Akhmeta LAG Visit to Dedoplitskaro

On the 17^th and 18^th October 2019, Action Against Hunger and HEKS-EPER organised a study visit for Akhmeta Local Action Group (LAG) applicants to Dedoplitskaro Municipality to meet with the Dedoplitskaro LAG and visit successful projects that they have supported.

The LAG applicants were keen to learn more about the LEADER methodology. During the first day the visitors had very interesting discussions with Dedoplitskaro LAG board members and the HEKS-EPER project team. Following a project presentation, they were provided with detailed information about how the LAG was structured and its operations. They also talked in depth about the challenges that the Dedoplitskaro LAG had faced over the past two years in its development. The visitors were also very interested in hearing about the grant competitions that the LAG had run and received in-depth information about the application process, how the project applications were evaluated and monitoring process.

Later in the visit the Akhmeta LAG applicants had the opportunity a visit the projects supported by Dedoplitskaro LAG and hear more from the selected grantees. The visited projects included commercial businesses, infrastructure development and social services and the guests very impressed with the quality and impact of the project support.

The participants are keen to now use the lessons learned and experience gained in Dedoplitskaro to support their own LAG establishment and development in Akhmeta.

The project “Promoting inclusive and participatory local development in Akhmeta Municipality” aims to support the socio-economic integration of rural communities in Akhmeta through a bottom-up, community-led approach to rural development. The initiative aims to help community members to take lead of local development planning decision-making processes as well help them to improve the quality of life and economic conditions within the municipality.

The project is financed under the third cycle of the ENPARD project implemented by Action Against Hunger, Kakheti Rural Development Foundation and Tusheti Development Fund.

The European Union is supporting agriculture and rural development in Georgia through its ENPARD programme. The support is grounded on best European practices in the field and involves improving livelihoods of rural communities through creating economic opportunities and promoting local public-private partnerships. Implemented since 2013 the main goal of ENPARD is to reduce rural poverty in Georgia. For more information please visit: www.enpard.ge