Towards a New Direction: Supporting Agricultural Co...

February 2016 of 36

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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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


data available; this indicator is inter-





(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


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


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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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-





(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-



of Q1 of Year2; measuring the results


(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

February 2016 of 36


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.

February 2016 of 36


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 of 36


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.

February 2016 of 36


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

February 2016 of 36


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 of 36


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

February 2016 of 36


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.

February 2016 of 36


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 of 36


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 of 36


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

February 2016 of 36


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

February 2016 of 36


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,

February 2016 of 36


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

February 2016 of 36


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.

February 2016 of 36


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

February 2016 of 36


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

February 2016 of 36


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


LTD “Hermes” 98,599 International Tender

RCDA


February 2016 of 36


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


Preparation Activity 1.2 Create awareness raising programme and guide on co-operatives


Execution Activity 1.2 Create awareness raising programme and guide on co-operatives


Preparation 1.3 Awareness raising and sensitisation on cooperation

Co-Applicants in their respective regions

Execution 1.3 Awareness raising and sensitisation cooperation


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


Execution Activity 1.5 Develop Toolkit for Capacity Building and Organisational Development for farmers groups/coops


Preparation Activity 1.6 Deliver Capacity Building and Organisational Development for farmers groups/coops


Execution Activity 1.6

Co-Applicants in their respective

2 This plan covers the financial period between the interim report and the interim report.

February 2016 of 36


Deliver Capacity Building and Organisational Development for farmers groups/coops

regions

Preparation Activity 1.7 Support with the founding and registration of co-operatives


Execution Activity 1.7 Support with the founding and registration of co-operatives


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


Execution Activity 2.1 Design and deliver sector specific trainings


Preparation Activity 2.2 Establish and manage Demonstration Plots


Execution Activity 2.2 Establish and manage Demonstration Plots


Preparation Activity 2.3 Support the introduction of new, cost effective technologies, techniques and equipment


Execution Activity 2.3 Support the introduction of new, cost effective technologies, techniques and equipment


Preparation Activity 2.4 Facilitate access to extension services


Execution Activity 2.4 Facilitate access to extension services


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


February 2016 of 36


educational programme

Execution Activity 3.1 Design and implement WEL campaign and educational programme


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


Preparation Activity 4.1 Establish and/or strengthen regional co-operative stakeholder fora


Execution Activity 4.1 Establish and/or strengthen regional co-operative stakeholder fora


Preparation Activity 4.2

Support strong

engagement of local

authorities in co-

operative and agricultural

development processes


Execution Activity 4.2 Support

strong engagement of

local authorities in co-

operative and agricultural

development processes


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.

February 2016 of 36


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.

February 2016 of 36


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

February 2016 of 36


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 of 36


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

OBEJECTIONS.

Name of the contact person for the Action:

……………………………………………

Signature: ………………………………………

Location: ………………………………………

Date report due: ……………………..…………

Date report sent: ……………………………….

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