Challenges

Lusakert village is located in the Northern part of Armenia, in Shirak region. In the village farmers relied on outdated and inefficient farming methods. Traditional practices, such as inefficient irrigation, low-yield crop varieties, and dependence on costly non-renewable energy sources limited their productivity.

Another challenge faced by the farmers was limited access to finance for transitioning to modern agricultural practices. Their ability to adopt modern, sustainable agricultural technologies like green energy, efficient irrigation, climate-smart farming practices was severely restricted by limited access to finance.

The weather conditions of the village are quite rough throughout the year. The village faces cold and snowy winters, hot and dry summers, strong winds, droughts, and hailstorms that can destroy their crops in just a few minutes. Severe weather conditions, water scarcity and frequent hailstorms throughout the year made it difficult for families to grow enough food and increase their family income. 

Toward a Solution

The project aimed to strengthen capacities of the local community against multiple shocks and stressors of food security. During project implementation process, a China-manufactured 20 kW capacity solar station was installed to help the community to save money on electricity and then invest the savings in agricultural works. In addition, local farmers received training on agricultural techniques (e.g., the drip irrigation systems for backyard berry gardens) as well as different types of berry seeds for agriculture. WFP used an integrated approach combining modern technology, farmer training, renewable energy and South-South cooperation with China. This helped smallholder farmers improve productivity, save resources, and access markets contributing to the following SDGs – 2: Zero Hunger, 7: Affordable and Clean Energy, 13: Climate Action. WFP worked closely with the Lusakert community, Green Lane NGO and Chinese technical experts for the successful implementation of the project.

The project enabled South-South and Triangular Cooperation by connecting Armenia with China through COVID-19 SSTC Opportunity Fund, in its turn the cooperation supported Armenia’s farmers adopt new practices to fight challenges like climate change, food insecurity and water scarcity.

The outcomes achieved include (1) 15 smallholder farmers received income opportunities, (2) installed 20kW solar station helping the community save about USD 3,000 per year for the upcoming 25 years, (3) increased water use efficiency by up to 40% compared to the traditional methods.

The good practice was innovative as it introduced modern drip irrigation systems and solar energy to rural farmers together with training on efficient farming and marketing techniques. This helped them not only save water, lower energy costs but also produce higher-quality crops, thus building more sustainable farming practices.

On the sustainability perspective the project provided farmers with long-term tools like drip irrigation systems and a solar power station, which reduces the GHG emissions and environmental impact. The training built farmers’ skills ensuring they can maintain and expand their businesses in the long run.

The successful model of “Green Energy for Productive Farming” project using solar energy production to invest in community savings and smallholder farmers’ productivity has been replicated in other regions of Armenia and continues to contribute to sustainable agricultural growth and economic development.