The Ardahan-Kars-Artvin Development project will boost agricultural, livestock and horticultural production in the easternmost provinces of Turkey.

In line with government’s policy to reduce the substantial difference in socio-economic development between Turkey’s poor easternmost provinces and other areas, the project will work with smallholder farmers of Ardahan, Kars and Artvin provinces to alleviate rural poverty and improve the livelihoods of poor rural people living in these provinces.

The project will focus its activities on farmers who have the potential and willingness of moving to commercial agricultural production. It will also support women engaged in livestock and horticultural production.

Through its activities, the project will build the capacity of farmers and provincial agricultural staff to develop a business approach to agriculture. In addition to training and technical advice, the project will invest in agricultural infrastructure such as modern barns, drinking troughs, manure pits, hay storage premises and mobile veterinary clinics.

Other expected project benefits include:

• a positive impact on natural resource management in the project area through less stress on rangeland;
• the introduction of higher-yielding crop varieties;
• an improved standard of living in villages because of better provincial management.

Source: IFAD