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Socio-Economic Integration of Refugees in Armenia - SEIRA


Switzerland will continue supporting Armenia in integrating refugees from Nagorno Karabakh into society while improving social cohesion and economic prospects in remote rural areas of the country. By contributing to activities of the UN World Food Programme and of a local NGO, it will support 1’500 refugee- and vulnerable local households towards sustainable development facilitating the transition from humanitarian aid to long-term development.

Country/region Topic Period Budget
Armenia
Employment & economic development
Agriculture & food security
Rural development
Employment creation
Household food security
01.09.2024 - 31.08.2027
 CHF  1’350’000
The project in brief
Background Since several years, the security situation and the flight of more than 115,000 people has significantly impacted the socio-economic context in Armenia, especially in the rural areas bordering Azerbaijan. Refugees constitute more than 3% of the entire population of Armenia. After the implementation of humanitarian aid interventions in 2023/2024 by humanitarian national and international organisations and community-based organizations under the overall leadership of the Government, there are significant uncertainties about the mid and long-term perspectives. As a result, refugees are hesitant to make decisions towards their integration. Another challenge is the limited communication among refugees and with the host population, which bears additional risks for social cohesion.
Objectives Refugees and vulnerable host populations of selected communities in Gegharkunik, Vayots Dzor and Syunik regions have improved resilience to external shocks and their socio-economic integration.
Target groups 1,500 refugee- and local households in Vardenis, Chambarak, Gavar, Jermuk, Sisian, Goris communities of Gegharkunik, Vayots Dzor and Syunik regions, with particular attention given to women, youth, and people with disabilities.
Medium-term outcomes

Outcome 1: Refugees and vulnerable host populations have increased net additional income from employment or self-employment in agricultural value chains.

Outcome 2: Refugees and vulnerable host populations access and consume diversified healthier food.
Results

Expected results:  

Output 1.1: Refugees engage in upskilling and reskilling interventions.

Output 1.2: Refugee- and local smallholder farmers benefit from access to markets.

Output 1.3: Stakeholders of selected value chains are engaged and strengthened with sustainable and innovative solutions.

Output 2.1: Refugee- and local households have capacities to produce home-grown, nutritious, safe food using sustainable practices.

Output 2.2: Local food security system participants are engaged and mechanisms are developed to increase the community’s resilience to shocks.


Results from previous phases:   As of mid-2024, outstanding refugee needs are manifold: there are more food secure than the host populations, in particular in remote areas of Armenia. Many refugee families have run out of their savings and adults are often unemployed. There is also a need for upskilling/reskilling. Housing and access to land also remain important challenges. The majority of refugees (82%) rent an accommodation, only 20% live in a house with a plot.


Directorate/federal office responsible SDC
Credit area Swiss cooperation with Eastern Europe
Project partners Contract partner
International or foreign NGO
Private sector
United Nations Organization (UNO)
  • Foreign private sector South/East
  • World Food Programme

Implementing partner
Outcome 1: Strategic Development Agency NGO (SDA)
Outcome 2: UN World Food Programme (WFP)
Coordination with other projects and actors Linkages will be sought with other SDC-funded projects (SIGMA, MAVETA) and stakeholders (e.g., FAO, EU, etc.).
Budget Current phase Swiss budget CHF    1’350’000 Swiss disbursement to date CHF    465’783 Total project since first phase Swiss budget CHF  -1 Budget inclusive project partner CHF   1’350’000
Project phases Phase 1 01.09.2024 - 31.08.2027   (Current phase)
  • Sector according to the OECD Developement Assistance Commitiee categorisation OTHER MULTISECTOR
    OTHER SOCIAL INFRASTRUCTURE AND SERVICES
    OTHER MULTISECTOR
    Sub-Sector according to the OECD Developement Assistance Commitiee categorisation
    Rural development
    Employment policy and administrative management
    Household food security programmes
    Cross-cutting topics Conflict reduction
    Aid Type Mandate without fiduciary fund
    Project and programme contribution
    Project number

    7F10987

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Last update 03.01.2021