Multipliers training cycle
AZERBAIJAN
Promoting organic agriculture in Azerbaijan
Number: C300104301
Field of Studies: agriculture, education
Language: English (Russian, Turkish or Azeri would be an asset)
Number of participants: 2
Ganja Agribusiness Association (GABA) is an agricultural non-government organisation (NGO) operating in the Western, North western and Central regions of Azerbaijan. GABA's office is located in Ganja, the second-largest city situated in the Western part of Azerbaijan, close to the country’s major agricultural areas. Since its establishment in 1996, GABA has implemented more than 40 projects in the fields of environmental protection, agribusiness extension, rural development and organic agriculture. One of GABA's priorities is to strengthen the organic agriculture in Azerbaijan providing sustainable development including environmental protection and economic benefit.
According to their qualifications and interests, the GLEN participants can assist GABA in three working fields. Firstly, the strategical development of organic agriculture. GABA anticipates working with the government on a programme to further the support of organic agriculture. After analysing the current situation and the opportunities for organic agriculture-development in a field-study, the interns assist the development of a detailed long-term plan for implementing practical activities. Secondly, the marketing of organic products. Currently, the primary way of selling is by home-delivery services. A strategy will be developed to place the organic products in shops and markets. Additionally, a labelling and certification system of organic products needs to be established. Thirdly, the promotion of farmers’ associations. Most of the farmers in the region own small plots of land causing problems of markets’ access, obtaining financial loans and procurement and use of machinery. Currently, there is no juridical basis to establish farmers’ associations. A summarizing paper needs to be created to address the government concerning this matter.
During the internship, the GLEN participants cooperate closely with GABA’s employees and participate in field trips to meet farmers. Self-motivation, independence and good communication skills are needed.
The scheduled time for the internship is July to September 2010.
The training and preparation seminars before the internship take place in English. The GLEN team will be composed of one German/Swiss and one French participant
Proposed by: Ganja Agribusiness Association (GABA); Anne Koch and Marion Provost (GLEN participants 2009)
According to their qualifications and interests, the GLEN participants can assist GABA in three working fields. Firstly, the strategical development of organic agriculture. GABA anticipates working with the government on a programme to further the support of organic agriculture. After analysing the current situation and the opportunities for organic agriculture-development in a field-study, the interns assist the development of a detailed long-term plan for implementing practical activities. Secondly, the marketing of organic products. Currently, the primary way of selling is by home-delivery services. A strategy will be developed to place the organic products in shops and markets. Additionally, a labelling and certification system of organic products needs to be established. Thirdly, the promotion of farmers’ associations. Most of the farmers in the region own small plots of land causing problems of markets’ access, obtaining financial loans and procurement and use of machinery. Currently, there is no juridical basis to establish farmers’ associations. A summarizing paper needs to be created to address the government concerning this matter.
During the internship, the GLEN participants cooperate closely with GABA’s employees and participate in field trips to meet farmers. Self-motivation, independence and good communication skills are needed.
The scheduled time for the internship is July to September 2010.
The training and preparation seminars before the internship take place in English. The GLEN team will be composed of one German/Swiss and one French participant
Proposed by: Ganja Agribusiness Association (GABA); Anne Koch and Marion Provost (GLEN participants 2009)