Summary

In a globalized, knowledge-driven world, the value of inclusive societies, human rights, and sustainable economies hinges on access to quality knowledge and skills.

With US$4.5 million in funding from Switzerland, UNDP is advancing educational reforms in Georgia by strengthening Vocational Education and Training in Agriculture (A-VET). This three-year initiative (2022–2025) builds on a decade of success (2013–2023) and focuses on fostering public-private partnerships and improving agricultural extension services—critical pillars of sustainable rural development.

The project aims to align agricultural skills with market demands, opening doors to increased (self-)employment and higher incomes. By enhancing competencies, it helps build a resilient rural economy, improving livelihoods for youth, women, and vulnerable populations.

The project directly benefits a range of stakeholders, including:

• Six public A-VET colleges across different regions.
• Ten state-run Information Consultancy Centres under the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture.
• The ‘Agro Duo’ organization, representing the private sector in agricultural education.

The initiative supports 15,000 farmers and 2,500 A-VET graduates, driving progress toward a more sustainable and prosperous future for Georgia’s rural communities.

Partnerships

Aiming to create a lasting impact, the initiative draws on UNDP’s cooperation with Georgia’s Ministry of Education and Science, Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture, educational institutions, private enterprises, and civil society organizations to create a lasting impact.

What We Do

Operating at both national and local levels, UNDP and Switzerland focus on three key areas: institution building, system development, and service provision. We address the evolving needs by fostering high-quality A-VET and extension services and ensuring sustainability.

Our project is poised to achieve two main outcomes:

1. Enhanced Quality of A-VET and Extension Services throughout Georgia: To achieve this objective, we are fostering effective cooperation among public and private stakeholders.
2. Market-Driven Agricultural Knowledge and Skills: We empower Georgia’s rural communities, including youth, women, and vulnerable groups, by equipping them with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in a modern, sustainable economy.

Results so far

By January 2025, the project has achieved several milestones:

1. Work-Based Learning (WBL)

• Enhanced WBL instructor capacities through training aligned with new standards.
• Strengthened public-private partnerships (PPPs) through collaboration with the Vocational Skills Agency (VSA) and the Georgian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI).

2. Private Sector Engagement

• Expanded the membership of the Sectoral Skills Organization to include participants from the meat processing and veterinary sectors.
• Conducted needs-based training for the Sectoral Skills Organization’s leadership, trainers, and specialists.

3. Performance Management for VET Colleges

• Developed standards for VET principals, boosting performance-based management.
• Introduced a 360-degree evaluation concept and digital tools, enabling institutional self-assessment in partnership with the National Centre for Education Quality Enhancement (NCEQE).

4. Extension Services for Youth

• Institutionalized three-month paid internships for vocational and higher education students, facilitated by the Rural Development Agency (RDA).

5. Sub-National Agricultural Knowledge and Information System (AKIS)

• Designed and implemented micro-AKIS concepts in Guria and Imereti regions, identifying and mapping local stakeholders in collaboration with the Environmental Information and Education Centre (EIEC).

6. Qualification Standards for Extension Officers

• Established qualification requirements and a professional development system for extension officers.
• Conducted training for extension specialists, college instructors, and students.

7. Farmer Support Services

• Introduced diversified service portfolios for farmers in Imereti, with similar initiatives underway in Ajara.

8. Advancing Women in Vocational Education

• Increased women’s participation in early vocational education, with 187 high school students certified compared to 163 male students.