Boosting Food Security in Armenia: How WFP and EFSD are Transforming Water Management for Sustainable Solutions

The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) is teaming up with the Eurasian Fund for Stabilization and Development (EFSD) to enhance food security in Armenia by focusing on better water management. This collaboration is marked by an agreement with the Armenian government, aiming to strengthen local capacity in managing water resources.

Garik Arabyan, head of the project at EFSD, highlighted the importance of not just investing in infrastructure but also in the people who will manage these resources. “Sustainable projects go beyond physical improvements,” he noted. The initiative will empower Water User Associations (WUAs) across Armenia, focusing on 15 of them.

The training will involve over 125 community water managers. They will learn essential skills such as optimizing irrigation schedules and maintaining infrastructure. Such skills will help the agricultural sector adapt to pressing challenges like water shortage, aging infrastructure, and climate change, which have been significant factors in low crop yields and food insecurity.

Improved irrigation management is crucial. It can reduce water waste and minimize the risk of crop failure, ensuring better water access during critical growing seasons. Even though only 125 individuals will be trained directly, they will influence thousands of smallholder farmers, potentially boosting yields and improving rural incomes.

“Better water management leads directly to better food security,” said Nanna Skau, WFP Representative and Country Director in Armenia. By focusing on local communities and enhancing the knowledge of WUA leaders, WFP aims to create stronger food systems, ultimately leading to more resilient communities.

This initiative aligns with the pressing need for effective resource management in the face of a changing climate. Recent studies suggest that many agricultural communities are increasingly vulnerable to droughts and water scarcity, emphasizing the importance of initiatives like this.

By investing in water management and local knowledge, the collaboration aims to support food-insecure communities in Armenia, helping them achieve better income levels and reliable access to nutritious food. This approach serves as a model for other regions facing similar challenges, highlighting the interconnectedness of water management and food security.



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