86 micro, small and medium women agricultural producers from 16 districts of the country have increased the energy resilience of their businesses. At the same time, 12 environmental NGOs have become promoters of sustainable agricultural practices and trainers for 1000 women with economic activities in agriculture, who have also benefited from a comprehensive capacity building programme. These are the main results of the joint FAO and UNDP Moldova project "Emergency support to agricultural producers in the context of socio-economic, climate and energy crisis", which was carried out with the support of the Austrian Development Agency (ADA) and the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC). 

The project aimed to help women agri-producers from rural areas vulnerable to the challenges of the socio-economic and energy crisis to adopt renewable energy solutions and energy efficient technologies in their businesses and households. Thanks to this support, the beneficiaries have been able to install photovoltaic systems, solar collectors, biomass boilers and various energy-efficient equipment. All this equipment allows them to save an estimated 3 million lei annually, which they will invest in product quality and business development. 

The joint FAO and UNDP Moldova project was implemented over two years in 16 target districts: Telenești, Ungheni, Șoldănești, Hîncești, Sîngerei, Briceni, Orhei, Strășeni, Criuleni, Dubăsari, Florești, Rezina, Cantemir, Căușeni, Cahul and Taraclia. During this period, ADA supported 32 green energy transition initiatives totaling US$300,000, which were submitted by agricultural producers. At the same time, SDC has allocated a budget of $586,200 to implement 54 energy efficiency projects. In total, donor support amounted to about $886,200, which was provided in the form of equipment and services. Of the financed solutions about 73% were for renewable energy systems, 13.7% - for thermal energy equipment and 13.3% - for energy efficient equipment. The average beneficiary contribution to the project amounted to 31.5%.

Present at the presentation of the results on 15 November, Sandra Horina, the Head of the Austrian Development Agency's office in Chișinău, mentioned: “Today’s event marks a significant milestone in our collective efforts to strengthen food security and energy resilience in Moldova. Through our continued support for this project, we are empowering women and vulnerable agricultural producers to drive positive change, promote sustainable practices, and adapt to the challenges of climate and energy crises. It is inspiring to witness the tangible impact of our work, which not only fosters environmental sustainability but also uplifts communities and accelerates progress toward the Moldova 2030 SDGs.”

"Our intervention is a crucial contribution to the sustainable development of agri-producers, addressing the ongoing socio-economic, climate, and energy challenges. Switzerland has committed to enhancing women’s resilience in the context of the energy crisis. The inclusion of smart climate solutions underscores a forward-thinking approach. But, one of the most impactful long-term achievements is the establishment of a robust, interconnected community of active women agri-producers many of whom are present at this event, who support, inspire, and empower one another. We are happy to see creation of this network that will foster a sense of solidarity and collective purpose," said Guido Beltrani, Director of the Swiss Cooperation Office in the Republic of Moldova.

"In a time of intersecting crises, resilience and empowerment are essential. By adopting a transformative approach and moving beyond 'business-as-usual,' we can ensure sustainable progress. Funding women-led activities is not just about economic support, it's about reshaping perspectives and breaking down deeply rooted gender stereotypes. Moreover, by actively engaging women in climate action and environmentally responsible practices, we contribute to development outcomes for entire communities," said Seher Ariner, Deputy Resident Representative, UNDP Moldova.

One of the entrepreneurs who has benefited from the support is Angela Comendant, who has been developing an agro-pension in her home village Cotiujenii Mari, Șoldănești, for seven years. In 2023, with the support of the project, she managed to purchase a 33 kW biomass boiler, a wood chipper and a pelletizer. Thanks to this equipment she will reduce her electricity bills to zero.

"Our biggest problem is the heating system. The area where the guesthouse is located is not gasified and the heating system is connected to electricity. We heat the premises from October to March and the bills for the last two years have been enormous. Thanks to this project, we will use the waste from the orchard and we will heat eco-friendly, without spending on electricity," says the businesswoman.

Another beneficiary of the project is Mihaela Lazar from Mihalașa village, Telenești district. She raises 66 cows and 14 pigs for meat and milk on her peasant farm. Thanks to the support provided by SDC and UNDP Moldova, the entrepreneur was able to install a photovoltaic system with a capacity of 10 kw, which will provide her with the full amount of electricity needed to run the machinery for processing fodder, heating the premises during the cold season, lighting and other farm work. According to estimates, she will be able to save 41 thousand lei annually on electricity.

The beneficiaries also participated in a comprehensive capacity building programme, which included training on sustainable agricultural practices, energy efficiency and access to markets. The project organized 36 seminars for 1000 people interested in developing income-generating agricultural activities.

And representatives of 12 local environmental NGOs were trained to become trainers in sustainable and environmentally friendly agricultural practices for women farmers in the regions. In addition, 13 study visits were organized in the field of conservative agriculture and energy efficiency, including one to Romania. These visits have facilitated the exchange of experience and best practices among project beneficiaries, as well as better information about new conservation farming strategies and technologies.

UNDP and its partners support the development of women's entrepreneurship, the implementation of green economy principles and the transition to green energy.