On February 5, 2020, within the framework of the EU ENPARD supported project “EMBRACE Tsalka” implemented by CENN with partner organizations, a training for the organizational development of the LAG was held in Tsalka Municipality.

The main purpose of the training was to raise the participants’ awareness and improve their knowledge about the organizational development and empowerment of the LAG.

On the first day of the training, participants discussed what the LAG should look like as an effective organization, as well as what systems and processes need to be devised and maintained for the organization to function effectively.

During the training, participants were introduced to the following key management functions: planning, organizing, motivating and evaluating; the various levels and basic principles of planning and organizing, their importance and the steps that the LAG must take to develop effective strategic and operational management systems.

The training module provided practical activities that helped participants develop their skills. 15 people attended the training.

The project “EMBRACE Tsalka” is implemented under the European Neighbourhood Programme for Agriculture and Rural Development (ENPARD) by EU’s partner organization CENN, in partnership with the Georgian Farmers’ Association (GFA) and German partner organization – Institute for Rural Development Research (IfLS). The total budget of the project is € 2.4 million. It follows the previous EU-supported rural development actions under ENPARD in Borjomi, Lagodekhi, Kazbegi, Keda, Khulo, Dedoplistskaro, Tetritskaro and Akhalkalaki municipalities. This year, the EU has launched rural development projects in four new municipalities including Tsalka, Akhmeta, Tskaltubo, and Mestia.

The EU is supporting agriculture and rural development in Georgia through its ENPARD Programme. Implemented since 2013 with a total budget of EUR 179.5 million, the main goal of ENPARD is to reduce rural poverty in Georgia. The first phase of ENPARD in Georgia focused on developing the potential of agriculture. The second and third phases of ENPARD focus on creating economic opportunities for rural populations that go beyond agricultural activities. More information on ENPARD is available at: www.enpard.ge.