In the aftermath of the recent conflict in Georgia, which occurred at the height of the harvest season, farmers in northern Shida Kartli region, bordering South Ossetia, suffered severe crop losses. As a result, they lost not only their income from that crop, but were also left without any resources to plant next year’s crop. Without immediate assistance, rural livelihoods and the Georgian food supply were at urgent risk.
The first opportunity for intervention came with the winter crop planting season in October, although the continued presence of Russian troops and the strict time constraints for proper planting presented tremendous challenges. In fact, no other international donor was able to mobilize resources in time. Nevertheless, with a combination of funding from USAID’s Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance (OFDA) and the USAID/Caucasus mission, the Georgia Agricultural Risk Reduction Program (GARRP) was launched.
The scale and the speed with which this assistance was delivered were truly remarkable, and the program served as a powerful demonstration of the friendship and support of the American people. The three-month initiative targeted voucher assistance to every farmer in the conflict zone growing winter crops, providing a comprehensive package of assistance to cover the cost of machinery services (plowing, soil cultivation and planting) and winter wheat seed. Beneficiary lists were compiled in cooperation with local government and vouchers were printed and distributed to more than 7,600 farm families in more than 100 communities.
Privately owned agricultural machinery was mobilized from around the country to provide services in exchange for the vouchers and local farm supply companies were engaged to distribute the seed. A total of more than $1.7 million was paid out in voucher reimbursements to service providers, representing an important economic boost to the private sector. Most importantly, 12,000 hectares were successfully planted, allowing farmers to begin the process of recovery and start earning their own income again. At harvest, the crop is expected to be worth approximately $15 million.
