Georgia: Local Economic Development (LED)


In order to address regional disparities in Georgia, this local economic development project will foster effective collaboration between local and national actors, including those from the public, private, and civil society sectors to develop market systems in specific value chains. The project builds on earlier major Swiss engagement to support decentralization, and will stimulate the generation of additional income and job opportunities, while promoting inclusive and sustainable growth in local communities. 

Paese/Regione Tema Periodo Budget
Georgia
Impiego & sviluppo economico
Governance
Sviluppe rurale
Creazione di occupazione
Decentralizzazione
01.06.2022 - 30.11.2026
CHF  3’840’000
Contesto Georgia enjoyed a robust post-pandemic economic recovery and vigorous economic growth in 2021-23. It contributed to general poverty reduction, however due to existing regional disparities and income inequalities, rural poverty remains considerably higher. Government tried to address regional disparities through decentralization, regional and sectoral development reforms. But due to the top-down modality of reforms implementation and limited public-private collaboration, rural-urban disparities remain as a critical challenge. It results in increasing labor migration from rural areas. Agriculture, tourism, construction and logistics are identified as potential sectors for local economic development. Application of inclusive, innovative and sustainable practices are key for reducing rural poverty.
Obiettivi Men and women in targeted municipalities leverage opportunities from inclusive local economic development, improving their income and quality of life.
Gruppi target

End beneficiaries will be local SMEs, entrepreneurs (women and men) with enhanced capacities and market linkages, also persons with new or better employment.

Direct beneficiaries will be the government and non-government meso organizations, business associations, targeted LSGs and the national LED Core Group.

Indirect beneficiaries will be large private enterprises, commercial banks with enhanced corporate social responsibilities, as well as universities that foster innovation, entrepreneurship, and community engagement.

Effetti a medio termine

Outcome 1: Local entrepreneurs (women and men) apply innovative business approaches.

Outcome 2: Local governments increase the economic attractiveness of the targeted localities.

Outcome 3: National stakeholders improve their responsiveness to the needs of entrepreneurs in their localities. 

Risultati

Risultati principali attesi:  

  • Capacities and market linkages of local entrepreneurs are enhanced for improving their competitiveness
  • Local entrepreneurs engage in knowledge exchange and consultation mechanisms among LED system actors
  • Capacities of local actors (municipalities, private sector, local media, CSOs, academia) are enhanced to promote the economic attractiveness of the targeted localities
  • National stakeholders enhance collaboration with local entities


Risultati fasi precedenti:  

During Inception Phase comparative advantages were identified in the pilot municipalities through the application of participatory appraisal methods (PACA, LED Café).

Priority value chains and municipalities were selected.

Collaboration and joint innovative funding mechanisms were tested between the LED Core Group and the local LED actors.


Direzione/Ufficio responsabile DSC
Partner del progetto Partner contrattuale
ONG internazionale o straniera
Organizzazione svizzera senza scopo di lucro
  • HELVETAS Swiss Intercooperation
  • Other international or foreign NGO North
  • Consortium Helvetas / Wins (selected through an open tender procedure)


Coordinamento con altri progetti e attori Close coordination will be established with SDC financed projects (ALCP2 and Rural SME Development), as well as other projects of economic governance and local development financed by the EU Delegation, USAID, GIZ.
Budget Fase in corso Budget Svizzera CHF    3’840’000 Budget svizzero attualmente già speso CHF    1’606’092 Progetto totale dalla prima fase Budget Svizzera CHF   660’000
Fasi del progetto Fase 1 01.06.2022 - 30.11.2026   (Fase in corso)