The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the key international partner of the European Union in rural development. We work to address the structural and systemic challenges that hamper rural development in Georgia and ensure that more diverse rural services are delivered to the population in an efficient, effective and sustainable way. UNDP’s work is based on the strategic approach defined by Georgia’s national Rural Development Strategy, adopted in 2017.

Targeting all regions of Georgia, including Ajara Autonomous Republic, UNDP focuses on the improvement of rural development policy and governance, diversification of rural economies, sustainable environmental practices, and on the increased engagement of all stakeholders, including local communities, in rural development.

Specific pilot initiatives are being implemented in the municipalities of Lagodekhi, Dedoplistskaro, Tetritskaro, Borjomi, Akhalkalaki, Kazbegi, Keda and Khulo.

UNDP operates in partnership and cooperation with the wide range of stakeholders, including the Government of Georgia, Government of Ajara Autonomous Republic, regional and municipal authorities, civil society and community organizations, local activist groups, academic institutions and the private sector.

Our work complements the initiative FAO support to Georgian agricultural sector under ENPARD III. Previously, in the framework of ENPARD, UNDP has implemented the initiatives ENPARD-1: Rural Development in Ajara Autonomous Republic and ENPARD-2: Promoting Rural Development in Georgia.