On 4-9 September 2017, CENN has hosted a series of training on the European model for rural development within the framework of the EU-supported project “Optimizing the Potential of Local Assets for Rural Development” in Keda Municipality.
The goal of the training was to jumpstart the conversation on the rural development prospects and opportunities available within the project. During the two-day workshops, participants had an opportunity to familiarise with the aspects of rural development, learn about European model of rural development – LEADER approach, discuss and analyse the opportunities and obstacles in the rural development process of villages in Keda Municipality.
The participants of the trainings were community representatives who expressed their readiness to be involved in Local Action Group (LAG) activities, around 70 representatives from 64 villages of Keda.
The project Optimising the Potential of Local Assets for Rural Development of Keda Municipality is supported by the European Union and is being implemented by CENN in partnership with the Center for Strategic Research and Development of Georgia (CSRDG), Institute of Democracy (IoD) and Austrian Institute for Regional Studies and Spatial Planning (ÖIR).
The EU is supporting agriculture and rural development in Georgia through its ENPARD Programme. Implemented since 2013 with a total budget of EUR 102 million, the main goal of ENPARD is to reduce rural poverty in Georgia. The first phase of ENPARD in Georgia focused on developing the potential of agriculture. The second phase of ENPARD focuses on creating economic opportunities for the rural population that go beyond agricultural activities. More information on ENPARD is available at www.enpard.ge.
