The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) and the Eurasian Fund for Stabilization and Development (EFSD) are joining forces to improve food security in Armenia through better water management. An agreement for the “Capacity Strengthening of Water Users Associations of Armenia” initiative has been signed with the Government of Armenia, represented by the Armenian Territorial Development Fund (ATDF). The initiative aims to strengthen food security, reduce reliance on assistance, and build community resilience in Armenia.
“At the EFSD, investments in the rehabilitation of basic infrastructure are among our strategic priorities. However, we recognise that ensuring the sustainability of projects in the irrigation sector requires more than physical efforts. To address this, we place a strong emphasis on building the capacity of water user associations and strengthening sector institutions, enabling them to manage water resources more effectively and independently in the long term,” said Garik Arabyan, Head of the Project at the EFSD.
WFP will work with 15 Water User Associations (WUAs) across Armenia, training over 125 WUA leaders and community water managers in practical water management skills. These include optimizing irrigation schedules, maintaining infrastructure, and adopting efficient practices like drip and sprinkler irrigation. The training will strengthen irrigation systems and support food-insecure communities in managing water more effectively for agriculture.
This is particularly important in regions facing water scarcity due to aging infrastructure, overuse of groundwater, and climate change – factors that have contributed to low crop yields and food insecurity. Improved irrigation management will reduce water waste, minimize crop failure risks, and ensure better water access during key growing seasons.
Although 125 individuals will be trained directly, they manage systems serving thousands of smallholder farmers nationwide. More efficient water use is expected to boost yields of water-intensive crops, increase rural incomes, and improve household food access.
“Improved water management leads to improved food security,” said Nanna Skau, WFP Representative and Country Director in Armenia. “By investing in water systems and building the knowledge of the people who manage them, we’re laying the foundation for stronger food systems and more resilient communities across Armenia.”
WFP remains committed to supporting food-insecure communities across Armenia and aligning with the priorities of the Government. By investing in water user associations and local communities, the initiative will help farmers and their families improve income levels and gain consistent access to nutritious food.
