Socio-Economic Integration of Refugees in Armenia - SEIRA


Switzerland will continue supporting Armenia in integrating refugees from Nagorno Karabakh into society while improving social cohesion and economic prospects in remote rural areas of the country. By contributing to activities of the UN World Food Programme and of a local NGO, it will support 1’500 refugee- and vulnerable local households towards sustainable development facilitating the transition from humanitarian aid to long-term development.

Land/Region Thema Periode Budget
Armenien
Beschäftigung & Wirtschaftsentwicklung
Landwirtschaft und Ernährungssicherheit
Ländliche Entwicklung
Schaffung von Arbeitsplätzen
Ernährungssicherheit der Haushalte
01.09.2024 - 31.08.2027
CHF  1’350’000
Hintergrund Since several years, the security situation and the flight of more than 115,000 people has significantly impacted the socio-economic context in Armenia, especially in the rural areas bordering Azerbaijan. Refugees constitute more than 3% of the entire population of Armenia. After the implementation of humanitarian aid interventions in 2023/2024 by humanitarian national and international organisations and community-based organizations under the overall leadership of the Government, there are significant uncertainties about the mid and long-term perspectives. As a result, refugees are hesitant to make decisions towards their integration. Another challenge is the limited communication among refugees and with the host population, which bears additional risks for social cohesion.
Ziele Refugees and vulnerable host populations of selected communities in Gegharkunik, Vayots Dzor and Syunik regions have improved resilience to external shocks and their socio-economic integration.
Zielgruppen 1,500 refugee- and local households in Vardenis, Chambarak, Gavar, Jermuk, Sisian, Goris communities of Gegharkunik, Vayots Dzor and Syunik regions, with particular attention given to women, youth, and people with disabilities.
Mittelfristige Wirkungen

Outcome 1: Refugees and vulnerable host populations have increased net additional income from employment or self-employment in agricultural value chains.

Outcome 2: Refugees and vulnerable host populations access and consume diversified healthier food.

Resultate

Erwartete Resultate:  

Output 1.1: Refugees engage in upskilling and reskilling interventions.

Output 1.2: Refugee- and local smallholder farmers benefit from access to markets.

Output 1.3: Stakeholders of selected value chains are engaged and strengthened with sustainable and innovative solutions.

Output 2.1: Refugee- and local households have capacities to produce home-grown, nutritious, safe food using sustainable practices.

Output 2.2: Local food security system participants are engaged and mechanisms are developed to increase the community’s resilience to shocks.


Resultate von früheren Phasen:   As of mid-2024, outstanding refugee needs are manifold: there are more food secure than the host populations, in particular in remote areas of Armenia. Many refugee families have run out of their savings and adults are often unemployed. There is also a need for upskilling/reskilling. Housing and access to land also remain important challenges. The majority of refugees (82%) rent an accommodation, only 20% live in a house with a plot.


Verantwortliche Direktion/Bundesamt DEZA
Kreditbereich Ostzusammenarbeit
Projektpartner Vertragspartner
Internationale oder ausländische NGO
Privatsektor
Organisation der Vereinten Nationen (UNO)
  • Ausländischer Privatsektor Süden/Osten
  • World Food Programme

Umsetzungspartner
Outcome 1: Strategic Development Agency NGO (SDA)
Outcome 2: UN World Food Programme (WFP)

Koordination mit anderen Projekten und Akteuren Linkages will be sought with other SDC-funded projects (SIGMA, MAVETA) and stakeholders (e.g., FAO, EU, etc.).
Budget Laufende Phase Schweizer Beitrag CHF    1’350’000 Bereits ausgegebenes Schweizer Budget CHF    465’783 Projekttotal seit Anfangsphase Schweizer Beitrag CHF  -1 Budget inklusive Projektpartner CHF   1’350’000
Projektphasen Phase 1 01.09.2024 - 31.08.2027   (Laufende Phase)