Oxfam and One Armenia Team Up to Lift Lives in Tavush

Campaign Target Date Set for June 29

We live in a world today where development is purported to hinge on services and technological innovation. To be competitive in the global economy, countries are told they must enter the information age and develop sectors such as IT. This penchant for progress is certainly a positive one. But creating the economy of the future must first start with the most fundamental base of production and sustenance: agriculture.

'Time is running out for Tavush.' — *‘Time is running out for Tavush’*

Today, agriculture accounts for 19 percent of Armenia’s GDP and 37 percent of the employed workforce in the country. It is also a quickly growing sector providing for the largest share of contributions to annual growth. For Armenia, the efficient and sustainable cultivation of land—generating incomes that can then build the base for greater economic activity—is essential for both prosperity and self-sufficiency.

That is why a recent campaign launched by Oxfam in Armenia and One Armenia to support female agricultural cooperatives in Armenia’s border villages is so important.

“Since 2010, Oxfam has helped establish cooperatives in 15 villages across Armenia, including 4 in the critical region of Tavush,” says Oxfam in Armenia representative Kristine Hovhannisian. “With the help of One Armenia, we are taking this initiative to the next level by crowdfunding for the construction of four additional greenhouses in Tavush that will provide a stable income for nearly 50 women farmers in these volatile border communities.”

The campaign is seeking to raise $10,000 for each of the 4 greenhouses to be built ($40,000 total). These greenhouses will increase productivity in the existing cooperatives by more than 50 percent, paving the way for secure jobs and improved living standards throughout the community.

Just as central as the economic imperative is the social component of the project. The cooperatives are all female focused and operate on participatory democratic principles. Each cooperative member has a voice in decisions and benefits from the proceeds equally. This collective approach has proven effective in not only pooling resources to achieve growth but also in distributing the gains of such growth more equally in the community.

The entry of One Armenia into campaign also marks a new, exciting opportunity for the Armenian Diaspora to engage in progressive initiatives in the homeland. This is a unique opportunity for Armenians to take action and see their dollar make a real difference for those who have so long been ignored and marginalized.

As explained by the organization’s country director, Nazareth Seferian, “With this project, we are trying to find a sustainable solution to poverty for more than 50 families in our border villages. At the same time, we’re focusing on redefining the role of women in rural Armenian society, giving them the opportunity, skills, and resources to make a positive change in their communities. It’s a win-win!”

Each greenhouse is expected to generate a harvest of 7.5 tons and an annual net revenue of $3,200 to each community. But in order for this campaign to reach its goals, the $40,000 total must be raised by June 29. This targeted deadline will ensure that the greenhouses are built in time for the harvest season starting in August, allowing the cooperatives to cultivate their crops successfully this year.

‘The entry of One Armenia into campaign marks a new, exciting opportunity for the Armenian Diaspora to engage in progressive initiatives in the homeland. This is a unique opportunity for Armenians to take action and see their dollar make a real difference for those who have so long been ignored and marginalized. … The much-touted potential of the diaspora must be put to use through such projects that make a tangible difference for people on the ground.’

Bridging the gap between the diaspora and Armenia through such meaningful projects is the direction we need to move in if we want to see advancement and prosperity in the country. The much-touted potential of the diaspora must be put to use through such projects that make a tangible difference for people on the ground.

By supporting this campaign, we will not only be helping uplift families out of poverty, we will be setting the foundation for a more robust and advanced economy for the future.

Help ensure that the Tavush cooperative greenhouses are built in time for this year’s harvest by visiting the campaign page today and making your secure online contribution.

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Serouj Aprahamian

Serouj Aprahamian has always been actively involved in the Armenian community. From 2007-2009, he served as the Capital Gateway Program Director for the Armenian National Committee of America in DC, while obtaining a Master's in International Relations from American University. He also served for three years as the Executive Director of the AYF Western Region and has contributed regularly to the Armenian Weekly, Haytoug, and Asbarez. He is currently a correspondent of the Armenian Weekly in Yerevan.