In a recent interview, Sandro Gujabidze, a project manager focusing on Agriculture and Food Systems at CENN, articulated his perspective on the importance of actively advocating for sustainable and climate-resilient agricultural practices tailored specifically to the Georgian context. He emphasized the project’s promotion of sustainable soil and water management methods, resource efficiency, as well as integrated pest management to substantially decrease farmers’ dependence on chemical pesticides.
Agricultural practices introduced to local communities and how Georgian farmers have responded to these practices
The EU strongly promotes sustainable and climate-resilient agricultural practices to protect the environment and enhance long-term food security. According to Sandro Gujabidze, one of the project’s most effective approaches has been demonstrating these practices practically, rather than solely relying on theoretical training. For instance, the project established demonstration plots managed collaboratively by a women-led agricultural cooperative the project supported and the project’s private-sector partner, Cartlis, a leading agricultural input supplier. These demonstration plots showcase year-round production of diverse vegetable crops, clearly illustrating the benefits of sustainable practices.
Mr. Gujabidze highlighted the fact that these demonstration plots belong directly to local farmers, which significantly enhances their effectiveness. Farmers observing successful outcomes on land like their own are more likely to adopt these practices themselves. As a result, the project has seen a growing interest and adoption among local farmers, who now clearly see the connection between sustainable methods, increased long-term crop yields, and improved incomes.
In addition, it is understood that Georgian farmers often depend solely on their land as their primary source of income, limiting their ability to experiment with unfamiliar practices. Therefore, offering them a real-world example through demonstration plots has proven essential to overcoming initial scepticism and moving towards climate-resilient agriculture.
Key contributions to a healthier food system and a more resilient agricultural sector in line with EU standards
EU membership would give Georgia access to valuable support through the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), which funds sustainable farming, rural development, and environmentally friendly practices. Mr. Gujabidze stated that his work directly aligns with the core priorities of the EU’s CAP in advancing the aforementioned practices, and through projects such as PRAISE Marneuli, a more resilient agricultural sector is being built by introducing and promoting climate-resilient agricultural practices.
One key contribution of the project has been the development of a Framework Plan for Climate Resilient Agriculture in Marneuli municipality, co-created with local stakeholders through a participatory approach. This plan equips actors with practical guidance on climate adaptation in crop and livestock production and land management, directly mirroring CAP’s goal of decentralizing sustainability planning to local institutions.
Mr. Gujabidze also stated that the project supports smallholder farmers, including women and ethnic minorities, by building their capacity to adopt sustainable practices. Demonstration plots, developed in partnership with local farmers and private sector actors, provide visible, replicable models of year-round sustainable production of high-value crops. These approaches improve productivity and increase the availability of safe, nutritious food, contributing to healthier food systems overall.
Additionally, engagement in the Land Degradation Neutrality project helps address pasture overuse and livestock-related land degradation by introducing balanced feeding, rotational grazing, and traditional breed revival, supporting sustainable rural livelihoods and environmental protection, as promoted under CAP.
Mr. Gujabidze highlighted that EU support will be essential during this transitional period, as the impacts of climate change continue to worsen. Georgian farmers, especially smallholders, face increasing risks and resource constraints. Without incentives and access to modernization pathways, they will struggle to adapt and many risk being the hardest hit by climate-driven disruptions. Support aligned with CAP principles would help farmers improve their practices, foster long-term resilience, environmental sustainability, and alignment with EU agricultural norms.
Success stories from the project where EU-backed initiatives have empowered local communities and farmers, increased adoption of sustainable practices, or improved rural livelihoods in Georgia’s agricultural sector
According to Mr. Gujabidze, one of the most impactful examples of community empowerment and sustainable practice adoption comes from the PRAISE Marneuli project, implemented by CENN with financial support from HEKS/EPER. The project aligns closely with EU values in promoting climate resilience, rural development, and inclusive participation.
One of the main achievements has been the formation of a Multi-Sectoral Working Group (MSWG) in Marneuli municipality. This group brought together representatives from civil society, the private sector, and the local government, including ethnic minorities and women, to collaboratively identify and address pressing environmental and agricultural challenges, such as poor irrigation infrastructure and climate vulnerability. Their advocacy has led to tangible improvements, including the cleaning of key irrigation canals and enhanced civic participation in local decision-making processes. Informational campaigns in Georgian, Armenian, and Azerbaijani have also empowered residents to understand and assert their rights—an essential step in strengthening rural governance.
In parallel, the project supported the establishment of the “Green Maradisi” women’s cooperative, which now unites 10 local female farmers. Before the project, their seedling production was done entirely by hand, under resource-constrained conditions. Through sub-grants and technical support, the cooperative built a modern greenhouse, installed an automated irrigation system, and received a sowing machine. Members were trained by agronomists in climate-resilient practices such as selecting drought- and frost-tolerant crop varieties, efficient water use, and responsible pesticide application. Today, their production has scaled significantly, with high-quality seedlings being sold throughout Marneuli, Tsalka, and Akhalkalaki and even western Georgia. Income has increased, labour intensity has decreased, and the cooperative members now share their knowledge with other farmers—fostering a ripple effect in the wider community.
Another success story involves individual grantees who used project support to overcome long-standing obstacles. For example, one grantee installed a drip irrigation system in his 2-hectare orchard after receiving a grant, reducing both labour and costs while improving water efficiency. His electricity bill dropped from 500–600 GEL to about 150 GEL annually, and his water use was cut by more than 80%. Likewise, another grantee, who grows alfalfa, saw her harvest double after installing a sprinkler irrigation system, while another, formerly reliant on unstable construction work, now runs a small farm machinery service thanks to a tractor he received through the program.
In conclusion, what makes these cases especially valuable is that sustainable agricultural practices were demonstrated in real, farmer-owned contexts. This has proven critical, as most Georgian farmers cannot afford to take risks or experiment with unfamiliar approaches on their primary income-generating land. Seeing results in local, relatable conditions has been one of the most effective tools for encouraging adoption. Over time, we’ve observed growing interest and uptake of these practices across Marneuli, proof to how practical, community-driven approaches can drive progress in climate-resilient agriculture and rural livelihoods.