EU launches projects to develop Georgia’s rural areas

The European Union (EU) continues to contribute to the reduction of poverty in rural Georgia by supporting the improvement of community members’ employment and income opportunities.

New EU-funded rural development projects were launched today in Keda and Khulo municipalities in Georgia’s Adjara region.

Over 50 representatives of rural communities, municipal authorities, government and civil society attended the event, where the EU supported projects ‘Promotion of Rural Development and Diversification in Khulo Municipality’ and ‘Optimising the Potential of Local Assets for Rural Development of Keda Municipality’ were launched.

The projects aim at promoting a bottom-up, inclusive rural development approach that fully engages all communities in Keda and Khulo municipalities.

The projects follow the earlier EU-supported rural development actions under ENPARD in Borjomi, Lagodekhi and Kazbegi municipalities.

This year, EU launched rural development projects in five new municipalities including Keda and Khulo, also Dedoplistskaro, Akhalkalaki and Tetritskaro.

The EU is supporting rural development in Georgia through its ENPARD Programme. Implemented since 2013 with a total budget of ˆ102 million, the main goal of ENPARD is to reduce rural poverty. (Agenda.ge)