Women farmers’ empowerment project in Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti completed

Women dairy farmers living in the Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti region continue their activities with improved products and new entrepreneurial skills, thanks to a successfully implemented project by UN Women and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) aimed at their empowerment.

The initiative was implemented with funding from the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), and its closing event was held in Zugdidi. Representatives of UN Women, FAO, the SDC, civil society, rural development and national food agencies as well as women farmers attended the closing event.

During the project, 30 Farmer Field Schools were established in the eight municipalities of Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. With the support of these schools, more than 600 local women have gained valuable knowledge about best practices in dairy production and hygiene, Georgian food safety regulations, livestock health, nutrition, registration and the importance of the livestock identification system. Notably, the women farmers have learned to make 10 types of high-end cheese, including caciotta and halloumi, and many of them have also started producing these types for their consumption and sale. Remarkably, some of the farmers supply their high-end cheese to shops, restaurants and hotels. In addition to gaining knowledge, the women farmers received milk and dairy production equipment and tools to produce high-quality products more efficiently. The project has also assisted them in marketing, labelling and branding their products.

“I saw many purposeful, empowered faces at the event, and I believe that this is the key to their success and growth,” said Javier Sanz Alvarez, FAO Programme Coordinator. “I am glad that the FAO team, with the support of the SDC and in partnership with UN Women, played such an important role in this wonderful project. We are proud of the strong Georgian women involved in the project.”

In addition to improving dairy production, the women farmers, with the support of UN Women, also increased their knowledge of issues concerning gender equality and women’s rights. Now they not only understand what domestic violence means and how it manifests itself, but they also actively share their expertise with fellow villagers and help them protect their rights.

With the initiative of UN Women, the participants learned the basics of business and entrepreneurship and acquired business management skills. Many have become community leaders and inspiring examples for other women through their work. Importantly, the farmers have actively engaged in activism and advocacy, set specific goals, and, taking into account the needs of their communities, have significantly improved the locals’ quality of life.

“As a result of the project, we can see more and more active and empowered women,” said Kaori Ishikawa, UN Women Country Representative in Georgia. “I would like to thank the SDC for its support and FAO for its partnership, as well as all the active women involved in the project who are trying to improve their businesses, identify community needs and participate in the decision-making process.”

Barbara Böni, Regional Director of Cooperation at the Embassy of Switzerland in Georgia, added: “Women’s empowerment is the cornerstone of resilient families, successful communities and sustainable progress. We are proud to support this initiative, which not only enhances practical skills but also fosters women’s leadership and economic empowerment. By partnering with organizations like FAO and UN Women, local communities and the private sector, we’re driving transformative changes in Georgia that reflect Switzerland’s commitment to inclusive and sustainable development in Georgia.”

The project “Promoting the Economic Empowerment of Women Farmers by Supporting Dairy Production through Farmer Field School (FFS) Approaches” was implemented from 2020 to 2024.