 4 TV
shows on Food Security issues and 8 TV shows on cooperatives. Radio coverage will include 27
programs, of which 20 will be dedicated to cooperatives and 7 to Food Safety.
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The Hazelnut Exporters Association has been contracted to develop a scenario for 30 minutes’
documentary film on the perspectives and challenges of the sector. The scenario is completed and
currently relevant negotiation processes are on-going to raise additional funds for ensuring actual
production. In this process OXFAM GB MEECIS regional center is engaged supporting in
identifying capable service providers (e.g. CODY Institute / Canada); In addition, the Hazelnut
Exporters Association with a help of OXFAM is in process of negotiating with the MoA with an
aim to allocate resources for co-financing the production;
In the light of the recent amendments to the “Law on Agricultural Cooperatives” the need has
emerged to update the Cooperative Guide and FAQs publications that have been jointly published
and disseminated by ACDA and all four ENPARD consortia in the year 1 of the project.
Currently ACDA is drafting the relevant updates that will be further agreed among the above
stakeholders including OXFAM consortium and published accordingly in the first quarter of Y3;
Activity 1.3 Awareness rising and sensitization on cooperation
A. SEEDEV Consultations
The Project contractor SEEDEV - Serbia and Croatia Based consulting company, have provided direct in-
field consultations to the beneficiary cooperatives in project target municipalities of Samegrelo, Mtskheta-
Mtianeti, Shida Karteli, Kakheti and Kvemo Kartli Regions. Representatives of both first and second
round coops/farmer groups were invited to participate. In total 236 farmers group, male (65%) and female
(35%) partook at the consultations. The purpose of round tables was to share, compare and capitalize from
the experience of Cooperative Development in Serbia. Presentations were done by SEEDEV consultants
about:
1. Different types of cooperatives:
2. Competitiveness of Georgian agriculture:
Plenary discussion followed with the presentations. Farmers had opportunity to get valuable information
not only about COOP development in Serbia, but also about competitiveness and potential of the
Agricultural sector in Georgia.
In addition, it should be emphasized the meetings had an interactive character and its participants had
lively discussions regarding different issues/difficulties in cooperation/cooperative activities. cooperative,
regarding membership and investments.
The questions that mostly emphasized were regarding the concerns in the future growth of the cooperative,
regarding membership and investments:
How to attract more membership while not jeopardizing the structure and fragile balance of the
newly established organizations? How to select only committed producers and make relevant
criteria for future membership, but not restrict the openness of the organization.
How to attract investments, how to be attractive to new members which would bring additional
investment potential, but still to retain the “advantage” for the founding membership.
How not to grow too fast in order to ensure stability and not to handle all decision-making powers
to the new membership.
All the above questions will be relevantly addressed through the updated FAQs to be published in
Q1Y3.
B. Study Tour in Serbia
The representatives of ACF, ELKANA and RCDA Program Teams (7 representatives) and Contracted
Beneficiary Cooperatives (8 members) as well as representatives of RICCs (8 representatives) of project
February 2016 Page 15 of 36
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target municipalities participated in the study tour in Serbia that took place from 26th October to 1
st
November, 2015 and was organized by Oxfam with support of SEEDEV.
Objectives of the tour were the following:
Introduction to Serbian and western Balkan agriculture to compare with the situation in Georgia;
Introduction to main policies regarding agriculture, rural development and cooperatives;
Introduction to present status and types of cooperatives;
Presentation of fruit grower and field crop grower cooperatives.
The study tour participants were hosted by the consulting agency SEEDEV. The hosts introduced
participants with the different approaches of agriculture development in Serbia, best practices and lessons
learnt of each of them. Participants had an opportunity to meet with the Agriculture Cooperatives working
in different fields as well as well-developed private sector and the extension centres. The tour showed that
the development of agricultural cooperatives is not by itself, a “magic formula that will solve all the
problems the farmers of all types face. Besides of supporting farmers’ economic cooperation, efforts are
also required for improving education, providing advisory services to the farmers, improving the land
registration system, developing further the related production and service infrastructure, including extension, facilitating access to finances etc. Cooperatives can only succeed if they are run in a
professional manner and with a strict business orientation, based on the principles of voluntary
membership, commitment, leadership and a sound and effective financial as well as operational management (see annex 6 – Tour Programme and List of Participants).
Activity 1.4 Identify and select groups to be supported
Based on the achievements of the first cycle of disbursement of CI grant competition and due to the
availability of further funds, the Consortium decided to conduct the second round of the competition. The
requirements, scope and target of the competition for the second round of grants were changed in
comparison with the first round, namely the value chain restrictions have been removed and were replaced
by the cooperation areas in conjunction to agriculture related businesses, such as: joint supply;
mechanization; joint purchase and use; storage, branding, joint value addition and joint sales. All
cooperatives operating in agricultural value chains, except livestock, pig breeding and poultry were
admitted to the competition. Other criteria of eligibility to grants support were changed: the minimum
number of members of cooperatives was raised from 5 to 10 (the minimum eligible number of members –
5 have been remained unchanged with regard to upland communities of Mtskheta – Mtianeti Region) and
announcements and the Business Idea application forms were reviewed and amended accordingly:
Subsequently, in August 2015, ACF and RCDA announced the second round of grant competition on
Capital Investment launched in all 10 target municipalities. The second round of CI competition has not
been announced by ELKANA as the available funds for CI have been most likely to be utilised in the first
round. ACF and RCDA staff ensured the full dissemination of information concerning grant competition
through all available means of communication (such as ENPARD web page and Facebook; local TV and
web pages of LAs, the official web page of MoA and ACDA, Focal Persons (FP), meetings and “open
door days” etc.). Posters about the grant competition have been posted in communication boards of target
municipalities. Posters included information on the program, grant competition, criteria for participants,
instructions, the date and time of the informational and consultation meetings per each target
municipalities and contact details of main staff of the project. Furthermore, partners researched and
proactively invited already established cooperatives to take part in the competition.
Information meetings and consultation sessions were organized and held in all 10 target municipalities in
order to provide comprehensive information to potential applicants with regard to the application process
and other possible clarifications. In total 335 farmers, (32%) female and (68%) male, received direct
consultations. During sessions implementing partners had offered the opportunity of general and
individual consultations based on potential applicants’ specific needs. This flexible approach enabled
farmers to be more open about their project ideas and issues of their concern.
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Similar to first round of CI competition processes the following sequence of milestones together with
deadlines have been set during the second round CI competition: 1. Second Round of CI announced; 2.
Expressions of interest/business ideas are solicited; 3. Initial screening of the solicited Expressions of
interest/business ideas are accomplished; 4. Field assessment visits are conducted; 5. Consortium Selection
Committee conducts final screening of the initially screened expression of interests/business ideas as per
results of field assessments and pre-selects applicant groups for organizational development and business
planning trainings; 6. Business plans are prepared and submitted to Consortium Selection Committee; 7.
Final Selection - Project Management Board approved business plans recommended by the selection
committee; 8. Providing support in registration of the groups (if needed); 9. Contracting is accomplished;
10. Procurement, supply, construction and installation.
In total 92 applications were submitted from 10 target municipalities (80 to ACF – from 7 municipalities
and 12 to RCDA – from 3 municipalities). As a result, of internal scoring procedures 31 applications were
shortlisted (ACF – 23; RCDA – 8) based on the summarized scoring and submitted for further review and
assessment through field visits. Field visit teams comprised by partners’ staff members of consortium
selection committee, municipal focal points and the representatives of RICCs of respective municipalities
as well as and lead agency/Oxfam team. The objective of the visits was to meet with group members,
verify their commitment and motivation, and applicants’ in depth understanding of submitted business
ideas. The program team also assessed facilities, resources and production sites indicated in the application
form. The findings of the monitoring visits were discussed by committee members. Finally, based on
proposal quality, scoring and outcomes of field visit results, 19 groups were short listed for proceeding to
the following step of selection.
4 farmer groups out of pre-selected 19 abstained from continued participation in the competition, due to
reported financial constraints mainly caused by drastic fluctuation of local currency. Instead, the following
15 farmer groups proceeded to the next stage of competition:
2 farmers groups – Dmanisi Municipality
1 farmers groups - Bolnisi Municipality
2 farmers groups – Telavi Municipality
2 farmers groups – Zugdidi Municipali
1 farmers groups – Tsalenjikha Municipality
2 farmer groups – Chkhorotsku Municipality
1 farmers’ group – Tianeti Municipality
3 farmers’ group – Dusheti Municipality;
1 farmers’ group – Mtskheta Municipality
The 15 Business plans of 15 shortlisted applicants have been elaborated and will be submitted to the
Consortium Committees for the final approval at the beginning of February, 2016.
Activity 1.5 Develop Toolkit for Capacity Building and Organizational Development for farmers’ groups
/cooperatives - Activity is completed
The toolkit was developed in the first reporting year and effectively used during the farmer groups’
capacity building process.
Activity 1.6 Deliver Capacity Building and Organizational Development for farmers’ groups/coops
A. Information on Capacity Building Trainings in the period of FEB/01/2015 – FEB/01/2016
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B. Exchange Visits
The project supports and organizes beneficiaries’ exchange visits with other co-operative groups, both
within the action and other supported by other ENPARD actors, in order to provide target groups with a
wider understanding of how the co-operative movement is developing in other regions of Georgia as well
as abroad.
1. Adjara Autonomous Republic
At this purpose, on 28th -29
th May 2015, ACF organized and conducted a local exchange visit to Adjara
region. The aim of the visit was to learn more about the on-going and already implemented projects of the
Agro Service Centre, UNDP ENPARD Adjara and the MoA of Adjara. ACF staff, members of BNF
cooperatives and RICCs as well as Focal Points from the project target municipalities took part to the visit.
Two days exchange visit was led by the Deputy Minister of Agriculture Mr. Amiran Meskhidze, ENPARD
Adjara Project Manager Lasha Komakhidze, Director of the Agro Service Centre, Mr. Gocha Beridze and
a Head of Extension Centre Mr. Mirza Suknishvili. The following sites were visited by participants during
the trip:
Kobuleti Agro Service Centre (extension service, fruits processing, nurseries, demo vine yard and
fruit orchard, modern green houses. Cattle fodder production hydroponics equipment, citrus nursery and
demo plot)
Khelvachauri, village Pirveli Maisi –vine yard demo site
Keda, village Oktomberi - fish breeding cooperative
Keda - blue berry plantation
Khulo – walnut plantation
Participants acquired information about projects implemented by UNDP under the ENPARD Adjara
program, existing extension, information and consultancy services provided by Agro service Centre and
the local RICC, as well as the modern agro practices applicable for mountainous and sea shore areas of
Adjara.
B. Turkey
On 8-12 September, 2015 the study tour to Turkey was organized by ACF within the framework of the
project to provide the BNF farmers / cooperatives and the representatives of RICCs with the opportunity to
Partner
Number of
Planned
Trainings
Number of
Trainings
accomplished
# of Participants
ODT BP ODT BP
ODT
/
wom
en
ODT
/
Men
BP /
Women
BP /
Men
% of
women
/ ODT
% of
Women
BP
Tota
l /
ODT
Tota
l /
BP
ACF 19 19 19 19 127 226 118 265 36 31 353 383
RCDA 12 12 12 12 24 83 16 36 24 30 107 52
ELKANA 1 1 1 1 2 4 2 6 33 66 6 6
Totals 32 32 32 32 153 313 136 307 93 127 466 441
February 2016 Page 18 of 36
ENPARD Annual Report Y2 PRE Final 2
familiarize themselves with new methodologies in hazelnut treatment and processing. The program of the
study tour included presentations of hazelnut treatment prepared by Ahmed Can and a number of site visits
to the hazelnut producers and farmers in Termed area in Turkey (see Annex 5, Study Tour Report, and
Turkey Unye).
C. Armenia
On 23rd
of September, 2015 ACF staff together with project BNFs, members of potato production COOPs
attended potato Conference in Yerevan organized by Word Vision Armenia. The aim of the conference
was finding solutions to the supply and demand gaps that can sustainably improve the potato value chains
in the regions. Georgian and Armenian farmers, International Experts, Non-Governmental organizations
and the representatives of central government of Armenia participated in the conference.
Activity 1.7 Support Establishment and Registration of Cooperatives
In the reporting period out of 33 finally selected groups as per first round of CI competition process 22
were already been registered and granted a status of “Agricultural Cooperative” by ACDA. Upon final
selection total 5groups have been supported in registration and obtaining the status of “Agricultural
Cooperative”. The project has outsourced legal advice services from the panel of lawyers that have been
selected through the open competition process and in the reporting period registration of and granting the
“Agricultural Cooperative” status to 33 groups finally selected through the first round of CI is completed.
From the second round competition process out of 15 preselected candidates 8 are already registered as
agricultural cooperatives – the remaining 7 will require support in registration upon final approval of their
business plans by PMB in FEB/2016.
Activity 1.8 Facilitate Market Promotion and Linkages
5 contracted beneficiary cooperatives participated in the Agricultural Cooperatives’ Market Fare
organized by ACDA in “Expo-Georgia” exhibition center (18-20 November, 2015); In addition as
per ACDA request the project has financed participation of 2 non-beneficiary farmers in the above
fare as per ACDA’s request; It is particularly remarkable that the cooperative “Nergebi”
participating in the exhibition from ELKANA side reported that they established more than 10
contacts both with buyers and the input suppliers. At the exhibition they only had 100 seedlings of
apple which they were able to sell completely. Through the contacts established at the exhibition
later they also sold about 1000 seedlings;
6 agricultural contracted beneficiary cooperatives from Akhmeta and Kaspi municipalities
established within ENPARD program participated in second New Year’s Farmers’ Food Fare the
Farmers’ fare in one of the main shopping areas of Tbilisi “Bukia Garden” (26-27 December,
2015). The fare was organized by ELKANA within the frame of the on-going OXFAM’s parallel
EU funded project “Improving Food Security through Strategies and Small Holder Production in
the South Caucasus” as a part of the on-going campaign in support of small holder farmers and
nutrition. According to the interviews conducted with the participants the average income from the
food fair per participant was 777 GEL. Average income per woman – 401.70 and per man –
1077.20 GEL. In total during 2 days more than 2,500 consumers entered the territory of the food
fair and 2056 farmer’s business cards were distributed to the customers.
R2. Competitiveness of farmers groups increased through improved productivity, quality of
produce, technical knowledge and enhanced linkages with service providers
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Activity 2.1 Design and deliver sector specific trainings
A. Training Modules
ACF has developed the training program on hazelnut cultivation through contracted highly
recognised and reputable expert Ms. Nana Mirotadze and shared to Consortium partners. The
training program consists of following XIII modules:
I. Selection and estimation of site for hazelnut garden planting
II. Project of industrial hazelnut garden, design basics
III. Hazelnut seedling production
IV. Nut garden planting soil preparation, soil fertility and structure improvement
V. Nut garden cultivation
VI. Industrial varieties of hazelnut perspective breeds
VII. Treatment of young and fruitful garden
VIII. Treatment of fully fruitful garden
IX. Disease and pest control, stress factors management
X. Irrigation and melioration works
XI. Modern technologies of garden treatment and harvesting
XII. Harvesting, preliminary treatment and storage
XIII. Safety rules at work place
The expert for elaboration of trainng modules on potato production was selected throuth the
selection procedures and contract signed with the expert on 21st December, 2015. According to the
contract the training module on potato farming will be submitted by 15th February, 2016.
ELKANA developed 2 training modules on vegetable growing (open field and greenhouse
production) and at present works on the development of the modules on fruit growing and fruit
seedling production which will be completed in February 2016, with this the development of the
modules in the frame of the project be completed. The concept of the trainings suggests best
periods for conducting the trainings related to agricultural production cycle, as well as the need
and nature of the practical trainings which take place in parallel with theoretical trainings and their
detailed description.
B. Training Delivery
In November and December, 2015 ACF organized and conducted trainings in Bolnisi Tsalka,
Telavi, Zugdidi and Tsalenjikha municipalities on farming mechanization to the contracted
cooperatives that received tractors and aggregates from the project. Total participants were 38
men. The aim of the training was to deliver information about traffic rules as well as practical
advices concerning tractor-driving skills and repair and maintenance services. Based on feedbacks
from trainees, the project team identified the necessity of providing cooperatives with further on-
the-job training and on farm consultations during the cultivation period in order to ensure adequate
use of aggregates.
ELKANA has started delivering sector specific trainings. The first training was conducted in
November 26, 2015 on storage of vegetable products for cooperatives in Akhmeta municipality.
Training was attended by 15 participants (“Tushetis Nobati” (3), “Alvaniagro”(5), “Nergebi”(4),
Samegobro (3)), of which 8 were women representatives.
Activity 2.2. Establish and manage Demonstration Plots
As of FEB/01/2016 total of 154 proposals for Demo plots from 13 target municipalities have been
solicited and finally 15 have been selected and approved by PMB out of which: a) Zugdidi – 2; b)
Tzalenjikha – 1; c) Tzalka – 1; d) Telavi – 1; e) Gori – 3; f) Kaspi – 2; Akhmeta – 1; g) Bolnisi –
1; h) Dmanisi - 1; I) Chkhorotzku - 1; J) Mtskheta – 1.
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One selected applicant for demo plot in Gori (Cooperative “Betlemi”) has been disqualified due to
its fail in providing required co-financing (to be further re-assessed in case if co-financing proof is
issued);
The contract with one selected applicant for demo plot in Gori (“Kartli Traditional Wine
Association”) has not entered into force due to unexpected change in priority by the beneficiary
and re-consideration of the proposal is required by the Selection Committee;
An approved Demo Plot to be established in Mtskheta municipality (Mr. Irakli Chantadze), had
major disturbances in implementation as the demonstration land plot is located in municipal center
- Mtskheta (UNESCO World heritage site) and according to the related existing regulations, any
type of construction at this site requires acquisition of the permission from appropriate agencies,
thus presenting full construction documentation by the interested party. The preparation of the
required documentation is going on that delays the organizing this demonstration plot.
As per reporting period from total of 14 contracted demo plot farmers 12 are organized and
operational; arrangement of 2 demo plots is in the process of finalization. Total investment as per
contracts amounts to 77,748 EURO – details see annex 4;
14 Demonstration days in 10 demo plots have been organized and attended by 649 people in total.
Total participation of women was 37%.
Activity 2.3 Support the introduction of new, cost effective technologies, techniques and equipment
The total investment (incl. beneficiary cash contribution) allocated as per contracts with 33 finally
selected agricultural cooperatives through the first round of CI competition amounts to 998,649
EURO, out of which beneficiary cash contribution amounts to approx. 235,000 EURO. Procurement of capital assets and construction materials has started in July, 2015. Recognizing the
investment risks taken by the contracted beneficiaries in terms of their direct cash co-financing, the
active participation of the beneficiary COOP representatives in the whole selection process of
assets, including assessment and the selection of the suppliers have been strongly ensured;
Procurement and installation of all the capital assets as per contracts with selected beneficiaries
and their respective business plans are almost completed, as well as related construction and repair
works;
The contract with Cooperative “Samegobro”/Akhmeta municipality (Cool Storage Facility) has not
yet entered into force due to required changes in their statutes in order to mitigate the risk of
conflict of interest among the members;
The project has made an exception with regard to the restriction on cheese making value chain in
relation to the proposal of Cooperative “Alaznis Tavi”/Akhmeta municipality. This cooperative is
located in the marginal depopulated highland area of TUSHETI at Russian Federation border at
elevation of 1700 m ASL. The business idea was to revive production of the local quality product -
sheep cheese “TUSHURI GUDA” that represents opportunity to develop local, genuine,
geographically and technologically denominated quality brand and lastly this investment would
ensure resettling the area by six sheep breeding households, thus creating a sustainable model of
supporting repopulation of such fragile upland areas. Procurement of all the needed assets and
materials as per contract and the business plan has been completed already in the end of summer
2015, but construction works have been postponed till the end of spring 2016 simply because this
area is included into the state register for “protected natural heritage” and conducting the economic
activity in such areas underpins changes in the existing normative regulation, thus requiring special
decision of the Government Council chaired by Prime Minister (!) – the process of applying
needed changes in the normative base delayed process of implementation by three months and the
required permits have been obtained only in the end of OCT/2015 – at this time the mountain
passes to that area are already closed due to the high snow coverage;
Cooperative “Akhali Era”/Tzalka municipality (Organizing Potato Storage Facility) has been
postponed due to the harsh weather conditions and will be completed in the spring of 2016, though
February 2016 Page 21 of 36
ENPARD Annual Report Y2 PRE Final 2
the most works are already done and the members still were able to store part of potatoes in the
storage;
Cooperative “Migrino”/Bolnisi municipality (Joint Mechanization use) – delivery of tractor
attachments is delayed by supplier and will be completed in February/2016;
Cooperative “AgroExport Group”/Dusheti Municipality (Greenhouse production of the off-
seasonal strawberries) gradually is entering operation, but recently increased tariff on natural gas
from GEL0,55 to GEL0,98(!) has brought about increase of the required working capital at a factor
of almost 35%, causing drastic shortages of the available cash. In the last two months the group
has consumed natural gas worth of almost GEL 10K (approx. EURO 3,7K) that was absolutely
unexpected. Fortunately, RCDA the implementing partner of consortium – found an old diesel
heater at its warehouse un-used and granted it to this cooperative and due to that the business has
been saved from the inevitable fail. Despite of such increase in energy tariffs the cost p/kg of
produce is still competitive (GEL 3 p/kg), but problem was laying in the availability of cash and
now instead of generating surpluses as it was planned from the beginning the entire group is
working on serving the debt to gas supply company (KAZTRANSGAS – Kasakh investor);
Cooperative “Aragvelebi”/Dusheti and “TianetisNobati”/Tianti also experienced minor
disturbances during construction caused by excessive snow and precipitation in the high
mountainous regions, though they are still in line with general construction schedule.
Cooperative “Bee House in Pshavi” had been contracted with some delay; the cooperative has
already executed their obligation and transferred their co-financing amount. Mentioned delay also
caused some changes in construction schedule.
Activity 2.4 Facilitate access to extension services
The action aims to support farmers groups / co-operatives in their contact and relations with services that
would be pertinent to their growth and development.
On 17th December, 2015 ACF organized and conducted round-table meeting in hotel Ambassador,
Tbilisi between different suppliers and the BNFs to foster greater interaction. The meeting was
attended by all supported cooperatives representatives, demo farmers and focal points from Tsalka,
Dmanisi, Bolnisi and Telavi municipalities. Three service provider companies: 1,” Rural Advisory
Service”, 2. “Agronova” and 3. “Bioagro” presented useful information to the meeting participants
that is essential for their agriculture production. The meeting attendees received information on the
new breed potatoes that were already tested in Georgia and have good harvest and quality. The
presentation on modern irrigation systems, proper utilisation and usage of it and prices was done
by the company “Agronova”. The high interest by the BNFs was observed on presentation about
bio fertilizer and pesticides usage in agriculture that was made by “Bioagro”. The round table
provided the opportunity for the co-operatives to discuss their supply needs, learn of new products
on the market, strengthen linkages and negotiate favourable prices;
On July 13-15 Elkana organized educational-informational tour for the project beneficiaries in
NNLP “Agroservice Center” of the Ministry of Agriculture of Autonomous Republic of Adjara.
The aim of the tour was familiarizing with the activities of the successful cooperatives in Imereti
and Adjara regions, as well as to visit and explore demonstration models and extension system
working on the basis of “Agroservice Center”. The tour was attended by about 25 beneficiaries of
the project from 3 target municipalities (Akhmeta, Gori and Kaspi): representatives of the
Municipal Information-Consultancy Centres of the Ministry of Agriculture, Demo Plot owners
and cooperative representatives (11 cooperatives). Farmers and consultants of the Municipal
Information-Consultancy Centres were acquainted with the work of cooperative “Dovlati”
(production of greens) in Tskaltubo Municipality, also the methods and technological novelties
introduced by the “Argoservice Center”: vine and fruit orchards and nurseries, strawberry and
tomato greenhouses, processing, cooling and storage facilities for fruits and vegetables, fodder
(grasp) producing machine etc. in the village Gvara, Kobuleti Municipality. Furthermore, tour
participants visited cooperatives and model farms of fish production, blue berry and walnuts in
Keda and Khelvachauri Municipalities. The purpose of agro-tour was acquaintance with the
February 2016 Page 22 of 36
ENPARD Annual Report Y2 PRE Final 2
novelties and approaches introduced in the agriculture sector of Adjara region by the Government
of the Autonomous Republic as well as by ENPARD programme.
Activity 2.5 Raise Awareness on Food Safety standards
ELKANA in the capacity of a lead partner for this component has prepared Food Safety
Guide for Fruits and Vegetables’ producer/processor cooperatives and agreed its text with
NFA on EU request. The guidelines will be printed in February 2016. it consists of
following Section: a) requirements for primary production/good agricultural practices in
accordance with principles of the Georgian legislation and the Global-GAP for fruit and
vegetable production; and b) basic requirements for primary processing enterprises
according to Georgian legislation and HACCP standards;
On 22nd
January, 2015 consortium meeting was held at ELKANA office and ACF
respective staff participate in the meeting. It was agreed that the trainings on food safety
requirements (both in Georgian legislation and major international standards including
Global GAP, HACCP) in primary production and processing for co-operative members
according to the specific value chain that they are working in will be organized in
February, 2016.
10 business plans from both rounds of the CI competition have been reviewed and
adjusted by the food safety expert to make provisions to meet food safety requirements,
with regards to premises, storage and processing units.
Activity 2.6 Develop understanding on DRR/CCA risks and vulnerabilities
RCDA in the capacity of the lead partner for this component has finalised the relevant training
modules on DRR/CCA covering the following areas: a) Vulnerability and risk assessment
methodology; b) Risk mitigation and adaptation measures in agricultural development; c) Eco-
sustainable livelihoods; d) Natural resource management; e) Mitigation of Adverse Impacts of
Climate Change; f) Alternative technologies to reduce deforestation; g) Technologies and
techniques to combat soil degradation and soil erosion.
On December 22, 2015 RCDA has conducted seminar on DRR/CCA risks and vulnerabilities for
partner organizations, staff members and RICCs representatives. The purpose of the seminar was
to raise participants’ awareness on vulnerability assessment tool, let them better understand causes
and consequences of climate change.
In the beginning of the next quarter there is already a plan to conduct 2-day training on DRR/CCA,
as one day training proved to be insufficient for working in groups and for discussing on all the
questions participants had, due to high interest to the issue.
It is planned to conduct ToT for RICCs, focal points of consortium partner organizations, project
local coordinators and facilitators as well as the relevant staff of the consortium. The trainings will
cover following topics: Climate Change and DRR; Causes and Consequences; PCVA
Methodology – Community Vulnerability Assessment Tool (Elaborated by Oxfam); Supporting
DRR amongst vulnerable communities in the ENPARD project areas; Presentation of Climate
Change and DRR in ENPARD;
R3. Capacity of women farmers strengthened to enable their active participation and leadership
within farmers’ groups
Activity 3.1 Design and implement WEL campaign and educational programme
The above activity has been implemented by NGO Georgian Association “Women in Business”
selected and contracted by consortium through open competitive process. As per the work and
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ENPARD Annual Report Y2 PRE Final 2
output plan agreed the component has produced following deliverables: a) Awareness raising
modules on the importance of women empowerment in rural areas and in agriculture; b) agenda
for awareness raising campaigns for schools; d) introductory information sessions for women and
men over 18 and needs assessments through developed questionnaire and discussions have been
conducted in project target municipalities; Sessions were attended by 477 participants, of which
99 were men. e) the face book page under the brand of “Empowered Rural Women” was launched;
f) 2100 copies of leaflets and 50 posters were published for visibility of campaign; g) promotional
video clip for awareness raising of Women Economic Leadership Campaign under brand
“Empowered Rural Women” has been produced; h) Women farmer 13 clubs have been initiated
and established in project target regions.
The ToR for the Second Round of WEL campaign, which aims at recruiting an organization to
deliver capacity building trainings for women farmers in target municipalities of 5 regions across
Georgia, have been prepared by the consortium partners. The capacity building trainings will start
in March 2016 the latest.
Activity 3.2 Support establishment of women farmers’ groups
Project intended to support one women only cooperative “Sadagi”/Telavi municipality (Cultivation
berries). However, regrettably the group discontinued participation in the process due to lack of
access to water for ensuring a regular irrigation of the land plot. The production of berries that the
group proposed requires supply of irrigation water throughout the months of September and
October and, despite the fact that verbal agreements were reached with the regional department of
amelioration of Kakheti, necessary works have not been implemented and access to water has not
been provided. ACF staff was actively involved in the process in order to solve the problem,
several meetings were carried out with different relevant stakeholders but, unfortunately, the main
problem remained unsolved. Lately it revealed that the local amelioration company has signed a
contract in 2002 with the Hydro Electric Power Company and according to this contract the
melioration company has obligation on water provision to the HEWC from September to May until
2020. Consequently, Melioration Company has difficulties in providing water to any other third
party, including the COOPs during the required period. This is a very regrettable example of
unforeseen risks that might emerge in rural areas due to the poorly developed production
infrastructure and inconsiderate conflict of interests.
The above fact has caused project in failing to meet one particular target to support at least one
woman only cooperative, however out of total 33 groups that have been contracted 10 groups are
represented by women by over 60%.
Proceeding from the above described circumstances the change in log frame target is proposed (see
below)
R4. Enabling legal/policy environment developed & improved public/private services accessed by
farmer's groups
Activity 4.1 Establish and/or strengthen regional co-operative stakeholder fora
Two regional value chain fora (RSF) have been established and operational in the sectors of
Hazelnuts in Samegrelo and Non-timber Forest Products in Mtskheta-Mtianeti;
Hazelnut RSF have been launched in May/15/2015 in Anaklia/Zudidi municipality attended by the
Minister of Agriculture of Georgia Mr. Otar Danelia followed by Second meeting in Tbilisi in
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JUN/22/2015 also chaired by MoA specifically dedicated to the issues of organizing relevant
extension and scientific systems in support of the competitive hazelnut value chain in Georgia.
Both meetings have been attended by the hazelnut producer farmers and their cooperatives,
processors and exporters as well as representatives of MoA, EU, Academia and other concerned
stakeholders (almost 80 people p/meeting); The RSF Communiqués’ incorporating policy
recommendations in support of the sub-sector have been prepared and disseminated to the RSF
member stakeholders; The immediate impact of Hazelnut RSF work as assessed during the 3rd
monitoring process conducted in DEC/2015 is the following: 1. MoA has financed Hazelnut
Drying Facility for Hazelnut Producers’ Cooperative in Darcheli community/Zugdidi municipality
(almost 600 members - !) that has been organized and launched in early SEP/2015 – the total
investment conducted amounts to approx.. EURO 300K; 2. Hazelnut processing enterprises have
been exempted from VAT; 3. Technical and Quality Standards of Hazelnuts have been worked out
by the Scientific-Research Centre of MoA and presented to Government Council for approval; 4.
Hazelnuts have been declared the strategic export sector of Georgia.
NTFP RSF have been launched in Mtskheta under the chairmanship of the Minister of
Environment and protection of Natural Resources Mr. Gigla Agulashvili, followed by second
meeting that has discussed models of NTFP use and the related state regulatory base. Both
meetings have been attended by the NTFP producer farmers and their cooperatives, processors and
exporters as well as representatives of MoEn, MoA, EU, Academia and other concerned
stakeholders (almost 50 people p/meeting); Third meeting of the core group of NTFP/RSF
comprised by the MoEn and private sector representatives held on OCT/30/2015 in the conference
hall of Rural Communities Development Agency (RCDA – OXFAM Consortium Member) as a
result of forum’s work the draft law “On the use of non-timber, timber and auxiliary wood
resources of the State Forest Fund” has been drafted by MoEn and agreed with RSF member
stakeholders and is to be presented to the parliament for approval at its spring session in
March/2016.
As for other three planned RSFs to be supported by the project it is postponed to next reporting
period. Partly due to high occupation of program staff’s work with pre-selected groups of farmers,
however mainly due to political decision to postpone local advocacy activities until the situation
regarding the ACDA proposal on changes in the law on Agricultural Cooperatives was clarified.
Fortunately, the above amendments have been adopted and entered into force already in the last
month of the reporting period. Consequently OXFAM resumed consultations with other ENPARD
consortia especially Mercy Corps to organize such RSF in potato and apiculture sectors
(for details see Hazelnut and NTFP RSF communiques in annex 7 of this report).
Activity 4.2 Support strong engagement of local authorities in cooperative and agricultural development
processes
Focal points agreed with municipal governments identified and hired in all 13 target
municipalities of the project. 3 information meetings conducted in each municipality (9 in
total in Gori, Kaspi and Akhmeta) for engagement of the local self-government: municipal
heads, heads of sakrebulo, representatives of municipal agencies, RICCs and community
heads were present at the meetings. The focal points give updated information on project
activities and implementation to municipal governments on everyday basis.
The FPs have been successfully integrated in the project team. They provide significant
support in organizing relevant activities within the project (such as selection of DPs,
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ENPARD Annual Report Y2 PRE Final 2
awareness raising campaign, stakeholder mapping etc.); the FPs submit monthly activity
reports to the implementing partners of the consortium;
The project is in close cooperation and coordination with local authorities; project ensures
their greater understanding on farmers’ cooperation and promotes their active
involvement in the action through awareness raising, capacity building and beneficiary
selection components.
2.3 Revised log frame, highlighting the changes (Result 3 Indicator 3.1).
LOGICAL FRAMEWORK FOR THE PROJECT
Intervention logic Objectively verifiable indicators
of achievement
Sources and means of
verification Assumptions
Overall
objectives
To contribute to increased productivity in Georgian agriculture and a reduction in rural poverty
Statistical reports show a steady annual increase in agricultural production in target sectors
- Geostat - World Bank Country Report - UNDP Human Development Index for Georgia - Annual sectoral reports published by FAO & EU
- Overall political situation remains stable - Macro-economic and fiscal policies are stable and support local actions for economic development. - Conducive regulatory and legislation base
Gradual decrease in number of people living below poverty line in target regions
Specific
objective
Specific
objective
1. To support the
establishment and
strengthening of
business-oriented
farmers groups to
promote increased
effectiveness and
competitiveness of small
farmers in the
agricultural economy.
1.1 80% of supported business-orientated farmers groups/ co-operatives operating independently at end of the project.
- Registration documents (including verification of co-operative membership and statute) - State register for agricultural co-operatives - Financial and sales records/statements - Quality standards certification - Monitoring and project evaluation report
Assumptions: - Government will continue to provide support to the agricultural sector - State has supportive policy in place for co-operative development - Effective coordination between value-chain actors - Stakeholders remain committed to support business-oriented smallholder farmer co-operatives - Implemented DRR activities reduce the negative consequences of damages/loss due to natural hazards - Local government reform progressing Risks: - Political Instability - Natural hazards - Local government reform - Lack of participation on local government in governance process - Misconceptions of public towards co-operative model
1.2 At least 70% of supported farmers groups / co-operatives members have an increase in production, revenues and sales by end of project
- farmers groups / co-operative financial records/statements - Production/yield records - Contracts with buyers - Baseline/midline/endline - Monitoring and project evaluation reports
1.3 At least 70% of women members of farmers groups/ co-operatives have an increase in production, revenues and sales by end of project
- farmers groups / co-operative financial records/statements - Production/yield records - Contracts with buyers - Baseline/midline/endline - Monitoring and project evaluation reports
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2. To facilitate the creation of a more conducive, sustainable environment for the development of farmers groups in Georgia.
2.1 At least 30% of farmers in target regions have increased equitable access to, and improved quality of services by end of project
- Baseline / end-line surveys - State budget and governmental decrees (i.e. subsidy schemes, training programmes, extension services, infrastructure development) - Co-operative documentation (i.e. financial records, contracts with private sector service providers and financial institutions, insurance policies, leasing contracts)
2.2 At least 30% of women farmers in target regions have increased equitable access to, and improved quality of services by end of project
- Baseline / end-line surveys - State budget and governmental decrees (i.e. subsidy schemes, training programmes, extension services, infrastructure development) - Co-operative documentation (i.e. financial records, contracts with private sector service providers and financial institutions, insurance policies, leasing contracts)
2.3 Number of gender-responsive policy/legislative proposals submitted to state authorities for consideration.
- Baseline and end-line surveys - Proposition documents from RSF - Meeting Minutes of RSF - State legislative portal (gazette) - Presence of new by-laws (ministerial and govt. decrees) - Amendments to existing laws (i.e. entrepreneurship, tax code, etc)
2.4 Number of gender-responsive policy/legislative proposals adopted by state authorities by end of the project
Expected
results
Result 1: Business
oriented and sustainable
farmers groups
developed in the Fruit
and Vegetable, Non
Timber Forest Products
(NTFP) and Hazelnut
sectors
1.1 100% members of at least 30 target farmers groups / co-operatives are aware of co-operative legislation by end of project
- Baseline and end-line surveys - Post awareness-raising questionnaire
External conditions that must be met - National strategy for agricultural development remains conducive - Local Authorities effectively engaged and committed to the action - Stability of markets - National economic growth is maintained - Political stability remains - Gender sensitisation amongst local and national authorities is conducive to the presentation of policy and legislative recommendations
1.2 100% members of at least 30 target farmers groups / co-operatives trained in and demonstrate increased knowledge of business / co-operative management by end of project
- Service Contracts & TORs with trainers/consultants - OCAT report - Test scores as per pre and post test - Participant lists - Training materials/modules - Feedback mechanism of participants on trainings/appraisal
1.3 At least 30% of members of farmers groups / co-operatives trained in business/co-operative management are women
- Training records/reports; - Monitoring reports; - project reports.
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1.4 At least 30 target farmers groups/co-operatives registered/receive status of agricultural co-operative by end of the project
- MoUs - Statutes - Registration documents
Risks: - Natural disasters - Adverse impacts of climate change - Market price fluctuations - Civil unrest - Unwillingness of farmers to engage in the process - Strong traditional and patriarchal perceptions
1.5 At least 30 target farmers groups/co-operatives have a minimum 30% women’s membership by end of the project
- MoUs - Statutes - Registration documents
1.6 Number of direct market linkages/ contractual agreements established and/or strengthened per value chain by end of project.
- Monitoring reports; - Contracts / agreements made and signed - Project reports
Result 2: Competitiveness of farmers groups increased through improved productivity, quality of produce, technical knowledge and enhanced linkages with service providers
2.1 Target farmers groups/co-operatives achieve an average of 30% increase of yield/hectare and harvest (NTFP)
- Baseline and end-line surveys - Harvest records - M&E reports
2.2 At least 80% of members of target farmers groups/co-operatives are implementing improved production technologies by end of project
-Baseline and end-line beneficiary surveys (including knowledge, attitudes, practice component) -Monitoring and project evaluation reports
2.3 Average 20% revenue increase for target farmers groups / co-operative members compared to baseline data by end of project
- Financial records / statements - M&E reports
2.4 Average 20% revenue increase for women members of farmers groups / co-operatives compared to baseline data by end of project
- Financial records / statements - M&E reports
2.5 Average 20% increase in sales for target farmers groups/co-operatives through enhanced market linkages by end of project
- Service contracts; - Sales contracts
2.6 At least 10 farmers’ groups / co-operatives have received quality/ecological/food safety certificates (Organic, Fair Trade, Global GAP, HACCP) by end of project
- Quality and Ecological certificates - Project reports; - Business plan documentation submitted to Project Steering Committee
2.7 Business plans of at least 30 target farmers groups/co-operatives developed.
- Project reports; - Business plan documentation submitted to Project Steering Committee
Result 3: Capacity of women farmers strengthened to enable their active participation and leadership within farmers groups
3.1 At least of 20% of the
contracted beneficiary
cooperatives’ members over
30% are women.
- Registration documents - State register on agricultural co-operatives; - Financial records.
3.2 In more than 50% of farmers groups / co-operatives at least 30% women are in management roles by end of project
- Co-operative membership documents and statute
3.3 At least 30% increase of women members in farmers groups / co-operatives by end of project
- Co-operative membership documents and statute - Monitoring and project evaluation report
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3. Percentage of women and of men showing positive increase attitudes towards gender equitable roles by end of project
- Interviews with women and men farmers - Adapted tool - Scaling Indicators for Gender Equity - Baseline and endline surveys - Co-operatives legal and regulatory documentation
Result 4: Enabling legal and policy environment developed and improved public and private services accessed by farmers groups
4.1 Four regional stakeholder fora with representation of Local/ National Authorities established and operational by end of project
- Meeting Minutes RSF - Participant Lists - MoU of RSF
4.2 Percentage increase in budgetary allocation by MoA for co-operative services (extension/financial services etc) by end of project
- Baseline and end line surveys - Municipal development programmes/budget
4.3 Number of policy and advocacy documents on key identified issues produced and presented to national level stakeholders
- Baseline and end-line surveys - Proposition docs - National Legislative portal (Gazette – “sakanondeblo macne”) - Meeting Minutes of RSF - Presence of by-laws - Amendments to existing laws (i.e. entrepreneurship, tax code, etc)
4.4 Number of policy recommendations integrated into legal framework by end of project
- State and municipal budget and state, regional and municipal development plans - Presence of by-laws
4.5 Number of gender sensitive policy recommendations in agriculture and co-operative development policy adopted and implemented by state authorities (local and national) by end of project
- Policy recommendations - Focus Group Discussions - Round table minutes
Activities Activity 1.1 Conduct a baseline & endline survey Activity 1.2 Create awareness-raising programme and guide on co-operatives Activity 1.3 Awareness-raising and sensitisation on co-operation Activity 1.4 Identify and select groups to be supported Activity 1.5 Develop Toolkit for Capacity Building and Organisational Development for farmers’ groups/Co-operatives Activity 1.6 Deliver capacity building and organisational development for farmers’ groups/co-operatives Activity 1.7 Support establishment and registration of co-operatives Activity 1.8 Facilitate market promotion and linkages Activity 2.1 Design and
Means
Summary Means:
Costs
Summary Costs in
EURO
Preconditions - The government's demonstrated commitment to re-vitalizing the agricultural economy is continued - The passing of the new "Law on Agricultural Co-operatives", along with a broader legislative package, creates a more conducive environment for the development of co-operative structures for small-holder farmers
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ENPARD Annual Report Y2 PRE Final 2
deliver sector specific trainings Activity 2.2 Establish and manage "Demonstration Plots" Activity 2.3 Support the introduction of new, cost effective technologies, techniques and equipment Activity 2.4 Facilitate access to extension services Activity 2.5 Raise awareness on Food Safety standards Activity 2.6 Develop target communities understanding on disaster and climate change risks and vulnerabilities Activity 3.1 Design and implement Women's Economic Leadership (WEL) campaign and educational programme Activity 3.2 Support establishment of women farmer's groups Activity 4.1 Establish and/or strengthen regional co-operative stakeholder fora Activity 4.2 Support
strong engagement of
local authorities in co-
operative and
agricultural development
processes
Awarded Contracts above € 60 000
ACF
Name of Contractor Amount (EURO) Award Procedure Followed
LTD “Hermes” 402,840 International Tender
LTD “Ozurgetis Mdzime
Danadgarebi”
94,319 Open Tender
ELKANA
Name of Contractor Amount (EURO) Award Procedure Followed
LTD “Hermes” 98,599 International Tender
RCDA
Name of Contractor Amount (EURO) Award Procedure Followed
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ENPARD Annual Report Y2 PRE Final 2
N/A N/A N/A
2.4 Updated action plan 2
Year 2
Half-year 1 Half year 2
Activity 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Implementing body
Preparation Activity 1.1 Conduct a Baseline/End line Survey
Oxfam with support to design from Co-Applicants (CAs)
Execution Activity 1.1 Conduct a Baseline/ End line Survey
Oxfam with support to design from Co-Applicants (CAs)
Preparation Activity 1.2 Create awareness raising programme and guide on co-operatives
Oxfam with support to design from Co-Applicants (CAs)
Execution Activity 1.2 Create awareness raising programme and guide on co-operatives
Oxfam with support to design from Co-Applicants (CAs)
Preparation 1.3 Awareness raising and sensitisation on cooperation
Co-Applicants in their respective regions
Execution 1.3 Awareness raising and sensitisation cooperation
Co-Applicants in their respective regions
Preparation 1.4 Identify and select groups to be supported
Co-Applicants in their respective regions with OXFAM’s coaching
Execution 1.4 Identify and select groups to be supported
Co-Applicants in their respective regions with OXFAM’s coaching
Preparation Activity 1.5 Develop Toolkit for Capacity Building and Organisational Development for farmers groups /coops
Oxfam with support to design from Co-Applicants (CAs)
Execution Activity 1.5 Develop Toolkit for Capacity Building and Organisational Development for farmers groups/coops
Oxfam with support to design from Co-Applicants (CAs)
Preparation Activity 1.6 Deliver Capacity Building and Organisational Development for farmers groups/coops
Co-Applicants in their respective regions
Execution Activity 1.6
Co-Applicants in their respective
2 This plan covers the financial period between the interim report and the interim report.
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ENPARD Annual Report Y2 PRE Final 2
Deliver Capacity Building and Organisational Development for farmers groups/coops
regions
Preparation Activity 1.7 Support with the founding and registration of co-operatives
Co-Applicants in their respective regions
Execution Activity 1.7 Support with the founding and registration of co-operatives
Co-Applicants in their respective regions
Preparation Activity 1.8 Facilitate Market Promotion and Linkages
Oxfam with expert support
Execution Activity 1.8 Facilitate Market Promotion and Linkages
Oxfam with expert support
Preparation Activity 2.1 Design and deliver sector specific trainings
Co-Applicants in their respective regions
Execution Activity 2.1 Design and deliver sector specific trainings
Co-Applicants in their respective regions
Preparation Activity 2.2 Establish and manage Demonstration Plots
Co-Applicants in their respective regions
Execution Activity 2.2 Establish and manage Demonstration Plots
Co-Applicants in their respective regions
Preparation Activity 2.3 Support the introduction of new, cost effective technologies, techniques and equipment
Co-Applicants in their respective regions
Execution Activity 2.3 Support the introduction of new, cost effective technologies, techniques and equipment
Co-Applicants in their respective regions
Preparation Activity 2.4 Facilitate access to extension services
Oxfam with support to design from Co-Applicants (CAs)
Execution Activity 2.4 Facilitate access to extension services
Oxfam with support to design from Co-Applicants (CAs)
Preparation Activity 2.5 Raise Awareness on Food Safety standards
Oxfam
Execution Activity 2.5 Raise Awareness on Food Safety standards
Oxfam
Preparation Activity 2.6 Develop understanding on DRR/CCA risks and vulnerabilities
RCDA & Oxfam (with ACF involvement)
Execution Activity 2.6 Develop understanding on DRR/CCA risks and vulnerabilities
RCDA & Oxfam (with ACF involvement)
Preparation Activity 3.1 Design and implement WEL campaign and
Oxfam with support to design from Co-Applicants (CAs)
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ENPARD Annual Report Y2 PRE Final 2
educational programme
Execution Activity 3.1 Design and implement WEL campaign and educational programme
Oxfam with support to design from Co-Applicants (CAs)
Preparation Activity 3.2 Support establishment of women farmers’ groups
Co-Applicants in their respective regions (coaching of OXFAM)
Execution Activity 3.2 Support establishment of women farmers’ groups
Co-Applicants in their respective regions (coaching of OXFAM)
Preparation Activity 4.1 Establish and/or strengthen regional co-operative stakeholder fora
Oxfam with support to design from Co-Applicants (CAs)
Execution Activity 4.1 Establish and/or strengthen regional co-operative stakeholder fora
Oxfam with support to design from Co-Applicants (CAs)
Preparation Activity 4.2
Support strong
engagement of local
authorities in co-
operative and agricultural
development processes
Co-Applicants in their respective regions (coaching of OXFAM)
Execution Activity 4.2 Support
strong engagement of
local authorities in co-
operative and agricultural
development processes
Co-Applicants in their respective regions (coaching of OXFAM)
3. Beneficiaries/affiliated entities and other Cooperation
3.1 How do you assess the relationship between the Beneficiaries/affiliated entities of this grant
contract (i.e. those having signed the mandate for the Coordinator )? Please provide specific
information for each Beneficiary/affiliated entity.
Overall the relationship between Oxfam and consortium partners has developed well during year 2
project implementation as a result of clearly established consortium governance structures,
mechanisms and workflows. Consortium becomes more and more efficient in decision making,
ensuring good coordination of the plans, as well as the implementation activities among partners. Our
team definitely enjoys great spirit of unity and pride for the enthusiasm and hope the project brings to
beneficiary communities.
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The monitoring mission of the OGB identified however that a) partners not always had updated
information on consortia activities and ongoing policy discussions/issues, thus it was decided that
OGB will brief partners on the above mentioned issues quarterly; b) it was detected that one of the
consortium partners face organisational and management capacity issue that affect the performance,
OGB as lead agency is working closely with the partner on improvements. c) Sometimes different
working groups were not working in the harmonized manner which was hindering timely
implementation of some activities, mainly related to identification of the pool of experts and
development of template documentations and procedures for CI. This issue was taken seriously by
OGB as a lead agency and the partners, and the selection and procurement committees were working
very hard to fulfil all obligations timely; also the framework planning was made for 2015 so that all
committees work in the synchronized manner at present.
3.2 How would you assess the relationship between your organisation and State authorities in the Action
countries? How has this relationship affected the Action?
ENPARD consortia definitely represent an extremely efficient and reputable multi stakeholder
platform in the face of 17 international and national organizations united around very exciting and
crucial idea – supporting small holders’ cooperation in rural areas.
ACDA is a key state stakeholder that project is collaborating with as being a specialized agency in
support of development of agricultural cooperation systems. Monthly coordination meetings chaired
by ACDA and attended by EU four consortia, UNDP and FAO proved to be a sound mechanism for
coordination especially in the field of Enabling legal and policy environment – Joint lobbying of
ACDA and ENPARD beneficiaries have ensured timely adoption of the amendments into the
cooperative law. The information exchange on the process of the implementation of the five
simultaneously implemented projects (including UNDP in Adjara) allows generating sound volume of
learning and experiences as well as methodology. We are pretty convinced to state that the way how
ENPARD program is equipped with the coordination and knowledge sharing platforms this can be a
very powerful, efficient and sustainable model of collaboration in the multi stakeholder environment.
Through RSF mechanism project managed to cover wide range of state agencies that have direct
and/or indirect links to the project target value chains such as hazelnuts and NTFP. Apart from MoA
and its subsidiary bodies very efficient engagement of the MoEn has been ensured that resulted in
elaboration of new draft law “On the use of Non-timber, timber and auxiliary wooden resources of the
State Forest Fund”. This proposition sets the package of regulations for the use of the above resources
that is discussed and agreed with all stakeholders concerned and that is a first time in relation to this
field in the entire history of independent Georgia.
Apart from that the project is in close cooperation and coordination with local authorities as project
ensures their greater understanding on farmers’ cooperation and promotes their active involvement in
the action through awareness raising, capacity building and beneficiary selection components.
However, during the implementation process, there were some complains from the RICCs side that
they were not fully involved in the project implementation (outcomes of the project monitoring). At
present the project team builds good working relationships with target RICCs and also LAs though
FPs.
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The FPs, women and men who have a strong agricultural background, competency and skills,
essentially become a conduit between consortium partners and the LAs. As local representatives from
target municipalities they have good community knowledge and a strong stake in helping deliver high
quality programming in each respective municipality. They also perform multiple roles within the
project, including developing strong relations with the farmers’ groups, providing trainings, liaising
with the RICCs and, most importantly, providing feedback to senior municipal representatives of LAs
on all issues of co-operative development.
3.3 Where applicable, describe your relationship with any other organisations involved in implementing
the Action:
OXFAM led consortium partners are coordinating and collaborating very closely with other
ENPARD beneficiaries and their consortia. At the outset of ENPARD small holders’
cooperation component the Inter consortia coordination working groups have been established
and functioning in the following areas of action: 1) Awareness raising; 2) Visibility and
Communication; 3) Capital Investment; 4) Gender Mainstreaming; 5) Baseline Survey
Methodology and M&E; 6) Advocacy; and 7) Organizational Development Methodology;
SEEDEV consulting company contracted by the project is extremely instrumental in
elaborating and delivering the methodology with regard to institutional capacity building and
assessment as well as in providing relevant insights in terms of advocating conducive policies
for developing agricultural cooperation systems; SEEDEV’s contribution to the project has
been very much appreciated by the leadership of OXFAM’s MECIS operational region
(Middle East and CIS) so that the OXFAM’s internal regional learning event on collective
action and cooperatives held in Serbia in March/2015 has been organized and moderated by
SEEDEV. This activity is the one outside ENPARD frame and it was directly supported by
OXFAM/MECIS headquarters through its unrestricted (UR) budget.
3.4 Where applicable, outline any links and synergies you have developed with other actions.
In parallel to ENPARD project OXFAM together with ELKANA implements the EC funded project
“Improving Regional Food Security through National Strategies and Small Holder Production in the
South Caucasus”. The Project foresees elaboration and publication of gender sensitive food security
and nutrition strategy in Georgia, formulated and developed within multi-stakeholder Working Groups
involving project partners, government, the private sector, NGOs, MFIs, research institutions, and
representatives of small holder farmers.
In the frame of the above project ELKANA mainly works on grassroots level in ENPARD target
regions:
From July 27 to August 6 ELKANA in cooperation with Oxfam conducted regional meetings for local
government representatives, municipal information–consultation centers of the MoA and local NGOs
aiming at presentation of Agriculture Development Strategy 2015-2020 and initiating discussions
around the document. The purpose of the regional meetings was to promote the Agriculture
Development Strategy in the regions, so that the document becomes accessible and understandable for
the brother population in the regions and to develop region specific recommendations. The meetings
were held in eight major towns of Georgia (Gori and Telavi). The Strategy was presented by the
representative of MoA. The presentations were followed by lively discussions.
From September 28 to October 2nd in the frame of the 2nd Tbilisi Contemporary Art Triennial 2015
“SOS Self-organized systems” – Oxfam and ELKANA, in cooperation with Contemporary Art
Academy Tbilisi and Connact (Swiss organization), hosted the Columbian-Georgian farmers exchange
workshop “Let me tell the story”, where among others 5 cooperatives established in the frame of the
ENPARD programme had the opportunity to exchange with the farmers from community of Las Pavas,
Colombia on how structures of the farming associations and self-organization could help to fight for
farmers interests.
In order to strengthen the direct linkages between food processors and food consumers, Oxfam and
ELKANA organised the second New Year’s Farmers’ Food Fair on December 26-27 in one of the
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main shopping areas of Tbilisi. Among others 6 agricultural cooperatives from Akhmeta and Kaspi
municipalities established within ENPARD program participated in the event. According to the
interviews conducted with the participants the average income from the food fair per participant was
777 GEL. Average income per woman – 401.70 and per man – 1077.20 GEL. In total during 2 days
more than 2,500 consumers entered the territory of the food fair and 2056 farmer’s business cards were
distributed to the customers.
Strong synergies were developed with FS project through the GAARD mechanism lead by Oxfam,
since most members are ENPARD implementing partners. Regular GAARD meetings serve to
exchange information between projects, and GAARD also plans to link the national network with the
RSF.
In the reporting period the project has established very close collaboration with ENPARD
Communication Unit (ECU) represented by the PR agency Action Global (AG). With the request of
the EU to fulfil the six months’ gap created due to the expiry of the EU contract with AG, OXFAM
found resources to ensure financing of ECU through its on-going parallel project “Improving
Regional Food Security through National Strategies and Small Holder Production in the South
Caucasus”. Through this project the components of Regional Food Security web-site and the
one of ENPARD have been complemented each other and financed through the above project
3.5 If your organisation has received previous EU grants in view of strengthening the same target
group, in how far has this Action been able to build upon/complement the previous one(s)? (List
all previous relevant EU grants). N/A
4 Visibility
How is the visibility of the EU contribution being ensured in the Action?
Oxfam and co-applicant partners ensure that the action is widely publicised and that EU visibility
is prominent at all events and on all action documents. The special working group comprised by
consortium partners is established as a primary task force to endorse and manage appropriate
actions in the above regard. A specific visibility and communication plan is developed and
visibility activities commenced with the introductory meetings with beneficiaries and stakeholders,
where an informational brochure was being distributed outlining the projects principal aims,
objectives and activities and detailing the source of funding and EU's support. Electronic
publications - including research papers and assessment reports - produced by the partners, carry
the logo of the EU and a description of the project activities supported by this funding. Moreover,
visibility banners were made and were being displayed at all trainings, workshops and public
events as well as at demo plots and coops’ sites and all communication materials (brochures,
guides, handbooks and leaflets) printed recognizes the support from EU. Furthermore, equipment
and materials purchased through the project budget will be marked with stickers bearing the EU
and Oxfam/co-applicant partner logos. For demonstration plots and for larger resources supported
(i.e. irrigation equipment, storage, processing units) signboards, clearly displaying the EU
contribution, along with contributions from other parties, will be placed in all project areas.
Outputs from the action are photographed and videos also recorded for selected actions. These
photos and videos, along with all reports and documents, are placed and will be placed in the
future on Oxfam’s and co-applicant partners’ as well as on ENPARD web-sites and social media
pages that provide a permanent record of the action that can be viewed both locally and
internationally.
In the reporting period the six months monitoring process showed that despite of the cascade of
actions and materials to ensure relevant visibility of the project described above, still the
awareness on the donor and implementing agencies of the project among the target population is
quite low. It is believed that the diversity of the development actors in the country represents quite
sophisticated challenge for farmers to distinguish. Consequently, it was decided to include special
explanatory session within the organizational development capacity building module and to
include specific questions within the post-training test questionnaires in order to measure the
impact of visibility assurance efforts.
February 2016 Page 36 of 36
ENPARD Annual Report Y2 PRE Final 2
The joint decision was reached between the Consortium partners to consolidate existing resources
in order to carry out the Media campaign planned through TV show “Our Farm” and radio; the
campaign will produce 4 TV shows on Food Security issues and 8 TV shows on cooperatives.
Radio coverage will include 27 programs, of which 20 will be dedicated to cooperatives and 7 to
Food Safety. The compromise solution has been found between consortium and the above
contractor to ensure required visibility without violating the law “On Public Broadcaster” and EU
regulations. The EU Delegation has been duly informed on the above risk and relevant feedback
has been provided that helped to arrange contract accordingly. The TV campaign will start from
February 2016.
The European Commission may wish to publicise the results of Actions. Do you have any objection
to this report being published on the EuropeAid website? If so, please state your objections here. NO
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