Enhanced resilience of viticulture in Abkhazia


A vast area in Abkhazia was contaminated by the explosion of an ammunition warehouse in 2017. Clearance efforts supported by international experts are about to be completed, enabling the restoration of the land for agricultural purposes. Endemic grape varieties will be reintroduced fostering biodiversity and resistance to disease. Growers’ resilience to climatic and economic shocks will be enhanced by setting a sector association and training in advanced agricultural practices.

Country/region Topic Period Budget
Georgia
Climate change and environment
Agriculture & food security
Conflict & fragility
Biodiversity
Agricultural development
Removal of land mines
01.12.2021 - 30.11.2026
CHF  880’000
Background Since 1993, Abkhazia is a breakaway territory of Georgia, struggling with the aftermath of the armed conflict between the separatist forces and the central Government. Abkhazia is affected by high poverty rates and high vulnerabilities to global shocks. Since 2017, the international NGO Halo Trust has been demining the territory near the Primorsky village, which was contaminated by the explosion of an ammunition warehouse. According to FAO, this parcel is suitable for viticulture. There is a market demand for endemic grapes, however local growers lack access to quality planting material. As a result, the endemic varieties are under risk of extinction. Enabling local growers to produce high quality saplings of endemic grape varieties will mitigate the risk of biodiversity loss, as well as create opportunities of additional income for the farming community.
Objectives The overall impact of the project will be enhanced resilience of grape farmers in Abkhazia thanks to sustainable management of grape genetic resources.
Target groups

Direct Beneficiaries:

  1. Association of Grape Growers in Abkhazia
  2. Local grape growers
  3. VET teachers and extensionists

Indirect Beneficiaries:

  • Wine producers in Abkhazia
Medium-term outcomes

Outcome 1: Biodiversity of grape production in Abkhazia is strengthened with enhanced protection of endemic varieties and introduction of climate smart agricultural practices.

Outcome 2: Grape growers in Abkhazia apply advanced agricultural practices and increase incomes.

Results

Expected results:  

  1. Endemic grape varieties are identified through involvement of international experts.
  2. High quality saplings of endemic grape varieties are produced in Abkhazia and are accessible for local growers.
  3. Local grape growers in Abkhazia grow endemic varieties and apply good agricultural practices.


Directorate/federal office responsible SDC
Project partners Contract partner
Private sector
United Nations Organization (UNO)
  • Food and Agricultural Organisation
  • Foreign private sector North


Other partners
FAO
Coordination with other projects and actors
  1. ENPARD IV Implementation of Integrated Farming Systems in Abkhazia through hands-on trainings
  2. EU/UN innovative action for private sector competitiveness
  3. HALO Trust project on deep de-mining in Primorsky
  4. EUSR
  5. FDFA PHRD & UK CSSF / HALO trust Completion of de-mining in Primorsky
Budget Current phase Swiss budget CHF    880’000 Swiss disbursement to date CHF    624’835 Total project since first phase Budget inclusive project partner CHF   1’607’700
Project phases Phase 1 01.12.2021 - 30.11.2026   (Current phase)