In 2022, Avenue Consulting Group was engaged by UNDP Armenia to create a concept note for a project aimed at adapting the agriculture sector to the challenges posed by climate change. The project needed to align with Armenia’s climate priorities and meet the funding requirements of the Green Climate Fund (GCF). To achieve this, our team conducted thorough research, analyzing existing climate data and trends that impacted agriculture in Armenia. We also facilitated consultations with a wide range of stakeholders, including local farmers, agricultural experts, and government representatives, to gain a comprehensive understanding of the specific climate risks facing the agriculture sector. These discussions helped us identify viable adaptation strategies and prioritize solutions that would be most effective for Armenia’s unique agricultural landscape.

Based on the insights gathered, we developed a concept note that outlined a strategic project focused on increasing the climate resilience of smallholder farmers in Armenia. The proposal included plans for modernizing irrigation systems to ensure more efficient use of water resources, implementing improved water management practices to mitigate the impacts of droughts and erratic rainfall, and introducing climate-smart agriculture techniques such as crop diversification and soil conservation. Additionally, the concept note emphasized the importance of strengthening early warning systems to provide farmers with timely information on extreme weather events, helping them make informed decisions and reduce potential losses. This comprehensive approach aimed to enhance the adaptability and sustainability of Armenia’s agriculture sector, positioning it to better withstand the challenges of a changing climate while supporting the livelihoods of smallholder farmers.