zrda activity in georgia

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ZRDA ACTIVITY IN GEORGIA

QUARTERLY REPORT NO. 10: Q3, FY 2018

JULY 30, 2018

This publication was produced for review by the United States Agency of International Development.

It was prepared by Chemonics International Inc.

ZRDA QUARTERLY REPORT NO 10: Q3 FY 2018 1

ZRDA ACTIVITY IN GEORGIA QUARTERLY REPORT NO. 10: Q3, FY 2018

Cooperative Agreement No. AID-114-A-16-00004

Cover photo: Training of Georgian Canyoning instructors by International Association of

professional CIC canyon guides in Samegrelo, Georgia. (Photo Credit: Chemonics

International Inc.)

DISCLAIMER

The authors’ views expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect the views of the United

States Agency for International Development or the United States government.


ACRONYMS

ABL Administrative Boundary Line

ACDA Agricultural Cooperatives Development Agency

ACN Activity Concept Note

AIC NGO Abkhazintercont

AIP Zrda Annual Implementation Plan

AMEP Zrda Activity Monitoring & Evaluation Plan

AMP Activity Management Plan

APMA Agricultural Program Management Agency

APS Annual Program Statement

B2B Business-to-business

BSO Business Support Organization

CDF Chachkari Development Fund

CHCA Charity Humanitarian Centre “Abkhazeti”

CIC Community Innovation Center

CIC International Canyoning Guides Federation

CIS Commonwealth of Independent States

COP Chief of Party

DCFTA Deep & Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement (EU)

DCOP Deputy Chief of Party

DMO Destination Management Organization

EOI Expression of Interest

F2F USAID Farmer-to-Farmer Activity

FSC Farm Service Center

FY Fiscal Year

G4G USAID Governing for Growth Activity

GAP Good Agricultural Practices

GARA Government of the Autonomous Republic of Abkhazia

GEL Georgian Lari

GEM Fest Georgian Electronic Music Festival

GFA Georgian Farmers’ Association

GFDC Georgian Farmers Distribution Company

GHP Good Hygiene Practices

GITA Georgia’s Innovation & Technology Agency


GLA Georgian Logistics Association

GMP Good Management Practices

GNTA Georgia National Tourism Agency

GoG Government of Georgia

GRDF Georgian Rural Development Fund

HACCP Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point

HICD 2020 USAID Human and Institutional Capacity Development 2020

Activity

ICC Information and Consultation Center

IDP Internally Displaced Person

IFAD International Fund for Agriculture

IQC Indefinite Quantity Contract

IRF International Rafting Federation

LC Loan Committee

LEPL Legal Entity of Public Law

LOP Life of Project

KMS Key Management Solutions Ltd.

M&E Monitoring & Evaluation

MDF Municipal Development Fund

MoEPA Ministry of Environmental Protection & Agriculture

MOU Memorandum of Understanding

MRDI Ministry of Regional Development & Infrastructure

MSME Micro, Small and Medium Size Enterprise

NGO Non-Governmental Organization

PHHM Post-Harvest Handling and Management

PIP Priority Infrastructure Plan

PPD Public-Private Dialogue

RDA Regional Development Association

RDFG Association Rural Development for Future Georgia

RFA Request for Applications

RFP Request for Proposals

RFQ Request for Quotations

SOW Scope of Work

TIC Tourism Information Center

TOR Terms of Reference

ToT Training of Trainers

UNDP United Nations Development Programme

USAID United States Agency for International Development


USD United States Dollar

USG United States Government

ZSF Zrda Sub-Award Facility

Zrda USAID Zrda Activity in Georgia

ZRI Zrda Resiliency Index


TABLE OF CONTENTS:

Acronyms ........................................................................................................................................................ 2

Executive Summary ....................................................................................................................................... 6

Activity implementation Progress .............................................................................................................. 9 Zrda Sub-Purpose 1: Improve MSME Development & Growth ..................................................................... 9 Zrda Sub-Purpose 2: Increase Productivity of Rural Households ............................................................... 17 Zrda Sub-Purpose 3: Facilitate Market Linkages between Producers & Buyers ...................................... 24 Zrda Sub-Purpose 4: Promote Local Economic Development by Establishing Networks .................... 32 Cross-Cutting Management Objectives ............................................................................................................. 36 Partnership & Coordination Updates: ................................................................................................................ 41 Environmental Compliance Activities: ................................................................................................................ 43 Monitoring and Evaluation: .................................................................................................................................... 44

Annex A. Zrda Indicator Tracking Matrix ............................................................................................. 45


EXECUTIVE SUMMARY This quarterly report (tenth quarterly report) summarizes accomplishments of the Zrda Activity in

Georgia (hereinafter “Zrda”) covering the third quarter of Fiscal Year (FY) 2018 (April 1, 2018 – June

30, 2018).

USAID ZRDA HIGHLIGHTS FOR Q3, FY 2018: APRIL - JUNE 2018

SALES

Over the past three quarters, new sales generated by Zrda assisted

MSMEs have reached $6.2 million, which represents just over 17% of

the LOP target. New sales continue to generate increased momentum

over the past three quarters. Cumulative sales increased by 78% from

Q2 to Q3, following on the heels of 39% and 51% increases during Q2

and Q1, respectively. Cumulative sales are expected to top $11 million

by the end of FY 2018, which would represent 69% of the target sales

for the LOP-to-date.

JOBS

561 new jobs have been created as of the end of Q3, FY 2018. Jobs

are expected to increase significantly through the end of FY 2018.

Zrda is on track to meet the LOP indicator target for jobs based on

current projections.

TRAINING During Q3, Zrda trained 391 individuals across all sectors, reaching

2,747 individuals cumulatively since the beginning of the project.

LEVERAGE

Leverage remains a high priority and with $1.9 million leveraged as

of Q3, FY 2018, Zrda has reached over 52% of the LOP target for this

indicator.

GENDER & YOUTH

45% of Zrda beneficiaries are women

30% of Zrda beneficiaries are youth

Zrda has reached 37,460 total beneficiaries as of Q3, FY 2018.

Tourism Activity Highlights Tourism activities continue to make up a substantial portion of Zrda’s activity portfolio during Q3, with

several notable accomplishments across all three major areas of focus: (1) product development and

marketing; (2) training and capacity building; and (3) regional coordination, promotion and destination

management.

Product Development: Zrda hosted an international product development and marketing expert

during Q3, who provided training to 33 tour operators on tour package diversification, new product

creation, and brand positioning towards international markets. A large tourism new product

development grant facility was launched during Q3, with 18 successful MSME projects selected for

financing that will create or expand new product and service offering in the rural, adventure, eco,

gastronomy and wine, and cultural tourism sub-sectors across three Zrda target regions. Finally, Zrda

supported the Georgian Heritage Crafts Association (GHCA) to train 50 artisans from Zrda target

regions on handicraft production technology in woodwork, carpet weaving, embroidery, knitting, and

quilting.

Training and Capacity Building: During Q3, Zrda sub-awardee, NGO Creative Development

Center (CDC), continued delivery of the four-module digital marketing program to 200 new guesthouses

across all of Zrda’s target regions while also building the capacity of 30 local digital marketing mentors,

who will be positioned to provide ongoing consultancy support to trained guesthouses. Furthermore,

Zrda published the Digital Marketing Manual during Q3, which will supplement the CDC training and

provide the Georgian National Tourism Administration (GNTA) with training materials for wider

distribution to other stakeholders. Training of Adventure Guides is underway during Q3 and will

continue into Q4, led by the Georgian Eco Tourism Association, which train 42 new guides from Zrda

target regions across multiple adventure tourism disciplines including trekking, camping, rafting,

canyoning, spelunking, and diving. Zrda has invited instructors from the International Canyoning

Association (CIC) to deliver 27-day long course for Georgian instructors that will provide the first ever


in Georgia internationally recognized and accredited training program for Canyoning instructors, which

will further serve additional interested trainees from Zrda target areas through a train the trainers (ToT)

approach. Upon successful completion of the program, Georgia will have the first internationally certified

canyoning instructors awarded by the CIC.

Regional Coordination, Promotion and Destination Management: Significant progress was

made during Q3 to finalize the legal structure for Destination Management Organizations (DMOs), which

Zrda is coordinating closely on with GNTA and the World Bank’s Technical Assistance Project on DMO

creation. Zrda legal consultation has influenced the decision on establishing the legal organization as a

Non-Commercial Legal Entity and will continue into Q4 with further support on drafting of the required

constitutive acts for DMOs across Georgia, and the Samtskhe-Javakheti DMO will be formally registered

as soon as this process is completed.

Agriculture Activity Highlights Agricultural activities during Q3 continued to focus on promoting new production technologies and

introducing new vegetable crops in Zrda target regions. The second phase of the Greenhouse Subsidy

activity was launched, partner Farm Service Centers (FSCs) began arrangement of demosntration fields,

the activity design for village-based micro cold storage and packing facilities was finalized, and four new

Farm Service Center partnerships were established to expand delivery of professional consultation

services to farmers in their fields across all Zrda target regions.

Zrda, in partnership with FSCs, established fruit and vegitable demonstration plots on 19 hectares of

land and facilitated installation of irrigation systems on 17 hectares of apple, cherry and plum orchards.

Partner FSCs furthermore contracted with 212 farmers and began delivery of subsidized consultation

service packages in Zrda target communities, thereby increasing their direct contact with farmers.

Zrda signed a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the LEPL IDP Livelihoods Agency to

jointly establish greenhouses for up to 20 IDP households residing in Zrda target regions and introduce

modern production practices through trainings and consultations. Delivery and installation of

greenhouses will be finalized in Q4.

The three agro-information platforms that Zrda supports - Traktor, Agronavti, and Kalo.ge – all

witnessed significant progress during the quarter, with user numbers continuing to increase for both

Traktor and Agronavti while transactions processed through the platforms are increasing in both volume

and value. Credo entered negotiations with NGO Elva to merge Kalo.ge with Tractor.ge. Since the

merging negotiation process delayed testing of beta versions, Kalo.ge is now expected to be launched in

Q4.

Giving the high priority to quality standards, Zrda, alongside our partner, the Georgian Farmers’

Association (GFA), and international certification and standards expertise provided by Netherlands-

based Q-Point, initiated development of a local Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) standard for Georgia

(dubbed “GEOGAP”), which will serve as a tool for promoting quality production while balancing

compliance requirements with the resource constraints faced by Georgian farmers.

Partnerships Highlights In Q3, all major partnerships have advanced significantly. Important steps were taken together with the

Anaklia Development Consortium (ADC) for the proposed Anaklia Community and Economic

Development Program (ACED), a $2 million partnership to support regional economic development

activities around the new deep-sea port project under construction now in Anaklia. Design of the joint

project, financial scheme and management structure were agreed by both sides, preparation of the legal

partnership agreement initiated, and recruitment of the potential Zrda/ADC project team was launched.

Official signing of the partnership agreement is expected in Q4 and rapid start-up will commence

immediately. British Petroleum (BP) finalized their competitive tender process and have identified their

implementing partner organizations for the two programs wherein Zrda will provide co-financing

support. The implementation of the two programs will start in Q4.


Progress Against Purpose-Level Indicators Zrda results against Purpose-Level indicators are summarized in Table 1 below. Please refer to Annex

A: Zrda Indicator Tracking Matrix for complete results as applicable from Zrda inception through the

end of Q3, FY 2018.

Table I: Zrda Purpose-Level Indicators

ZRDA ACTIVITY IN GEORGIA PURPOSE LEVEL INDICATORS

INDICATOR LOP

TARGET

YTD FY 2018

RESULTS

CUM.

RESULTS CUM. %

OF LOP

1 Value of sales generated by MSMEs over

life of project (P/F) $36,000,000 $4.557.200 $6.224.684 17%

2 Number of MSMEs generating new sales

over life of project (P) 800 162 351 44%

3 Number of new jobs created (P) 2,400 186 561 23%

4 Number of households increasing income

by at least 25 percent (P) 13,200 N/A N/A N/A

5

Percentage change in Zrda Resiliency

Index measuring capacity of beneficiary

communities to cope with shocks to

livelihoods (P)

+10% N/A N/A N/A

6

Number of stakeholders implementing

risk-reducing practices/actions to

improve resilience to livelihood shocks as

a result of USG assistance (P/S)

900 N/A N/A N/A

7

Total value of funding leveraged from

GoG and other sources for infrastructure

and non-infrastructure projects (P/F)

$3,600,000 $874.433 $1,879,430 52%

8 Number of beneficiaries using improved

infrastructure services (P) 9,600 528 605 6.3%

Analysis: With the exception of the value of new sales indicator, all other purpose level indicators are

on track towards achievement of their life of project targets. Sales continues to be the most challenging

indicator to boost, primarily due to the business size mix of Zrda beneficiaries to-date. New sales are

increasing each quarter, with a 78% increase in new sales from Q2 to Q3, bring the total cumulative new

sales to more than $6.2 million for the LOP-to-date. The new sales indicator results continue to climb

each quarter as more and more beneficiaries reach their one-year anniversaries and full year new sales

are reported. Overall, new sales have increased by 373% since the end of FY 2017. Total sales from all

beneficiaries stand at approximately $16 million as of Q3, FY 2018, with a substantial portion likely being

new sales that have yet to be captured by our indicator reporting. Based on our new sales forecasting

tool, new sales are projected to reach approximately $11 million by the end of the fiscal year, which is

31% of the LOP target and 69% of the LOP-to-date target, a significant improvement in pace since this

time last year. Given the number of large activities coming online during Q4, which is both harvest time

and peak tourism season, we expect that these projections are realistic and may even under-estimate

potential new sales when looking out at a 12-month time horizon from the current period. It should

also be noted that the results of MSMEs trained by CDC (more that 200 MSMEs) and 18 new grantees

(under the tourism grant program) will be added to Zrda database in the next quarter.

The growth pace of new jobs has slowed down, primarily due to seasonal dynamics, though 561 full-

time equivalent jobs have been created, which is 23.4 % of the LOP Target. We expect the pace of new

job creation to pick up during Q4 as we move into peak tourism season and harvest begins for our

agriculture beneficiaries. Leverage generated LOP-to-date stands at 52% of the LOP target, well on pace


to reach our LOP target of $3.6 million. Looking forward, we are still expecting significant leverage from

both the BP and ADC partnerships, which are launching in Q4. As for the purpose-level indicator number

eight (access to infrastructure), one infrastructure project in Tsalenjikha municipality, Pakhulani

community, was completed during Q3, adding 528 new beneficiaries to the project. Planning for

municipal infrastructure projects occurs in October – December each year, meaning that 2017 was the

first year in which we have been prepared to support the municipal prioritization and budgeting process

since the inception of Zrda. Eight design projects are completed or nearing completion through Q3, FY

2018 and these projects shall begin implementation by municipalities during Q4 and into the FY 2019.

This will result in significant gains for this indicator result. Youth (30%) and women (45%) inclusion in

the project absolutely meets expectations.

ACTIVITY IMPLEMENTATION PROGRESS

The following sections provide updates on all activities across all Zrda Sub-Purposes that are under

active implementation during Q3, FY 2018. The report summarizes activities in detail, describes impact

and results of each activity, and indicates the next steps to be implemented during the remainder of FY

2018. Where significant redesign of activities has been required it is so noted alongside the reasoning

for such changes.

ZRDA SUB-PURPOSE 1: IMPROVE MSME DEVELOPMENT & GROWTH

Zrda Sub-Purpose 1 focuses on strengthening MSME capacity to grow and contribute to local economic

development and integrating into national and international market systems. Sub-Purpose Level 1

indicators and progress made as of Q3, FY 2018 are provided in Table 2 below1.

Table 2: Sub-Purpose Level I Indicators

SUB-PURPOSE LEVEL 1 INDICATORS

INDICATOR FY 2018 TARGET

YTD FY 2018

ACTUAL (% OF TARGET)

LOP TARGET

CUM. (%

OF LOP TARGET)

1.1.1 Number of business plans supported as a result of

USG assistance (C) 130 109 (84%) 300 171 (57%)

1.2.1 Number of MSMEs accessing evidence-based

market research through associations/BSOs (C) 1.000 2,023 (202%) 3,600 3,268 (91%)

1.3.1 Number of assisted MSMEs that have

incorporated updated standards to product

development as a result of USG assistance (C)

80 24 (30%) 170 80 (47%)

1.4.1 Number of public-private dialogues facilitated (C) 90 44 (49%) 300 77 (26%)

1.5.1 Number of MSMEs operating more profitably (at

or above cost) because of USG assistance (S) 100 146 (146%) 400 249 (62%)

1 Sub-purpose indicators are tracked at the MSME level (both farm and non-farm MSMEs) rather than by specific activities. Indicators that cannot be tracked at the individual MSME level are tracked via the dedicated household and ZRI survey instruments.


1001: BSO Strengthening Activity

Results/Updates:

The activity was expected to be completed in FY2018, however an extension of the sub-

award agreement with Key Management Solutions (KMS) Ltd is under consideration as

additional time will be necessary for completion of newly initiated projects as well as

potential new projects in the pipeline. During Q3, KMS completed 3 consulting projects:

• Borjomi Likani International JSC (development of tour agency relation strategy) – The

strategy implementation process and staff training have been completed. During the

reporting period discussions were initiated to involve Marriott in the hotel operation

management and a letter of intent was signed from both sides. A final decision on

cooperation format with Marriott is expected to be made in Q4. Originally, the

expected annual turnover increase was GEL 278,000 and expected profitability

increase was 4%; however, in the case of Marriott taking over the management of the

hotel, the expected results may increase significantly.

• Victoria Group Hotel in Borjomi (creation of a standard operating procedures for

rooms) - implementation process and staff training have been completed. Expected

annual turnover increase is GEL 10,350 and expected profitability increase is 10%;

• Hotel and hostel operated by Lit-Geo Invest LLC in Khashuri (development of tour

agency relation strategy): Implementation process has been completed. Expected

annual turnover increase is GEL 8,250 and expected profitability increase is 9%;

Zrda approved and KMS started implementation of 2 new projects:

• Salkhino Resort LLC – this is a start-up project planned to become an international

hospitality brand (Best Western) hotel entering the Samegrelo Zemo Svaneti in Martvili

Municipality (40 rooms capacity); Expected average annual turnover is GEL 1.2 million,

the hotel will employ at least 50 employees, and will create at least 30 additional

indirect jobs of suppliers, subcontractors and seasonal workers;

• ELGI LLC - ensuring delivery of tour operator services in Akhmeta Municipality

including Tusheti, through creating clear and consistent tour operating service

packages with close focus on the cultural and historical heritage of the location.

Expected average annual turnover increase for tour operating services is GEL 30,000.

Challenges: • Activity is on track/no challenges

observed

Hotel team training (photo by Chemonics

International Inc.)

Next Steps: • Monitor implementation of KMS projects in pipeline.

• Approve new projects identified by KMS and start implementation.

1003A: Food Safety Training Program for Zrda Micro & Small Businesses (Hospitality &

Agriculture)

Results/Updates:

• Trainings on food safety issues were conducted for applicants of Activity # 3002A

“Marketing Support for Guesthouses, Small & Medium Hotels.” The participants,

selected by Creative Development Center (CDC) are the owners of guest houses, cafés,

fast food and restaurants from Akhmeta municipality, Samegrelo, Samtshke-Javakheti,

and Shida Kartli Regions.


1003A: Food Safety Training Program for Zrda Micro & Small Businesses (Hospitality &

Agriculture)

• The trainings topics were: (1) Existing potential threats for catering businesses; and (2)

Food safety requirements for public catering businesses.

• The relevant brochure was prepared and disseminated among the training participants.

Upon the request of applicants, the training materials will be translated into Russian

language and delivered to applicants.

Challenges: Activity is on track/ no material challenges.

Training Session (photo by Chemonics

International Inc.)

Next Steps: • Relevant food safety trainings will be conducted for hospitality and agriculture

stakeholders as required.

1003B: Development of Local “Georgia” GAP System with GFA

Results/Updates:

Zrda, through its implementing partner organization GFA continues cooperation with

Netherlands-based company Q-Point to develop Local GAP Standards and Certification

Scheme, which will be branded in the name “GEOG.A.P.”

During the Q3, Q-Point certification specialist Alma Ruting visited Georgia three times (3-

4 days each trip).

Visit 1: April10-14:

• Conducted training of trainers;

• Held meetings with GFA and Zrda project representatives;

• GFA visited and selected two farmers for the GEOG.A.P. pilot activity, which then

subsequently underwent zero-assessment for GLOBALG.A.P.;

• Prepared plan for implementing “GEOG.A.P.” scheme and development of the

“GEOG.A.P.” manual for growers.

Visit 2: April 30-May 5:

• Delivered presentation of Q-Point at the Zrda/GFA joint Conference “Georgia

GAP Stakeholder Meeting”

• Visited the Georgian Farmers Distribution Company (GFDC);

• Visited two pilot farms to discuss the draft control points of GEOG.A.P. and start

with implementing documents.

Visit 3: June 19-23, 2018:

• GFA and Q-Point held discussions with Foodplus on Global GAP issues. As a result,

GFA will develop private standard “GEOG.A.P.”

• Conducted field visits and initiated drafting of the final checklist of standards and

will be completed by the end of July;


1003B: Development of Local “Georgia” GAP System with GFA

• Registered logo for “GEOG.A.P.” in the “National Intellectual Property Center of

Georgia”.

Within this activity Zrda has facilitated cooperation between GFA and Caucasus

Environmental NGO Network (CENN) on waste management issues. The representative

of the USAID-funded project “Waste Management Technology in Regions” will prepare

the presentation and deliver trainings for GFA farmers, involved in GEOG.A.P. scheme

on how to perform waste management in daily activities at the farms (including

management of pesticide residual, fertilizers, damaged greenhouse cellophane, oil

containing materials, hazardous waste, waste separation and etc.).

Challenges: • Activity is on track, no material challenges.

Local GAP Conference (photo by Chemonics

International Inc.)

Next Steps:

• In Q4, GFA and GFDC representatives will be trained how to audit farms to achieve

GEOG.A.P. Certification. This training will involve an audit training (for GEOG.A.P.

standard) and on-the-job coaching. The audit training will focus on how to interpret the

GEOG.A.P. checklist, audit skills and the role of the auditor. The pilot farmer will be

used for on-the-job coaching. GFA and GFDC representatives will carry out audits

under the supervision of Q-Point.

1004A: Greenhouse & Agro-Insurance Promotion (under 1004: Facilitate Access to

Finance)

Results/Updates:

• In November 2017, three greenhouses (one in Shida Kartli and two in Samegrelo) were

damaged by severe weather conditions, notably by wind and snow. The insurance

company UNISON evaluated the claims during Q2. During Q3, the insurance company

made the final decision not to reimburse for the loss damage, based on the justifications

provided by their independent loss expert. The official letter of justification will be

provided to Zrda.

Challenges:

• Insurance claims submitted by three Zrda-supported greenhouses were rejected by

UNISON and the farmers were not reimbursed for losses (greenhouses were damaged

due to a severe wind and snow). Agro-insurance has difficulty to develop as a

necessary/reliable product for farmers, unless policies and procedures of the agro-policies

will not be adjusted appropriately.

Next Steps:

• Zrda has removed the insurance requirement from the second phase greenhouse subsidy

program, launched during Q3, due to the denial of claims made by UNISON during the

pilot phase. Zrda still continues to recommend insurance as a necessary tool in

agriculture, but skepticism by farmers still remains the challenge.

• Zrda will continue supporting the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture

(MoEPA) to conduct Agro-Insurance Conference and initiate discussions for promoting

agro-insurance product in regions and analyze existing challenges in this sector. This

further action is on hold pending decision by the MoEPA.

1004C: Value Chain Financing Pilot Scheme

Results/Updates: The goal of this activity is to develop a replicable value chain financing model to support the

strengthening and sustainable development of fruit and vegetable value chain actors and

farmers by facilitating access to financial services for the latter. Zrda has signed a


1004C: Value Chain Financing Pilot Scheme

Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Crystal Microfinance Organization and

facilitated a partnership between Crystal and Agro-Com, a Farm Service Center operating

in Shida Kartli region, to implement the scheme.

• Agro-Com provided Crystal with the list of 134 client Zrda target farmers and potential

borrowers for Crystal, with the total annual borrowing capacity of GEL 900,000;

• Crystal analyzed the given database and as a result 94 farmers have been qualified for the

quick service policy with the borrowing capacity of GEL 5,000 each;

• Forty farmers have been qualified for the pre-approved credit limit need and credit limit

was already approved for 20 farmers out of 40, totaling GEL 310,000;

• During Q3, 15 regular loans have been issued, totaling GEL 170,500;

• During Q3, 51 loans have been issued under the quick service policy, totaling GEL 41,828;

• As of June 30, 2018, 85 loans have been disbursed under the activity totaling GEL 311,842.

Challenges: • Activity is on track/no material challenges.

Next Steps:

• Monitor the activity and plan future steps;

• Facilitate Agro-Com’s involvement in supporting farmers to find buyers for their

products;

• Extend activity to other Zrda target regions and engage other regional FSC partners.

1006: CHCA No-Interest Micro-Loan Facility for Western Georgia

Results/Updates:

CHCA successfully continues the no-interest loan program in Zugdidi and Tsalenjikha

municipalities:

• Overall, loans in the amount of GEL 60,000 were issued under the fifth application round;

• Implementation of the sixth application round started and 18 applications were received

during Q3;

• As a result of the activity monitoring process, all borrowers utilized the loan proceeds in

accordance with their applications and all have made all loan repayments on schedule;

• As of June 30, 2018, the total loan amount disbursed under the activity is GEL 367,350

and the total repaid amount is GEL 185,233.

Challenges: Activity is on track/no challenges observed.

Roin Shanava is operating small carpentry

workshop in Rukhi community of Zugdidi

municipality. Roin is producing wooden

windows, doors, and other construction

materials, and Megrelian “Jargvali” –

traditional wooden structures. He decided to

expand his business and applied for CHCA

no-interest loan to purchase additional

equipment. No-interest loan of GEL 4,000

was issued to Roin by CHCA and as a result

his monthly revenue increased by 28% and

makes up GEL 2,600.

(Photo Credit: Chemonics International Inc.)

Next Steps: • Approve and disburse loans under the sixth round;

• Start implementation of the seventh round;


1006: CHCA No-Interest Micro-Loan Facility for Western Georgia

• Continue monitoring of disbursed loans.

1008: Akhmeta Municipality Micro Grants Activity

Results/Updates:

• During Q3 the Zrda grants evaluation committee evaluated the Akhmeta Small Grants

Program applicants and selected the shortlisted candidates based on required criteria for

field visits and interviews. Out of 226 applicants, 87 met the minimum evaluation score

according to the pre-established evaluation criteria and were selected for the field visit

meetings and interviews. Distribution of shortlist applicants by communities were as

follows: City of Akhmeta -19, Tusheti -23, Zemo and Kvemo Alvani -16, Matani - 8, and

Pankisi -21. Based on the field visits and interviews the committee selected the final list

of applicants and approved 50 grant recipients in total with the community distribution

as follows: City of Akhmeta -8, Tusheti -16, Zemo and Kvemo Alvani -15, Matani -4, and

Pankisi -7.

• By the end Q3, Zrda had signed grant agreements with 33 approved applicants, with the

priority given to Tusheti grantees so as not to miss the current tourism season. The

leverage from grantees is at least 35% in the form of a cash contribution with maximum

grant amount of GEL 4,000.

• During the Q3, Zrda continued to monitor the ten Pankisi grantees awarded under the

first round of Akhmeta Small Grants Program. Income generation of beneficiaries has

significantly increased during Q3, with the total new sales for the ten grant beneficiaries

totaling GEL 61,559.

• The second-round beneficiaries of Akhmeta Small Grants Program have recently started

the business operations and initial results will be captured during Q4.


Zrda grantee Temur Tsimakuridze, guiding

tourists in his horse tours in Village Kvemo

Omalo, Tusheti. (Photo by Chemonics

International Inc.)

Next Steps: • Zrda will finalize grant agreements with all selected grantees and hand over

furniture/equipment/inventory by the end of Q4.

• Zrda will continue to monitor operations of all 60 small grantees during Q4.

1009 (A & B): ICT, Innovation, & Entrepreneurship Activity with GITA, IT Curriculum

Update and Deployment of Online Training Platform (1009A), & E-literacy Improvement

Activity (1009B)

Results/Updates:

• Within the framework of the E-literacy Improvement Program (1009B), designed to

enable Georgian entrepreneurs to deploy digital economy tools in their businesses,

Georgia’s Innovations and Technology Agency (GITA), in cooperation with Zrda,

organized 50 Public Private Dialogue (PPD) meetings countrywide during Q3. Out of 50


PPD meetings, 22 were held in Zrda target municipalities and communities with

participation from 442 MSMEs and interested individuals.

• During the PPDs, participants gained a better understanding of the advantages that digital

technology can provide to make MSME’s day-to-day activities easier, convenient and

profitable with minimal costs. The attendees learned about the upcoming four-module

trainings (e-marketing, e-commerce, e-business, and e-governance) that GITA plans to

deliver to up to 1,000 MSMEs throughout Georgia, beginning with Zrda’s five target

regions.

• In order to raise awareness about the benefits of digital economy tools and to

disseminate information about the trainings planned for fall of 2018, Zrda supported

GITA to create a promotional video about the E-literacy program to stimulate MSME

attendance.

• GITA applied to Zrda for a grant to develop the on-line training programs during Q3.

Digital Marketing-related e-training programs are intended for uploading on GITA’s

training web-portal and will be the curricula for teaching the on-line certificate training

courses to individuals and MSMEs interested to acquire marketable job skills and

improve overall performance of businesses through application of digital economy

technologies.

Challenges: • Activity was implemented with no material challenges.

Next Steps:

• Support GITA to deliver four-module E-literacy trainings to MSMEs and render content

management services for the motivated and advanced entrepreneurs.

• Follow-up with the agencies and Zrda target region stakeholders to document results

of regional MSMEs in accessing support from respective programs.

• Review GITA grant application and make final decision to proceed further.

1010: SME Technical Assistance Facility for Certifications & Business Services

Results/Updates:

The activity aims at addressing the needs and demand of Zrda target SMEs/lead firms in

terms of technical assistance (TA) to support access to finance, implementation of modern

standards and technologies, exports and other activities leading to sales, profitability

increase, and new jobs. This activity takes a different approach to implementation than the

previous methodology employed under Activity 1001. Zrda will solicit sub-award

applications directly from target SMEs/lead firms operating in Zrda target communities

and/or having market linkages with MSMEs, and or creating job opportunities for individuals

from Zrda target communities, within the Zrda target value chains, and through these sub-

awards, Zrda will subsidize 50% of the consulting service fee, up to a predetermined

maximum amount.

• 21 business consulting entities were selected to serve as Zrda partner service provides

under the activity;

• One-year APS was issued to identify beneficiary SMEs/lead firms;

• Direct marketing is being implemented by Zrda through meetings with target SMEs/lead

firms.

Challenges:

Selected consulting companies have not managed as of yet to identify client SMEs/lead firms.

The main reasons are the location of businesses and in some cases sector (i.e. hazelnut

production in Samegrelo) limits set by Zrda, business development status and potential of

these locations, lack of capacity of selected consulting companies to work in Zrda target

areas, and at the same time target SMEs/lead firms have not yet shown strong interest in

paid consulting services.

Next Steps:

• Continue direct marketing and promote the activity among target SMEs/lead firms using

Zrda resources in Tbilisi and regions;

• Zrda will develop an “Educational Marketing” component to this activity wherein partner

consulting companies may apply to Zrda for financing to deliver various training packages

to MSMEs in Zrda’s target municipalities. Not only will the trainings result in capacity

building of MSMEs on business development topics, but the trainings will also provide

consulting companies with face-to-face marketing opportunities in these municipalities to

generate demand for their higher value consulting services. Zrda will offer subsidies for

training based on a fixed per trainee cost. Zrda expects this component to result in over

350 MSMEs receiving business training from partner BSOs.


1011: Restaurant Service Improvement Activity

Results/Updates:

• Zrda developed an AMP and RFP to address the needs identified during the information

meetings with catering businesses, restaurants and cafeterias held in Zrda target regions.

• Within the frameworks of Capacity Building of Catering Businesses program, Zrda will

carry out trainings for restaurants, cafes and hotels/guesthouses offering food services.

The comprehensive and hands-on training will cover the following four topics: (1) Food

Costing and Pricing, (2) Food and Wine Pairing, (3) Menu Design and Upselling & Cross-

selling Techniques, and (4) Service Plus. The program will enable the interested training

participants to gain knowledge on how to determine cost and price of food in their

restaurants/cafes, understand menu design principles and learn modern marketing

techniques to sell more products and make larger sales, provide informed advice to

customers about Georgian food and wine and their matching, and provide services that

meet or exceed customers' expectations.

• Along with the above-listed topics, Zrda shall continue offering food safety trainings to

catering businesses (covered under 1003A) in its target regions;

Challenges: • Implementation of the activity was delayed due to high tourist season and is planned to

begin in Q4.

Next Steps: • Zrda shall release RFP and solicit applications from service providers to carry out

Capacity Building of Catering Businesses program alongside additional food safety training

(covered under Activity 1003A).

1012: Model Guesthouse Activity – completed

Results/Updates:

This activity was originally designed to develop model guesthouse(s) in Zrda target regions

for replication by other guesthouses, including model infrastructure, arrangement of interior

and exterior space, model service package(s), model soft skills (business, marketing,

customer service, etc.). Two RFAs were issued to identify and select model guesthouses in

Samegrelo and Samtskhe-Javakheti during Q1 and Q2, though no application received was

evaluated favorably enough to proceed with the activity as originally designed.

Challenges:

All the received applications failed to meet criteria set by Zrda. Especially, criteria that

requires availability of solid infrastructure (a house) that would have traditional architecture

and design and would require little renovation. As such, Zrda has decided to modify the

activity design because RFA and subsequent evaluation process clearly exhibited the need

for infrastructure and service improvements for existing guesthouses. The redesigned

activity will be to develop a guidebook for guesthouse owners covering the topics intended

to be covered under the original design.

Next Steps: This activity shall be modified into the activity 1012A

1012A: Publishing Guesthouse Guidebook

Results/Updates:

This activity is aimed at developing printed guidebook for guesthouses and small hotels

operating in Zrda target areas, as well as more broadly across Georgia. This guidebook

will help guesthouses to develop/modify their infrastructure and soft skills to make their

hotels/guesthouses more attractive for visitors, and as a result support growth of

business. Focus in the guidebook will be made on the maintenance and promotion of the

national/regional style and heritage as a crucial factor to make guesthouse market niche

stronger and more attractive in Georgia.

• RFA was issued to identify and select a service provider.

• Three applications were received under the RFA process.

Challenges: • Small number of applications were received, resulting in limited choice and an increased

risk of not identifying an appropriate service provider.

Next Steps: • Review applications and select a service provider.

• Begin implementation through sub-awardee.


1013: Tourism MSME Training Needs Assessment & GNTA Training Program

Results/Updates:

• During Q3, Zrda, in coordination with GNTA, conducted the tourism MSME needs

assessment in regions targeted for tourism support. Zrda engaged 20 local volunteers to

conduct a door-to-door survey to explore the existing skills gap and needs for training.

As a result, Zrda reached out to 602 sector players: 301 accommodation, food and

transportation industry actors in Samegrelo region, 173 in Samtskhe-Javakheti and 128 in

the Akhmeta Municipality. The survey revealed that the most in-demand skills that are:

basic language skills (English), hotel management, taxation and financial liabilities, and first

aid;

• Based on the findings, GNTA will provide the requisite trainings in the regions and Zrda

will facilitate recruitment of relevant tourism enterprises and individuals to participate.

Challenges:

• Within the restricted budget, GNTA can’t afford to launch trainings in all requisite areas

this year.

Next Steps:

• The first trainings for 20 participants from each region are scheduled for the first half of

September. One-day trainings will be dedicated to Hotel and Guesthouse Management.

As a part of cooperation, regional offices of Zrda will be engaged to mobilize tourism

actors relevant to the training in their respective municipalities.

ZRDA SUB-PURPOSE 2: INCREASE PRODUCTIVITY OF RURAL HOUSEHOLDS

Activities under Sub-Purpose 2 focus on supporting rural households to increase their productivity and

incomes from both on- and off-farm livelihoods opportunities. Sub-Purpose Level 2 indicators and

progress made as of Q3, FY 2018 are provided in Table 3 below.

Table 3: Sub-Purpose Level 2 Indicators



YTD FY 2018 ACTUAL (%

OF TARGET)

LOP TARGET

CUM. (% OF LOP

TARGET)

2.1.1 Number of households accessing market data

through USG-support communication channels (C) 30,000 5,364 (18%) 64,570 17,438 (27%)

2.2.1 Number of households and others who have

applied new technologies or management practices as a

result of USG assistance (C/F)

1,100 2,908 (264%) 4,800 3,498 (73%)

2.3.1 Number of individuals who received USG

supported short-term agricultural sector productivity

training (C)

1,000 483 (48%) 3,600 1.147 (32%)

2.4.1 Number of hectares under improved

technologies or management practices as a result of

USG project (F)

2,000 936 (47%) 6,000 1.283 (21%)


2001: Berry Nursery Establishment Activity

Results/Updates:

• Six selected berry nurseries from Zrda target regions continued operation under the local

berry expert’s supervision. The berry expert provided consultation to the nurseries

concerning weed & nutrition management and integrated pest management.

• Zrda selected a new international berry expert to support Zrda in berry sector

development. The expert is expected to visit Georgia in Q4.

• APMA in coordination with Zrda, approved GEL 35,256 worth of grants for six berry

nurseries. This will provide drip irrigation and fertigation systems for the Zrda beneficiary

nurseries.

Challenges:

• Due to APMA’s complicated grant

procedures, the installation of irrigation

systems was delayed, which caused some

minor problems for nursery irrigation in

early stages. Zrda’s expert together with

the nursery farmers managed to mitigate

the problem.

Berry Nursery in Marneuli, Kvemo Kartli Region


Next Steps:

• International berry expert will provide trainings and consultations concerning soft wood

propagation in blueberry nursery.

• Additionally, the expert will conduct site visits and provide consultations to blackberry

and raspberry nurseries, provide trainings to the extension specialists of the Information

Consultation Centers (ICC) and Farm Cervices Centers (FSC).

• Upgrade 480sq.m greenhouse for blueberry soft wood propagation.

2002: Train Farmers on Market-Driven Production Practices (Public Sector only, See

2002A for private sector extension)

Results/Updates:

Strengthening & Capacity Building of State Extension ICCs:

• In Q3, 98 farmers from Zrda target regions benefited from Information and Consultation

Centers (ICCs) by receiving consultations on the farms and conducting soil analysis with

lab tools provided by Zrda to the ICCs.

• During Q3, Zrda distributed three additional laboratory testing toolkits to the

Akhalkalaki, Adigeni, and Borjomi ICCs. Zrda provided trainings for ICC specialists on use

of the tools.

• Zrda initiated “Expert Day” program for ICCs. During the Expert Day, Zrda consultants

spent one working day with ICC extension specialists and shared their expertise with

them and farmers. During the reporting period, 4 Experts Days were conducted in

Tsalenjikha, Zugdidi, Kareli and Gori Municipalities.

Challenges:

• The ICC specialists’ capacity still needs

significant improvement. The number of

farmers served by ICCs remains low. Zrda

will continue support ICCs’ specialists

through trainings and consultations to

improve their qualifications and make their

services accessible to more farmers

operating in Zrda target communities.


Expert Day: Zrda specialist and vegetable

expert with ICC’s specialist providing

consultation to onion Farmer in Khashuri

Municipality (Photo Credit: Chemonics

International Inc.)

Next Steps: • Zrda will conduct intensive production training to demonstration farmers using both

international and local experts, including partner ICCs and FSCs.

2002A: Private Sector Extension System Development

Results/Updates:

Private Sector Extension Support through Development of Commercial Extension Packages with

FSCs:

• Zrda’s FSC partners introduced a subsidy scheme for establishing demonstration plots in

Zrda target communities. The demonstration activity covers fruit and vegetable sectors.

Nineteen hectares of tomato, pepper, garlic, onion, and bean demonstration plots have

been established, and irrigation systems installed/upgraded on 17 hectares of apple,

cherry, and plum orchards. Sixteen farmers from the Shida Kartli and Kvemo Kartli

regions are participating in this program.

• During Q3, Zrda’s partner FSCs contracted and began delivery of subsidized consultation

service packages to 212 farmers across Zrda target communities. FSCs have hired eight

interns to support human resource needs and provide practical agricultural training to the

students in order to help them gain real world experience in the sector.

• During Q3, Zrda selected additional four FSCs from Zugdidi, Tsalka, Marneuli and

Ninotsminda municipalities and awarded them with mobile laboratory testing tools. Zrda

experts provided the trainings and consultations to the FSC specialists on the usage of

testing tools. New FSCs will also provide subsidized consultation packages to farmers in

their respective regions.

Challenges:

• Zrda supported demo plot establishment

subsidy program throughout all Zrda

targeted regions, however only FSCs from

Shida Kartli and Kvemo Kartli were

interested to implement this program at

this time. Zrda will work with other FSCs

in order to improve FSC capacity so that

they are able to participate in subsidy

program planned for FY2019.

Zrda farmer Victor Basilidze from the Kvemo

Khvitii village (Photo Credit: Chemonics

International Inc.)

Next Steps:

• Continue promotion of crop-based consultation packages to the farmers in target

communities.

• Facilitate local and international experts from MASHAV to conduct intensive production

trainings for demonstration farmers as well as extension staff from partner ICCs and

FSCs.


2003A: Cred Agro-Information Portal (Under 2003: Promote Market Information

Systems and Electronic Match-Making Services)

Results/Updates:

• During the reporting period Credo continued negotiations with potential partners,

specifically, RDFG and Zrda grantee NGO Elva, which is managing the Traktor platform,

to plan a sustainable partnership and ensure portal administration. Following a competitive

selection process, Credo decided to outsource via contract the administration of Kalo.ge

with Elva/Traktor as well as incorporate the Traktor platform (Traktor shop and Farm

Help digital consultation services) into the Kalo.ge format. The draft agreement between

Credo Bank and NGO Elva has developed and remained under legal review during Q3 to

ensure that any agreement will meet appropriate National Bank regulations to which

Credo must adhere. In the meantime, Credo’s agriculture expert is working on uploading

information to the Kalo.ge portal such as agriculture dictionary, videos, food safety issues,

veterinary and livestock articles, etc.

Screen Shot: Beta version of Kalo.ge portal front splash page (Photo Credit: Credo)

Challenges: • Legal review delayed execution of the joint agreement with NGO Elva during Q3,

though contract should be executed early in Q4.

Next Steps: • Credo will sign agreement with NGO Elva on administration of Kalo.ge and develop

implementation plan for launching the platform once Traktor is incorporated into the

newly developed electronic system.

2003B: GFA Agro-Information and Electronic Match-Making Platform (Under 2003:

Promote Market Information Systems and Electronic Match-Making Services)

Results/Updates:

• During Q3, Zrda continued to monitor the Agronavti platform, jointly administered by

GFA and GFDC. In Q2, 208 users have been registered on the platform and by the end

of Q3 Agronavti had registered 2,500 users in total.

• GFA continues to actively engage in outreach activities, involve local farmers in Agronavti

services and publicize the platform through different social and printed media on a daily,

weekly, and monthly basis, including information on Agro Digest, Agro Prices, Land

Auction and Research and Surveys resulted in a total of 210 posts published during Q3.

To publicize the Agronavti platform GFA also attended ICT for Ag 2018 Conference in

Washington DC, bringing together around 300 leaders and decision-makers in agriculture

and technology from the international development community and the private sector.

Sharing information on the importance of innovations for empowering smallholder

farmers, and the communities that support them, through information and

communication technologies (ICT). The Agronavti platform was discussed at the

conference, and Georgian experience was shared alongside Mexican and Pakistani

collo\eagues having similar platforms operating in their respective countries.

• Through Agronavti, GFDC purchased and distributed GEL 900,000 worth of products

during Q3, including GEL 153,612 worth of products from 25 farmers from Zrda target

municipalities. The products included vegetables, berries, dairy products, and honey.

• GFA and GFDC continued to collect legal documentation that is required to start

construction of the storage facility in Gamarjveba village of Gardabani Municipality. The

storage capacity is planned to be 300-tons, covering an area of 5,000 square meters, with

a value of GEL 2,300,000. GFDC was planning to start construction works in Q3 for the

rural road connecting highway to the cold storage facility, though the process was delayed

due to a delay in receiving permission from the Roads Department.


2003B: GFA Agro-Information and Electronic Match-Making Platform (Under 2003:

Promote Market Information Systems and Electronic Match-Making Services)

Challenges:

• After completing the cleaning works for the cold storage territory, GFDC applied for the

road construction permit to the Roads Department of the Ministry of Regional

Development and Infrastructure. The Roads Department officially notified the GFDC,

that the land allocated for constricting the storage may fall into the territory where the

government is building a bypass road. Currently, the Roads Department has not

developed a detailed plan of the new road (will be at the end of the calendar year). Once

the plan is done, the Roads Department will send a letter to GFDC to confirm the conflict

of the new road to be constructed and the territory allocated for the storage. GFDC will

act according after the official notification.

Next Steps:

• GFDC and GFA will cooperate with the Roads Department to define exact specifications

of the new bypass and decide on future activities for construction of the cold storage.

• GFA will regularly monitor portal figures and publicize Agronavti among Zrda regions and

farmers to link local farmers and increase sales.

2003C: APS Sub-Award to Elva to Support Development of the Traktor Platform (Under

2003: Promote Market Information Systems and Electronic Match-Making Services) -

Completed.

Results/Updates:

• During Q3, Zrda continued monitoring of agro-information portal Traktor. The portal

counts up to 14,900 users and subscribers countrywide, with 4,480 registered quarterly

active users.

• During Q3, Traktor Shop managed to facilitate GEL 55,920 in sales between 187 farmers

and Traktor Shop suppliers using the online storefront.

• Up to 5,200 individual questions were answered by Traktor consultants via the Farm Help,

Social Media, e-mail, and call center during Q3.

• NGO Elva successfully negotiated on administration issues of the new platform Kalo.ge

developed by Credo Bank for supporting local farmers to get updated information on new

technologies and provide match making service to the producers and buyers of

agricultural products. Traktor, managed by the NGO Elva, will be integrated into kalo.ge

and administrated by Elva.

Challenges: Activity is completed, no challenges to report.

Next Steps:

• Monitor functionality and portal improvements on a quarterly basis and promote access

to new technologies among Zrda farmers.

• Closely monitoring of the Traktor and Kalo.ge merger and integration process of the

two platforms.

2004B: Development of Certificate Course in Post-Harvest Management –

Completed/Monitoring on-going

Results/Updates:

• Akhaltsikhe State Education University has applied to Ministry of Education and Science

of Georgia (MoES) for accreditation of bachelor’s degree programs for agri-business

and agrarian faculties. The program curricula includes the Post Harvest Handling

Management (PHHM) training course, developed by GLA with Zrda support, as an

elective discipline. The university will obtain a decision of the MoES on programs’

accreditation in the near future.

• Once accreditation process is completed, the University will be entitled to offer the

Post-Harvest handling course to interested students.

Challenges:

Activity is completed, no challenges to report.

Next Steps: • Starting September 2018, Akhaltsikhe University plans to offer the PHHM module to

the bachelor degree program students of Agri-business and Agronomy colleges in the

sixth semester.


2004C: Tour Guides Training and Certification

Results/Updates:

• During Q3 Zrda announced a RFA to select an appropriate sector association and/or

training institution qualified to develop and implement vocational certification training

program for tour guides in Zrda target regions. The objective of the program is to

create a pool of certified tour guides in Zrda priority regions and facilitate their

employment with Zrda partner tour operators.

• Only one sector association applied to the RFA.

• Zrda is in the process of reviewing the submitted proposal and negotiating the final

conditions and objectives of the sub-award with the applicant.

Challenges:

• Activity is slightly behind schedule due to extended negotiations with the potential

implementing partner. Implementation is expected to begin during Q4 after finalizing

negotiations and executing the sub-award agreement with the potential implementing

partner.

Next Steps: • In Q4, Zrda, through its implementing partner, will start development and

implementation of vocational training program for tour guides in its priority regions.

2005: Greenhouse Technology Promotion & Training

Results/Updates:

• During Q3, eleven applications were received in response to the APS/Subsidy Scheme

that aims to stimulate greenhouse sub-sector development in Zrda target regions. The

planned activity will subsidize greenhouse establishment or renovation of existing

greenhouses according to a subsidy scheme. Zrda’s maximum contribution per square

meter is GEL 10, covering an area of up to 1,000 square meters. Zrda facilitates access to

finance (through Credo, Crystal, as well as IFAD financed program AMMAR), so that

farmers can attract financial resources as required to participate in the subsidy program.

• During Q3, Zrda initiated a Greenhouse Establishment Project in partnership with LEPL

Livelihood Agency. Under this activity 18 IDPs have been selected and the Agency has

signed agreements with all of them. Up to 3,600 square meters of new greenhouses will

be arranged for the selected IDPs, which are beneficiaries of the Ministry`s annual

program “House in the Rural Area” and have already received a house and land from the

government in permanent ownership.

• During Q3, 43 Zrda-supported greenhouses produced 59,400 kg of cucumbers, 8,842 kg

of greens and lettuce, 1,695 kg of tomatoes and 526,000 vegetable seedlings, generating

income of GEL 242,710.

Challenges:

• Zrda faced obstacles to promote new

greenhouse subsidy scheme in the

Samtkhe-Javakheti region as well as in

Pankisi, as the scheme requires more

farmers to pre-finance greenhouse

installation prior to receiving the subsidy.

Zrda is working with financial service

providers to try to address this issue in

these regions.

• Insurance claims submitted by three Zrda-

supported greenhouses were rejected by

UNISON and owners were not

reimbursed for losses (greenhouses were

damaged due to a severe wind and snow).

Kristo Kasiteridi, Greenhouse Farmer from Avlevi,

Kareli, expend greenhouse operation from

240sq.m to 600sq.m (Photo Credit: Chemonics

International Inc.)

Next Steps:

• Continue evaluation and approval of qualified applications received under the

Greenhouse APS.

• In Q3, Zrda has protested with UNISON management and is still in the process of

evaluating the cases for eventual reimbursement. Zrda management does not believe that

UNISON has treated the pilot program fairly and disputes the assessment of the company


2005: Greenhouse Technology Promotion & Training

that the greenhouses were not assembled properly. Will continue dialogue with UNISON

during Q4.

2005A: Farmer Field School (FFS) Mobile Training Centers

Results/Updates:

• During Q3, RDFG continued coordination

with Zrda regarding the Farmer Field

Schools (FFS) activity. Due to issues

regarding the original proposed

implementation of the activity, namely the

mobile training centers were sold by

RDFG’s partner Silk Water Group, RDFG

prepared a new proposal for

implementation of the FFS activity with a

new format. RDFG leased an appropriate

truck that was equipped with greenhouse

promotional materials to present

greenhouse technologies to the farmers

alongside field trainings. RDFG identified an

irrigation and greenhouse input supplier

company which developed a sample

greenhouse for field visit demonstrations.

• With the developed presentation

materials, brochures, assembled

greenhouse, and irrigation systems, RDFG

conducted seven field visits for 20 target

communities in Shida Kartli and 16

communities in Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti,

which were attended by 205 local farmers.

During the field visits, Zrda’s agriculture

specialist presented the ongoing APS for

greenhouse and cold storage activities

which generated interest among some

farmers.

Farmers Field Training School in Shida-Kartli and

Samegrelo Zemo Svaneti (Photo Credit: Chemonics

International Inc.)

Challenges:

Silk Water Group training trucks were unexpectedly re-allocated for other purposes, which

required RDFG to negotiate with several partners to find transportation means. Identifying

new transportation and negotiations with input suppliers took longer than expected,

resulting in slight delays in the launch of the training activities.

Next Steps: RDFG will provide a new training calendar for target municipalities in Samtskhe-Javakheti

and Kvemo Kartli and trainings will commence in Q4, with all trainings expected to be

completed by early August.

2006A: Sweet Bell Pepper Introduction in Zrda Target Regions

Results/Updates:

• During Q3, Zrda-selected four farmers from the Bolnisi and Marneuli municipalities to

arrange bell pepper demonstration plots on 3.9 hectares.

• Zrda’s local vegetable expert provided consultations concerning nutrition, irrigation,

weed management, and IPM to the bell pepper farmers.

Challenges:

Zrda was not able to complete the

procurement of the shade netting systems

since none of the proposed offers during the

competitive bidding process were eligible.

We will complete the procurement for the

2019 season for those farmers that will

expand production and elect to test the

technology.


2006A: Sweet Bell Pepper Introduction in Zrda Target Regions

Bell pepper demonstration plot on 2.0 ha, Tsereteli

village, Marneuli (Photo Credit: Chemonics

International Inc.)

Next Steps:

Provide trainings and consultations to farmers related the bell pepper production

technology. International (MASHAV) and local experts will be involved in the consulting

process.

2006B: Cool-Weather Crop Trials/Demos in High Elevation Communities from Kvemo

Kartli and Samtskhe-Javakheti Regions

Results/Updates:

• Zrda provided drip and spray irrigation systems to 12 farmers from Samtskhe-Javakheti

and Kvemo Kartli high elevation communities. A total of 4.2 hectares across 12 demo

plots were arranged for cauliflower, broccoli, cabbage, carrot, and beetroot production.

• Zrda local expert conducted consultations to the beneficiaries in weed, irrigation and

fertigation management.

• All 12 farmers were referred to the distribution company - Kartuli Sakhli Ltd to ensure

sales. Kartuli Sakhli has already procured 60 tons of carrots from one Zrda beneficiary

farmer from Kvemo Kartli and will continue receiving production from cool-weather

vegetable farmers.

Challenges:

Introducing cool-weather vegetables was

challenging in the regions were farmers

historically have been producing only

potatoes. The introduction of new crops

always entails both production and marketing

risks. Zrda will support selected farmers to

overcome these risks and stimulate other

farmers to replicate new models in their

farms in order to have more diversified

products and be competitive on the fresh

produce market.

Cool-weather vegetable demo plot in Skhvilisi,

Akhaltsikhe (Photo Credit: Chemonics International

Inc.)

Next Steps: • Provide trainings and consultations.

• Link farmers with distribution company.

ZRDA SUB-PURPOSE 3: FACILITATE MARKET LINKAGES BETWEEN PRODUCERS

& BUYERS

Activities under Sub-Purpose 3 promote new and improved linkages between producers and buyers,

ranging from local smallholders to large international companies. In terms of market linkages, a dedicated

AMP will not be developed for this activity but rather, linkages will be opportunistically facilitated within

other approved activities or directly with partner firms through relationship development activities. Sub-

Purpose Level 3 indicators and progress made as of Q3, FY 2018 are provided in Table 4 below.





OF TARGET)

LOP TARGET

CUM. % OF LOP

TARGET

3.1.1 Number of new market referrals established

through USG assistance (C) 500 296 (59%) 1,300 4.436 (341%)



3.2.1 Number of market linkages established through

USG assistance (C) 300 72 (24%) 720 1,246 (173%)

3001D: Tourism Trade Fair Support for Regional Promotion Activities

Results/Updates:

• Zrda has engaged an international tourism product development and marketing expert

to support Georgian tour operators and regional stakeholders to diversify tour packages

and create stronger brand positioning on international markets.

• The expert conducted his first mission to Georgia, did a site visit tour around regions

and provided a one-day training to 33 participating regional and national stakeholders.

Training by Jack Delf, International Expert (Photo Credit: Chemonics International Inc.)


Next Steps:

• In the upcoming months, the expert will develop the selection criteria to choose

several training participants and provide them with in-depth consultations in product

development, marketing and fair preparation to get them ready for international trade

fair participation in the fall of 2018.

• Zrda is targeting fall 2018 to support regional (Samegrelo and Samtskhe-Javakheti)

participation at an international trade fair.

3002A: Digital Marketing Development (under 3002: Product/Service Market Support)

• As part of Zrda’s efforts to localize the digital marketing training activity, Creative

Development Center (CDC) successfully implemented the Digital Marketing Support

for Guesthouses, Small & Medium Hotels activity, and covered most of the activities

planned within the framework of this sub-award, including:

• Implementation of four training modules (Digital Marketing, Registration/using

online platforms, Finance and fundraising, Web development basics);

• Photography sessions (creation of photo portfolio);

• Creating online educational platform.

• At the end of the four-step training program beneficiaries were able to prepare

content for social media; register on Booking.com, tripadvisor.com and airbnb.com;

have individual consulting sessions with trainers, work on fundraising plan; and learn

about existing platforms for web development.

• During the training program CDC developed training modules as an electronic

resource and uploaded all materials to the exiting online platform Skills.ge. The online

course is now available for Zrda beneficiaries, where they may receive additional

support from trainers.

• CDC organized 34 trainings covering 10 municipalities and trained 200 new

beneficiaries.

• A total of 180 hotels completed photo portfolios.


3002A: Digital Marketing Development (under 3002: Product/Service Market Support)

• CDC Developed online courses, being published on www.skills.ge, and open for all

beneficiaries at no cost. The course is also publicly available and can be purchased by

any interested person for GEL 9.90. CDC will provide ongoing statistics on course

purchases through the end of Zrda.

Website design and content development for small and medium-sized hotels:

• During Q3, Zrda selected a vendor to provide website design and content development

services to small and medium-size hotels and guest houses operating in Zrda target

regions. The service package to hotels/guesthouses includes development of websites

with online booking and payment processing functions, social media marketing strategy,

comprising promotional sales boosters, and development of key electronic and print

media materials to complement digital outreach efforts. The service will help interested

hotels/guest-houses to improve digital marketing and sales presence.

• Zrda released an RFA to solicit applications from small and mid-size hotels/guest houses

to obtain Zrda-subsidized website design and content development services that will

improve their digital marketing capabilities and increase sales and revenues. The

implementation of activity will last from 6 to 12 months depending on the final number

of beneficiaries.

Challenges: Activity is on track/no material challenges

CDC Training Session (Photo Credit: Chemonics

International Inc.)

Next Steps:

• CDC will complete their sub-award and provide a full report including, detailed summary

of pre- and post- tests for mentors and beneficiaries, as well as digital profiles for each

beneficiary.

• Through open competition, Zrda shall select hotels/guesthouses willing and committed

to cost-share and develop digital and printed promotional materials for their hotels and

use social media sales boosters for promotional campaigns.

http://www.skills.ge/


3002B: Tour Operator & Media Info Tours for Product Development Activity

Results/Updates:

Zrda continues the cycle of info and media tours for Georgian tour operators and media

representatives to explore new destinations and service providers and promote product

diversification. Zrda, in cooperation with GNTA, conducted a media tour engaging eight

Georgian channels, including Public Broadcaster, Rustavi 2, Imedi TV, Maestro, Palitra TV,

TV Pirveli, Ertsulovneba and Musicbox to visit and report about the tourist attractions in

the Samegrelo region:

https://www.facebook.com/cimg.ge/videos/1898008863575808/?hc_ref=ARRHOWMMQs

oBh7HNOSjJJwzbaZIBTGpaW0LJbCvagmo3kXID-zvstCnQ2XGOeafCV3A&fref=nf

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HLmXNsptypk&t=5s

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZnC3Qt7Uh04

https://www.youtube.om/watch?v=zXd_jDi_pKw&t=19s

Georgian media at Samegrelo Info Tour (Photo Credit: Chemonics International Inc.)

• All the Tour Operators, which participated in past info tours to Samegrelo and Samtskhe-

Javakheti, reported frequently arranging visits to the new destinations in Samegrelo and

Samtskhe-Javakheti and the integration of info tour sites to package offers during the

survey conducted by Zrda. According to the agencies, the revenues generated from tours

in Samegrelo and Samtskhe-Javakheti from April to June 2018 was nearly GEL 800,000.

Challenges: Activity is on track/no material challenges.

Next Steps:

• The next tour for 14 Georgian tour operators in the Kvemo Kartli region and the

Akhmeta municipality is scheduled for July 23-27, 2018. The tour covers the Bolnisi,

Tsalka, Tetriskaro, and Akhmeta municipalities, including Tusheti.

3002C: Chachkari Ethno-Village Development Activity

Results/Updates:

• Chachkari marketing and project

fundraising brochure was developed for

marketing and social media campaign

strategy. Chachkari brand and trademark

logo created to help build interest and

increasing fundraising outreach. The

brochure will be printed and used by

Chachkari Development Fund (CDF).

• CDF partner organization “Amkhanagoba

21” (Kartuli Sakhli) was contracted by the

Municipal Development Fund (MDF) to

develop the Chachkari Development

Master Plan for regulating urbanization of

the village. The Master Plan project has a

budget of GEL 200,000 and will be

finalized by March 2019. Development of

the village master plan will trigger the

implementation of infrastructure projects

Chachkari Marketing Brochur (Photo Credit:

Ketevan Babunashvili)

https://www.facebook.com/cimg.ge/videos/1898008863575808/?hc_ref=ARRHOWMMQsoBh7HNOSjJJwzbaZIBTGpaW0LJbCvagmo3kXID-zvstCnQ2XGOeafCV3A&fref=nf

https://www.facebook.com/cimg.ge/videos/1898008863575808/?hc_ref=ARRHOWMMQsoBh7HNOSjJJwzbaZIBTGpaW0LJbCvagmo3kXID-zvstCnQ2XGOeafCV3A&fref=nf

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HLmXNsptypk&t=5s

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZnC3Qt7Uh04

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zXd_jDi_pKw&t=19s


3002C: Chachkari Ethno-Village Development Activity

at the village level (water, road, gas, etc.)

that will support Chachkari’s long-term

development perspectives and increase its

tourism potential.

Challenges:

• Master plan development is expected to take eight months. This may delay two grant

projects approved by Zrda: (1) Chachkari brunch project – activity that would involve

Gogasheni villagers to offer brunch service to tourists visiting Vardzia and generate

income for revitalization of Chachkari; and (2) development of a camping business in

Chachkari. If both projects obtain special permission from the National Cultural

Heritage Agency for their respective activities on the village territory, Zrda will be able

to proceed with the grant agreements and start the implementation process.

Next Steps:

• Print the Chachkari marketing brochure for further use in fundraising purposes.

• Continue coordination and active involvement during the Master Plan development

with all the stakeholders (CDF, Georgian House, Gogacheni community and others).

• Prepare grant agreements for grantees once they present the Agency permission

document to Zrda.

3002D: Adventure Tourism Product/Routes Development in Zrda Target Regions

Results/Updates:

• With the goal to promote adventure

tourism in Georgia, Zrda sub-awardee

Georgian Eco Tourism Association (GEA)

has launched the wilderness guide training

program for 42 beneficiaries from Zrda

target regions. The trainings are scheduled

to take place between June and August.

Ten hiking guides from Tusheti and Pankisi

were trained and equipped with camping

equipment during Q3. A few of them will

lead a group of visitors in Tusheti shortly.

Those from Pankisi will take part in route

exploration and marking led by GNTA.

• In parallel, to ensure a quality training

program for potential guides in the

canyoning discipline, Zrda hosted a training

of trainers led by experts from the

International Canyoning Association (CIC).

The 27-day long course for 4 Georgian

instructors covers an internationally

recognized and accredited program to be

further transmitted to potential trainees

from Zrda target areas. Upon successful

completion all the ToT participants will

become licensed members of CIC.

• Zrda completed the uploading of e-maps

of 42 trekking routes in Samegrelo-Zemo

Svaneti on international search engine

www.wikiloc.com.

E.g. https://www.wikiloc.com/hiking-

trails/khaishi-tobavarchkhili

-lakes-skuri-xaishi-tobavarchxilis-tbebi-

skuri-24568699

GEA Guides Training (Photo Credit: Chemonics

International Inc.)

http://www.wikiloc.com/

https://www.wikiloc.com/hiking-trails/khaishi-tobavarchkhili-lakes-skuri-xaishi-tobavarchxilis-tbebi-skuri-24568699





3002D: Adventure Tourism Product/Routes Development in Zrda Target Regions

CIC Trainings in Samegrelo (Photo Credit:

Chemonics International Inc.)

Challenges: Activity is on track/no material challenge

Next Steps:

• During July-August, Zrda will host a ToT program for 13 rafting instructors. The

trainings will be led by experts from International Rafting Federation (IRF) and

International Rescue Training Provider Rescue 3 Europe. In parallel, GEA will continue

the training session for the rest of the hiking/trekking, rafting, canyoning and diving

guides.

• Zrda will work together with GNTA to upload finished hiking/trekking maps in upon

marking the trails according to recognized standards.

3002E: Agro/Eco/Adventure Tourism Product/Service Destination Grant Activity

Results/Updates:

• The activity will support rural MSMEs and households to create/expand new tourism

products and services in Zrda target regions, with specific emphasis on rural, adventure,

agro, eco, gastro, and cultural tourism businesses and service providers.

• Eighty applicants replied to the grant opportunity. The grants committee of Zrda

narrowed the list according to the selection criteria and conducted site visits to the

short-listed candidates to examine their capacity to implement the projects. As a result,

18 potential beneficiaries were selected to get Zrda support and the list was submitted

to USAID for approval.

Challenges:

Activity on track/no material challenges.

Next Steps: After receiving USAID approval, Zrda will proceed with the grant awarding process,

implementation, and monitoring.

3002F: Samtskhe-Javakheti Cookbook Development

Results/Updates:

• Zrda, in partnership with the Samtskhe-Javakheti DMO working group, GNTA and the

Georgian Culinary Academy, finalized the development of electronic version of the

cookbook (ready to print file), entitled “Meskhuri Tabla”. The book includes the

following information: General information about Samtskhe-Javakheti region and its

gastronomy, history of main attractions, old Meskhetian old recipes in English and

Georgian languages with visual material, and information about Meskhetian wine

traditions.

• The working group collected all the necessary requisites from families and the Museum

of Muskhi to ensure the authenticity of photo design; All the recipes were translated and

edited by the chefs from the Georgian Culinary Academy and Zrda, both in Georgian

and English languages.

• In order to define the preciseness and relevance of all the recipes, the Georgian

Culinary Academy organized a cooking and testing/tasting session, where all the dishes

were cooked according to the provided recipes. The activity was contributed by The

Culinary Academy as an in-kind contribution.


3002F: Samtskhe-Javakheti Cookbook Development

Meskhetian Dishes – Tklapi Stew (left) & Tsero Khinkali (right) (Photo Credit: Anna Lortkipanidze)

Challenges: Activity is on track/no major challenges.

Next Steps: • Finalize printing version of the book and print the book (Q4);

• Organize a book presentation and plan activities for promoting book on various events

or trade fairs. Launch anticipated for July 2018.

3002G: Family-Friendly Tourism Services Promotion Activity

Results/Updates:

• During the reporting period, Zrda selected the activity implementing partner, Ltd Key

Hospitality (new legal entity associated with existing Zrda partner Key Management Solutions,

Ltd.) to deliver training courses to accommodation and catering service provider firms in

Zrda target regions.

• The selected service provider will introduce family-friendly services to the hospitality

industry to help distinguish accommodation and food sector businesses across all target

regions by offering age-appropriate amenities, catering services and extra-curricular

activities to attract families and boost sales. The service provider will gather all the

industry players from Zrda regions at an introductory meeting and will work with three

volunteer companies to pilot new services. The introductory training will mostly target

actors from areas with favorable mountain and coastal climates, which are most

attractive for families.

Challenges:

• The implementing partner has applied for the DUNS number and the activities will take

start as soon as the company is awarded the number. They have received the DUNS

number in July 2018, which falls in Q4.

Next Steps:

• Zrda will monitor training and consulting service provided by the implementing partner.

3004: Handicrafts and Artisan Sales and Marketing Support Activity

Results/Updates:

• During Q3, Zrda selected the Georgian Heritage Crafts Association (GHCA) to

implement a new activity “Enhance Artisans/Crafts Makers’ Business Skills” in the

Akhmeta municipality and the Samtskhe-Javakheti region.

• GHCA conducted a preliminary study about existing handicraft resources and

elaborated recommendations for further development of the craft business in target

areas. Based on the survey, beneficiaries were selected for the activity’s subsequent

stages.

• The trainings for more than 50 artisans were conducted across both locations with a

focus on the theoretical principles of the handicraft business.


3004: Handicrafts and Artisan Sales and Marketing Support Activity

Challenges: • Activity is on track/no material challenges

GHCA Training Session (Photo Credit: Chemonics

International Inc.)

Next Steps: • Trainings focused on handicraft making technology (for woodwork, carpet weaving,

embroidery, knitting, quilting, etc.) will continue.

3005: Tourism Promotional Materials Support for Zrda Target Regions

Results/Updates:

• Zrda implementing partner, Regional Development Association (RDA), continued to

work on content development activities for the future Samtskhe-Javakheti DMO

website, and marketing materials. The following activities were implemented during this

reporting period:

• Survey to identify potential beneficiaries in Samtkhe-Javakheti and their technical

resource needs;

• Study tour and business matchmaking for Zrda tourism enterprises in Samtskhe-

Javakheti (five training sessions of hospitality industry managers, matchmaking

event);

• Development of local heritage portal for Samtskhe-Javakheti (marketing material

for tour operators and MSMEs covering 24 topics).

• Zrda’s communications team has developed a RFP to contract a marketing and design

company responsible for the development of the promotional package for the DMO

that includes a website, online regional catalogue, social media profile, e-templates for

print media (brochures, catalogues, posters, banners, leaflets, business cards), and a

promotional video the region.


Next Steps:

• Content development review will be ongoing during Q4, with launch of first batch of

marketing materials by the end of FY 2018 or early in Q1, FY 2019.

• RDA will conduct a study tour and business matchmaking for tourism enterprises in

Kakheti and Kvemo Kartli - five training sessions covering hospitality management,

breakfast/lunch/dinner preparation, selection and degustation of beverages, and service

standards.

• RDA will deliver trainings for agriculture and tourism enterprises - 20 training sessions

covering financial management, marketing and branding, service standards, agricultural

technologies, and production process technologies.

• RFA for marketing and design service provider will be identified through competitive

process. Once contracted, the company will start developing the designs for marketing

material listed above.


ZRDA SUB-PURPOSE 4: PROMOTE LOCAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT BY

ESTABLISHING NETWORKS

Activities under Sub-Purpose 4 promote improvements of existing networks and the establishment of

new networks in the public and private sectors. Sub-purpose level 4 indicators and progress made as of

Q3, FY 2018 are provided in Table 5 below.



INDICATOR FY 2018

TARGET


OF TARGET)

LOP

TARGET

CUM. % OF LOP TARGET

4.1.1 Number of local/regional markets or market

infrastructure (e.g. storage/cold storage,

packing/sorting facilities) facilitated with USG assistance

(S)

20 12 (60%) 60 16 (27%)

4.2.1 Percentage change in perception of inclusiveness

in decision-making processes (S) N/A N/A 60% N/A

4001: Promote Public Economic/Market & Disaster Mitigation Infrastructure Advocacy

Planning with Communities

Results/Updates:

• During Q3, Zrda continued partnerships with target municipalities and communities to

support economic infrastructure and disaster mitigation activities.

• As a follow-up to the signed MOUs, Zrda issued respective task orders to the

contractor design company LTD Acharkapmsheni for infrastructure projects to support

Kaspi, Kareli, and Khashuri municipalities.

• The design company provided a full package of design documents and Zrda’s engineer

reviewed and accepted the final versions for following project:

• Rehabilitation of irrigation channel in the Bredza village and drainage channels in the

villages of Chvrinisi and Guliaantkari in the Kareli municipality;

• Rehabilitation of drainage channel in the Ali village in Khashuri.

• Rehabilitation of kindergarten building in Zemo Rene village in Kaspi, draft design is

provided and is under review process.

• Ali village drainage channel design documents for Khashuri municipality were handed

over. The three-village project design in the Kareli municipality will be delivered in Q4.

Zrda will closely coordinate with municipal officials to get updated information on status

of the infrastructure rehabilitation process.

• Zrda developed the full project design package for two damaged sections of gabions

(80m and 174m) in the Pakhulani village of the Tsalenjikha municipality with a budget of

GEL 197,790, benefiting 160 households. As a follow-up to the delivered design package,

the municipality cooperated with the disaster mitigation fund under the Ministry of

Regional Development and Infrastructure (MRDI) and leveraged funds for the

infrastructure project rehabilitation. The river bank installation works were completed

at the end of June.

• To support Zrda target municipalities in infrastructure development, Zrda’s engineer in

coordination with the Bolnisi and Akhmeta municipalities and local communities

prioritized infrastructure projects and assessed rural road rehabilitation projects in the

villages of Matani and Zemo Alvani in Akhmeta, and rehabilitation of irrigation system in

the Kveshi village in Bolnisi. Assessment results and rehabilitation estimates were

delivered to municipalities and are waiting for feedback. Relevant MOUs will be signed

during Q4.

• During Q3, Zrda actively continued cooperation with the OSCE representatives in

Vienna to support Shida Kartli ABL villages through infrastructure projects. Currently

OSCE is working on developing a project proposal for the Dvani village’s potable water

supply system and attract international funds for rehabilitation, as well as defining ways

of cooperation with the Kareli municipality.


• In June, Zrda and OSCE hosted a group of Vienna-based ambassadors to the OSCE of

approximately 30 persons in villages of Zemo Sobisi and Kvemo Sobisi to share a

successful joint project implemented with OSCE, USAID, and tne Gori municipality,

located near the Shida Kartli ABL. The ambassadors met with the Mayor of Gori,

USAID, Zrda representatives, and local households, and got information on

operation/maintenance of the water supply system and discussed new priority

infrastructure projects in Gori and the importance of projects implemented along the

ABL to decrease migration.

• During the reporting period Zrda coordinated with the Zugdidi municipality to submit

already developed and delivered infrastructure project design of village Chkhoria potable

water rehabilitation to Municipal Development Fund (MDF) for attracting rehabilitation

funds. Currently the Chkhoria design is under discussion in MDF and the final decision of

funding will be made in Q4.

River Bank Gabions in Village Pakhulani, Tsalenjikha (before and after)


Challenges: • Activity in on track/no material challenges.

Next Steps:

• Continue cooperation with OSCE to seek funding for the proposed Dvani project in

Shida Kartli.

• Continue coordination with Bolnisi and Akhmeta to sign agreements on developing

project designs and continue assessment of infrastructure projects in Dusheti. Issue task

orders for design development.

• Continue cooperation with municipalities which were already delivered the designs and

assess implementation status of the projects.


4004A: Beekeeping Cooperative Development Support

Results/Updates:

Marketing grants:

• During Q3, an agricultural cooperative “Urtanauli” and an individual beekeeper from

Akhmeta received marketing and branding support from Digital Avenue. The activity

entails equipping Zrda beneficiaries with product logo and a brand name, designing

brand identity, supporting in trademark registration, label design, and a blueprint

creation, packaging design, prototype, and photography, and developing brochures and

catalogue template for the products.

Field trainings for beekeeper cooperatives:

• During Q3 Zrda organized two study visits for 33 individual beekeepers and

representatives of beekeeping cooperatives form Samegrelo (20 beekeepers) and

Samtskhe-Javakheti region (13 beekeepers), to the bee breeding facility, specifically

equipped for bee queen breeding and royal jelly production. During the visit,

beekeepers were exposed to hands-on technologies for nucleus feeding, marking, bee

queen selection, production, and encaging. The participants learned techniques for ripe

queen cell introduction into nucleus and its protection. The beekeepers provided very

positive feedback about the study visit and evaluated the field trainings as very important

and beneficial for advancing their skills and knowledge in bee queen and royal jelly

production.

• Zrda beneficiary beekeeping cooperatives participated in the agricultural products’

festival organized by Akhaltsikhe Information Consultation Center (ICC), under the

MoEPA. Festival visitors were offered to taste and buy honey and berriesproduced by

Zrda partner farmers.

Training session and Zrda beneficiaries at the Agricultural Festival


Challenges: Activity on track/no material challenges.

New branding of Cooperative Urtanauli Honey


Next Steps:

• Zrda will continue coordination of trademarking, branding, and marketing support to its

beneficiary cooperatives.

• Zrda plans to re-announce a grant for beekeeper cooperatives to obtain subsidized

equipment that will facilitate honey product diversification and increased productivity.


4005: Samtskhe-Javakheti Regional Tourism Development Activity

Results/Updates:

• Zrda supported GNTA with legal

consultations to determine the most

appropriate legal and governance

structure for the DMO. After intensive

consultation and discussions, the decision

was made to register a DMO as a non-

commercial legal entity (second option

was LEPL); This legal form gives more

flexibility to the DMO and ensures the

involvement of private sector players in

the DMO planning and activity

implementation process. Additionally, the

legal team, upon GNTA’s request, is

working on an appropriate legal definition

for DMO that will be integrated in the

updated version of the Tourism Law.

• Zrda supported the Samtskhe-Javakheti

DMO Working Group to develop and

distribute the monthly regional tourism

newsletter and calendar of events. Three

monthly newsletters have already been

issued and a calendar of events has been

developed and distributed. This newsletter

and event calendar will be published

monthly and sent to the email distribution

list generated from the Tourism

Symposium held in Borjomi in April 2017.

Samtskhe-Javakheti Newsletter

Challenges: • While the legal structure issue for DMO has been mostly finalized, a formal decision

from GNTA still is pending. Finalization of this process is expected to be completed in

Q4.

Next Steps:

• Present the final charter and the DMO to GNTA and the MOE;

• Finalize the DMO legal status/charter and establish the DMO, including organizational

structure, funding schemes, roles and responsibilities, etc.;

• Continue support the development of new products (cookbook electronic version is

completed, and the actual book presentation will be held in July);

• Continue issuing events calendar and a monthly newsletter;

• Register DMO and prepare a DMO Action Plan for 2018-19.

• Support establishment of DMO office and creation of initial promotion package.

4007: Capacity Development of Tourism Information Centers under GNTA

Results/Updates:

• Zrda completed processing of GNTA grant application for modernization and re-

decoration of Zrda target four Tourist Information Centers (TICs) operating in Gori,

Borjomi, Akhaltsikhe, and Zugdidi (USD 10,000 max. to each TIC).

• Zrda released a RFP for interior design and furnishing services to proceed with

modernization of four tourism information centers.

Challenges: Activity on track/no material challenges.

Next Steps: • In cooperation with GNTA, Zrda will select a vendor to develop interior design and

carry out alteration and modernization of four TICs and monitor the process to ensure

completion of the tasks to the best satisfaction of GNTA, local municipalities and Zrda.


• Zrda will deliver trainings to enhance the human and organizational capacity and ensure

delivery of quality services to tourists/visitors.

4009: Samegrelo Regional DMO Support Activity

Results/Updates:

• Based on the Samtskhe-Javakheti experience, Zrda has initiated establishment a tourism

stakeholder working group in Samegrelo, which will form the basis for future DMO

creation.

• Zrda conducted a survey to identify tourism sector challenges in Samegrelo. Both public

and private sector representatives participated in the survey. The results of the survey

were analyzed and presented back to sector players that are part of the established

working group.

• The working group has conducted various meetings to prepare presentations for the

First Tourism Symposium in Samegrelo in September. The symposium will bring

together sector representatives, donor organizations, and all interested parties where

the plan of establishing Samegrelo DMO will be announced.


Next Steps:

• Support working group members with presentations to be discussed at the symposium.

• Identify international and local experts that engage in Samegrelo Tourism Strategy

preparation. The international expert will support Zrda in symposium content

development.

• Plan logistics for the symposium.

CROSS-CUTTING MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES

Crosscutting activities focus on communications, donor collaboration, and capitalizing on the

entrepreneurial, educational, and creative potential of youth and both sexes in differentiated ways. Zrda

4011: Establishment and Capacity Building of Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR)

Working Groups

Results/Updates:

• The DRR activity implementation process during Q2 was delayed due to the reforms in

LEPL Emergency Management Agency (EMA), which was merged with the Crisis

Management Council in December 2017 to create a new structure, the Emergency

Management Service (EMS) that was established in January 2018. Due to legislation

amendments, the EMS operation was delayed and RDFG was informed to postpone

DRR activates until adoption of the new law. The draft amendments to the “Civil Safety

Law”, defining the responsibility of the entity for elaboration of plans, was reviewed by

the government and adopted by the Parliament of Georgia at the end of June. It was

already submitted to the president of Georgia to sign.

• During the reporting period, to clarify the situation and establish the coordination

mechanism within the project, RDFG organized a meeting with the National Crisis

Management Center and Zrda. During the meeting RDFG received official confirmation

to launch the pilot DRR project in the target municipality and a commitment of

collaboration with EMS and USAID. RDFG’s DRR Center proposed methodology will

be piloted in Gori. It is expected the new law to be adopted in July and the pilot

sessions could be planned for August.

Challenges:

• Due to recommendations received from the National Crisis Management Center the

DRR activity was postponed until the new amendments to the Civil Safety Law could be

adopted. The new regulations regarding the elaboration of Emergency Management

Plans require that they become the responsibility of the newly established municipal

branches.

Next Steps: • For the next reporting period RDFG will closely cooperate with the EMS to get

information on law adoption and initiate further steps for piloting DRR activities in Gori.


through baseline, midterm, and final assessments will disaggregate data by sex, that will be later used for

designing the activities accordingly.

Euro-Atlantic Integration Zrda continues to promote Euro-Atlantic integration across all sub-purposes. The main area of focus

continues to be on the DCFTA and applicable international certifications and standards that are required

of producers and processors that seek to target exports to the European Union. As a stepping stone

towards European standards, Zrda, implementing partner GFA, and the MoEPA continue to partner on

the establishment of a GEOG.A.P. system that will provide a platform to promote food safety and quality

standards at an intermediate level for the domestic market and will begin the process of standards

upgrading for those producers interested and able to meet EU compliance requirements. The

GEOG.A.P. activity is fully underway as of Q3, with ongoing technical support for development of the

scheme continuing during Q4. Finalization and launch of the scheme are expected in Q1, FY 2019.

Integrating Gender and Youth: Gender and youth integration have been a cross-cutting focus across all Zrda activities, and additional

stand-alone activities will be designed as opportunities arise in the future.

9904B: Joint Youth-Oriented Activities in Cooperation with the Ministry of Sport and

Youth Affairs of Georgia / Ministry of Education and Science (under 9904: Engage Youth

and Build Interest and Capacity in Future Career Opportunities in Target Sectors)

Results/Updates:

Support growth of rural youth well-being and development opportunities through empowerment

of entities responsible for youth development in the local governments

• Zrda conducted a series of meeting with Ministry of Education (MoE) and World

Vision (WV) Georgia representatives. Seven Municipalities have been selected for the

project in 2018: Rustavi, Akhaltsikhe, Zugdidi, Marneuli, Bagdati, Borjomi, and Mestia.

(four are Zrda target municipalities). Zrda will conduct a youth needs assessment and

the MoE and WV experts will work with the local municipalities to elaborate municipal

youth policy documents according to the results of the assessment.

Challenges: • Activity is on track/no material challenges

Next Steps: • AMP for the activity will be revised in the beginning of Q4 (July) to reflect changes to

the activity as a result of the government reorganization.

9907C – Youth Volunteer Internships for IDP Support Outreach Activity (under 9907:

Internships)

Results/Updates:

• The first cycle of information outreach campaign was implemented in April according to

the revised MOU signed among Zrda and LEPL Livelihood Agency on March 30.

Ten volunteers from Samegrelo and Shida Kartli participated in the process. The

campaign’s goal was to raise awareness of the potential beneficiaries about the joint

grants program planned for the agriculture sector.

Challenges: • The second, larger cycle of the activity was planned for June, but the process was

stopped/paused because of the changes in the Georgian Government.

Next Steps: • Working meeting with the Agency will be conducted by Zrda to determine whether and

how the partnership may continue under the new government structure.

Telling Our Story/Communications:

Zrda’s communications objectives are focused on raising awareness and understanding of the project throughout

its implementation to ensure favorable public and stakeholder perceptions of Zrda’s accomplishments. In the

reporting period, Zrda designed its communications tools to maximize development impact, project outcomes,

and the visibility of the project and project partners.

Social Media Platform: Zrda’s Facebook page has been actively promoting the project and publicizing its current

initiatives, announcements, and accomplishments to wide audiences of beneficiaries, stakeholders, partners, and

Georgian public. The communications team’s overall objective is to deliver information that helps to make social


media responses and engagement better. We regularly review and analyze the Facebook’s built-in analytics that

provide a snapshot of our page’s performance, particularly focusing on different core areas including page likes;

post reach; engagement and others.

Increase of Total Zrda Page Likes in April – June 2018: The Zrda Facebook page continues to increase its

audience, from 4,144 in April 2018 up to 4,838 by the end of June 2018 (18% increase during Q3). The graphic

below shows audience increase by month, total participants at the start of the period, and monthly totals and

period-ending totals.

Average Post Reach/Engagement in April – June 2018: The Reach graph shows the number of people

Zrda’s post reached and the positive engagement that helps the page reach more people. This quarter, Zrda

announced several grants programs focusing on agriculture and tourism development that attracted a wide

spectrum of interested stakeholders and potential beneficiaries across all Zrda target regions. At the same time,

people continue to gravitate toward visual content because pictures, videos, and graphics are often easier to absorb

and share. Based on the below analytics, we can say that with more Facebook users than ever using mobile devices

to scan their news feeds, visual posts continue to be increasingly important to sharing Zrda’s stories and impact:


The posts types below generated most engagement from Zrda audiences: Throughout Q3, FY 2018,

the Zrda communications team has regularly reviewed its post types to see what resonates the most with Zrda

audience. Analyzing the success of different post types based on average reach and engagement this quarter,

posts on new opportunities Zrda provides in terms of its tourism and agriculture development grant programs

and entrepreneurship generated the most engagement as the topics of utmost importance for our audiences. See

examples below:

Website: The communications team continued to regularly update the Zrda website that serves as a repository

of project information and public documents; structures project achievements and evaluation; and communicates

transparency by supplying reliable and accurate information about challenges, successes, lessons learned, calls for

grant applications, and other information. It is worth mentioning that in Q3, the Zrda communications team started

a “content refresh” of the website to be fully completed in Q4. This includes adding, updating, and even removing

pages that are offering less value. We are reshaping content based on the website analytics and a clear

understanding of what is and isn’t effective to make informed decisions about where our time and effort is best

spent.


Telling our Story: The communications team continues to seek opportunities to share the personal stories of

project results with key stakeholders, including USAID/Georgia, GoG, private sector companies, associations and

cooperatives, educational institutions, other local entities, and the media. When appropriate, the project develops

success stories with a focus on the positive impact of Zrda activities, whether it be on a Zrda-supported access to

finance opportunities or a farmer using new agricultural techniques. These stories are also being shared through

the project’s social media channels with the partners and media to generate positive press on the project and its

key partners. See Annex B for this quarter’s success story.

Events: Zrda organized the following high-profile events with the USAID and GoG participation:

✓ Launch of Digital Marketing mentors’ training for tourism development across Georgia;

✓ Chargé d’Affaires Elizabeth Rood’s visit to Zrda-supported sites in Samegrelo and Samtskhe-Javakheti;

✓ The New Tourism Product Development and Marketing seminar conducted by British expert Jack Delf,

the joint effort of USAID Zrda and Georgian National Tourism Association (GNTA);

✓ USAID Armenia’s visit to Zrda-supported sites Samtskhe-Javakheti region;

✓ Launch of the crop-specific local GAP standards for Georgia, supported by USAID Zrda, in partnership

with Georgian Farmers’ Association (GFA) and the Ministry of Environment Protection and Agriculture;

✓ USAID Senior Development Advisor Andrew W. Plitt’s visit to Zrda-supported sites in Shida Kartli region;

✓ Positioning of 38 e-maps of hiking trails in Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti region on worldwide popular search

engine - www.wikiloc.com, Zrda-supported initiative in partnership with Georgian National Tourism

Administration;

✓ The first trainings for canyon guides in Samegrelo, conducted by the professional instructors from the

International Association of Professional Canyon Guides (CIC);

✓ Donation of modern field laboratory toolkits to Marneuli and Tsalka Farm Service Centers;

✓ USAID’s visit to Zrda-supported sites in Kvemo Kartli;

Media tour “Discover More in Samegrelo”, organized by USAID/Zrda, Georgian National Tourism

Administration and Samegrelo-Zemo-Svaneti regional administration.

http://www.wikiloc.com/


All events were publicized through online media including Facebook and Zrda partner ministry/agency websites

and national television and local broadcasters - Public Channel, TV Pirveli, Imedi, Rustavi 2, Palitra TV; Trialeti TV

and DIA TV in Shida Kartli; Odishi TV and Radio Atinati in Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti; and online media channels.

Activities/Events planned for Q4 of FY2018: In the forth quarter of FY 2018, Zrda will host a number of

public events, as well as field-based trainings. Of particular note are the following:

✓ Web platform development trainings conducted by Creative Development Center (CDC) (July 2018);

✓ Training in Rafting discipline (ToT) for Georgian experts. The training is provided by International Rafting

Federation (IRF) and Rescue 3 Europe (July 2018);

✓ Launch of Samtskhe-Javakheti Cookbook (July 2018);

✓ New USAID Mission Director’s visit to Zrda-supported sites in Samegrelo;

✓ Info Tour for Georgian tour operators in Kvemo Kartli, Tusheti and Pankisi Valley (July 2018);

✓ Presentation of Digital Marketing Guidebook “From Real Estate Owner to Successful Entrepreneur”

(August 2018);

✓ Launch of USAID Zrda and BP partnership event in Tbilisi (August 2018);

✓ Launch of USAID Zrda and Anaklia Development Consortium partnership events (August/September

2018);

✓ Samegrelo Agro-Festival (August 2018);

✓ Samegrelo Tourism Development Symposium (September 2018).

PARTNERSHIP & COORDINATION UPDATES:

Zrda has prioritized donor and GoG coordination throughout all proposed activities. Zrda sees

collaboration as key to reducing duplication of efforts between partners as well as generating leverage

that will increase and expand Zrda’s intended development impact as much as possible. Zrda leverages

partnerships with stakeholders across government, civil society, and other donor projects to achieve

transformative and sustainable impact in target communities. Zrda has designed its strategic approach

to seek partnership and leverage both financial and non-financial resources as the best option to achieve

intended project outcomes, with Zrda financial investments used to incentivize and multiply the efforts

Zrda beneficiary in Samegrelo Media info tour in Samegrelo

Zrda beneficiaries participating in Agro Festival Media info tour in Samegrelo

Farmers mobile bus traveling throughout Georgia CIC canyoning trainings for Georgian instructors


of Zrda partners for greater impact. During the Q3, FY 2018 Zrda made progress on several critical

partnerships that will dramatically shape the remaining implementation period of Zrda. All partnerships

are not highlighted below, rather new developments within key partnerships are summarized.

Partnership with Anaklia Development Consortium (ADC)

Progress towards finalizing a partnership agreement with ADC continued during Q3. Zrda developed

and delivered a comprehensive program design presentation on the joint project to ADC senior

leadership for approval ahead of executing the partnership agreement and beginning implementation. A

series of presentations were conducted for ADC leadership, ADC’s financial and legal team, as well as

the CSR unit, after which Zrda received a confirmation to proceed with the agreement formalization.

Zrda has started Zrda/ADC project staff recruitment process in order to identify potential candidates

and start immediate hiring process once the partnership agreement is signed. At the same time, Zrda

has developed Activity Management Plans (AMP) for five quick win activities that can be implemented by

the joint program immediately after official start of the project. The partnership agreement has been

prepared and discussed with ADC’s legal team. The final program design and budget will be presented

to USAID for final approval ahead of completing the partnership agreement. Assuming the process

continues to move on schedule, we fully expect that the partnership agreement will be officially signed

before the end of Q4.

Partnership with British Petroleum (BP)

In Q3, BP completed the tender process for both the Small Business Development Program (SBDP)

along the Western Route Export Pipeline (WREP) in Shida Kartli and the Community Development

Initiative (CDI) along the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan (BTC), South Caucasus Pipeline (SCP) pipeline. By the end

of June, BP finalized the application evaluation process for WREP section and has contracted the NGO

Elkana to be their implementing partner for Shida-Kartli. In July, BP will initiate introductory meeting for

Zrda and Eklana for implementing joint projects in overlapping villages. For CDI, BP is in the process of

contract negotiation with the selected implementing organization and will complete contracting

procedures in Q4. The Signing of MOU with Zrda and BP selected implementing partners and start of

the activity implementation process is expected by August 2018. Partnership with Georgian Harvest

After signing the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Georgian Harvest Company that

focuses on both production and distribution of high quality agriculture produce for the domestic modern

retail markets, Zrda started facilitation of beneficiary farmers into Georgian Harvest’s supply chain, with

a focus on greens, cucumbers, tomatoes, eggplants, and pilot schemes on both sweet bell peppers and

cold weather crops. In Q3, Georgian Harvest contracted 12 Zrda farmers. Sixty tons of carrots from

one Kvemo Kartli farmer were delivered along with other cool-weather vegetables periodically delivered

for sale. Georgian Harvest plans to provide access to seeds and seedlings from their nurseries as well as

training for farmers in their greenhouse and in-field. Zrda-supported pilot bell pepper farmers in Marneuli

and Bolnisi will start harvesting in Q4 for delivery to Georgian Harvest, which plans to purchase a

minimum of 120 tons. Zrda will continue to support farmers with subsidized irrigation, greenhouse

packages, and consultation packages through our ongoing agricultural support activities while also linking

our beneficiaries into Georgian Harvest’s supply chain. Georgian Harvest will also provide training to

greenhouse farmers in their modern greenhouse complex in Gardabani and will continue to expand

contract farming opportunities for Zrda target farmers.

Partnership with APMA/IFAD (AMMAR & DANIDA Programs)

While the MOU has been signed with APMA, there have been significant difficulties in persuading APMA

to approve applications from Zrda farmers due to inflexibility on the part of APMA regarding the

documentation required from farmers to qualify for financial support. In Q3, Zrda managed to advocate

APMA issues with the MoEPA and managed to receive confirmation to proceed with the co-financing

scheme detailed in the MOU. By the end of Q3, APMA approved six grants (GEL 35,256) for Zrda

beneficiary berry nurseries. Under the grant project, APMA provided drip irrigation and fertigation

systems for the nurseries.

Partnership with LEPL Livelihood Agency, the Ministry of IDPs of Georgia

Zrda signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the LEPL IDP Livelihoods Agency for joint

implementation of a greenhouse establishment program targeting IDP households residing in Zrda target


regions. Zrda and the Agency invested GEL 100,000 each into the partnership program. Through a

competitive process, Zrda together with the Agency identified 18 IDP beneficiaries of the Ministry`s

program “House in the Rural Area” that have received a house and land from the government in

permanent ownership. Under the joint program, 3,600 square meters of greenhouses will be arranged

for the selected IDPs and trainings and consultations on production technologies will be delivered by

Zrda experts during Q4.

ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE ACTIVITIES:

Zrda’s Environmental Specialist (ES) performed environmental assessments of all service providers and

sub-awardees with new activities or sub-awards initiated during Q3, FY 2018 including:

• For Activity #4001 “Promote Public Economic/Market & Disaster Mitigation Infrastructure

Advocacy Planning with Communities,” seven infrastructure projects were selected for design.

During QI and Q2, USAID approved the relevant Environmental documentation (ERC/EMMP).

Subsequently, the ES reviewed all construction organization plans for each project prepared by the

design company and submitted the appropriate comments to the design company for the update.

Within this activity, the ES monitored the completion works of Pakhulani gabions/Tsalenjikha

Municipality and prepared the appropriate memo.

• For Activity #3002A “Digital Marketing Development for Guesthouses, Small and Medium Hotels”

the training sessions on food safety issues were performed together with food safety expert in

Akhmeta, Zugdidi, and Tsalenjikha.

• For Activity #3002E “Grant Opportunities for Tourism Sector Players,” the ES conducted site

visits to six potential beneficiaries, performed environmental assessment and prepared relevant

recommendations for delivery to the applicants. Furthermore, the ES prepared the relevant

environmental documents (EMMPs) and submitted for approval to USAID.

• For Activity # 3002C “Chachkari Village Development Support,” Zrda is supporting he Chachkari

Development Fund to create the “Chachkari Lunch Project.” Within this activity ES performed

water sampling in Chachkari village and the water analysis was performed by a certified entity LLC

Gamma-Scientific Research Company. Physical and chemical characteristics and microbiological

composition of water meet WHO and EPA standards and are compliant with the requirements of

technical regulation on drinking water in Georgia.

• All Zrda agriculture sector beneficiaries using plant protection means in their activities, based on

updated PERSUAP 2017/ Pesticide Evaluation Report and Safe Use Action Plan/ DCN: 2017-GEO-

022, received packages including hard copies and electronic versions of important brochures and

leaflets on the safe use of pesticides as well as a set personal protective equipment (PPE).

• For Activity #2006B “New Cool-Weather Crop Trials/Demos in Tsalka, Ninotsminda and

Akhalkalaki (New)” the ES evaluated ten demonstration plots in Samtskhe-Javakheti (Ninotsminda,

Aspindza, Akhaltsikhe municipalities) and six demonstration plots in Kvemo Kartli (Tsalka

municipality) against environmental compliance requirements. Appropriate recommendations were

prepared and delivered to the applicants for action. Within this activity USAID approved the

documentation prepared by the ES.

• For the Activity# 2002 “Strengthening Capacity of Agricultural Information Consultation Centers/

increasing availability of soil testing services,” the ES prepared: (1) environmental memos for three

private FSCs including Tsalka, Ninotsminda and Marneuli FSCs and one for Association Kenkra Geo

in Zugdidi; (2) the ES delivered training sessions for new beneficiaries from Marneuli, Tsalka,

Ninotsminda, and Zugdidi; and (3) held additional trainings in demonstration plots in Kaspi and

Bolnisi and one training session session was held for all applicants in Samtskhe-Javakheti. All

applicants received the appropriate guidelines in Georgian language.

• For the Activity #1008 “Akhmeta Municipality Micro Grants Activity,” a total of 34 applicants were

evaluated against environmental compliance, out of which five were berry demonstration plot

farmers and 29 were MSMEs’ working in tourism. Recommendations were prepared and delivered

to the applicants for action. Within this activity USAID approved the relevant document (EMMP)

prepared by the ES.


• For the Activity# 2005 “Greenhouse Technology Promotion & Trainings (updated),” a total of 22

applicants were evaluated against environmental compliance requirements. Recommendations were

prepared and delivered to the applicants for action. Within this activity USAID approved the

relevant document (EMMP) prepared by the ES.

• For Activity # 4007 “Tourism Information Center Capacity Building” the ES prepared the

environmental memo for “Redesign and Modernization of Tourism Information Centers/TIC and

Transfer of the Copyright for Digital Marketing Manual Use and Update to GNTA”. The proposed

activity includes consultations, recommendations, and trainings provided to TIC staff, as well as to

help TICs to modernize interior design of their offices based in Gori, Borjomi, Akhaltsikhe and

Zugdidi and procure modernization equipment to be provided in-kind for use in the four TICs.

• Activity #3002G “Family-Friendly Tourism Services Promotion Activity,” which includes

comprehensive position-specific training courses for the staff occupying entry-level positions at

lodging, food and beverage businesses, introducing and implementing of internationally recognized

quality standards and upgrade service quality of hospitality businesses to the best satisfaction of the

customers, was evaluated and the relevant memo was prepared by the ES.

MONITORING AND EVALUATION:

The third round of the baseline household survey and the third round of Zrda Resiliency Index (ZRI)

data collection will take place in Q1 of 2019 by the by Zrda’s survey implementing partner, ACT. See

Annex A for the Zrda indicator tracking matrix that provides results against the Purpose and Sub-

Purpose level indicators as of the end of Q3.


ANNEX A. ZRDA INDICATOR TRACKING MATRIX

NO. INDICATOR NAME

FY 2016 FY 2017 FY 2018 FY 2019 FY 2020 FY 2021 LOP

TARGET ACTUAL TARGET ACTUAL TARGET ACTUAL TARGET ACTUAL TARGET ACTUAL TARGET ACTUAL TARGET ACTUAL

PURPOSE-LEVEL INDICATORS & ILLUSTRATIVE TARGETS

1 Value of sales generated by MSMEs

over life of project

(P/F2)

$0 $0 $6,000,000 $1,667,484 $10,000,000 $4,557,200 $10,000,000 $0 $6.000,000 $0 $4,000,000 $0 $36,000,000 $6,224,684

2 Number of MSMEs

generating new sales over life of project (P)

0 0 170 189 300 162 220 0 90 0 20 0 800 351

3 Number of new jobs

created (P) 0 0 400 375 600 186 700 0 500 0 200 0 2,400 561

4 Number of

households increasing income by at least 25

percent (P)

13,200 0

5 Percentage change in Zrda Resiliency Index measuring capacity of

beneficiary communities to cope with shocks to

livelihoods (P)

+10% 0%

6 Number of stakeholders implementing risk-

reducing

practices/actions to improve resilience to

livelihood shocks as a result of USG assistance (P/S)

900 0

7 Total value of funding leveraged from GOG and other sources for

infrastructure and

$27,556 $27,556 $800,000

$977,441

$1,400,000 $ 874,433 $900,000 $0 $350,000 $0 $122,444 $3,600,000 $1,879,430

2 FtF Indicator: “Value of incremental sales (collected at farm-level) attributed to FTF implementation (4.5.2-23)” is included herein but also called out separately as a FTF indicator in the table.


NO. INDICATOR NAME



non-infrastructure projects (P/F3)

8 Number of beneficiaries using improved

infrastructure services (P)

0 0 1,800 77 2,500 528 2,500 0 2,200 0 600 9,600 605

SUB-PURPOSE 1 LEVEL INDICATORS & TARGETS/ACTUALS

1.1.1 Number of business

plans supported as a result of USG assistance (C)

0 0 50 62 130 109 80 0 30 0 10 0 300 171

1.2.1 Number of MSME-s accessing evidence based market research through

associations/BSOs (C)

0 0 600 1,245 1,000 2,023 1,000 0 700 0 300 0 3,600 3,268

1.3.1 Number of assisted MSMEs that have incorporated updated standards to product

development as a result of USG assistance (C)

0 0 40 56 80 24 30 0 15 0 5 0 170 80

1.4.1 Number of public-private dialogues

facilitated (C) 4 4 27 29 90 44 90 0 60 0 29 0 300 77

1.5.1 Number of MSMEs operating more profitably (at or above

cost) because of USG assistance (S)

0 0 50 103 100 146 100 0 100 0 50 0 400 249


3 FtF Indicator: “Value of new private sector investment in the agriculture sector or food chain leveraged by FTF implementation (4 .5.2-38)” is included herein but also called out separately as a FTF indicator in the table.


NO. INDICATOR NAME



2.1.1 Number of households accessing

market data through USG-supported communication

channels (C)

0 0 1,570 12.074 30,000 5,364 20,000 0 10,000 0 3,000 0 64,570 17,438

2.2.1 Number of households and others who have

applied new technologies or management practices

as a result of USG assistance (C/F)

0 0 950 590 1,100 2,908 1,100 0 900 0 750 0 4,800 3,498

2.3.1 Number of individuals

who received USG supported short-term agricultural sector

productivity training (C)

138 138 650 526 1,000 483 800 0 600 0 412 0 3,600 1,147

2.4.1 Number of hectares

under improved

technologies or management practices as a result of USG

project (F)

0 0 1,002 347 2,000 936 1,700 0 900 0 398 0 6,000 1,283


3.1.1 Number of new market referrals established through USG assistance (C)

4 4 153 4,136 500 296 350 0 200 0 93 0 1,300 4,436

3.2.1 Number of market

linkages facilitated trough USG

Assistance (C)

0 0 138 1,174 300 72 180 0 80 0 22 0 720 1,246


4.1.1 Number of

local/regional markets or market infrastructure (e.g. storage/cold storage,

packing/ processing/sorting

0 0 5 4 20 12 17 0 10 0 8 0 60 16


NO. INDICATOR NAME



facilities) facilitated with USG assistance

(S)

4.2.1 Percentage change in perception of

inclusiveness in decision-making processes (S)

60% 0

FTF INDICATORS & TARGETS/ACTUALS

4.5.2-13 Number of rural households benefiting directly from USG interventions (F)

258 258 6,000 14,235 30,000 22,212 22,000 0 11,000 0 3,200 0 72,458 36,705

4.5.2-11 Number of food security private enterprises (for

profit), producer organizations, water users’ associations,

women’s groups,

trade and business associations, and

community-based organizations (CBOs), receiving USG-

assistance (F)

0 0 40 90 100 57 60 0 30 0 10 0 240 147

4.5.2-23 Value of incremental sales (collected at farm-level) attributed

to FTF implementation (F)

$0 $0 $3,000,000 $258,167 $4,700,000 $1,514,522 $5,000,000 $0 $3,000,000 $0 $2,300,000 $0 $18,000,000 $1,680,244

4.5.2-29 Value of agricultural

and rural loans (F) $0 $0 $110,000 $193,804 $130,000 $280,845 $150,000 $0 $120,000 $0 $90,000 $0 $600,000 $474,649

4.5.2-30 Number of MSMEs,

including farmers, receiving USG assistance to access

loans

0 0 110 72 150 113 170 0 115 0 55 0 600 185

4.5.2-38 Value of new private sector investment in

the agriculture sector or food chain leveraged by FTF

implementation (F)

$0 $0 $175,000 $225,961 $250,000 $167,825 $250,000 $0 $140,000 $0 $25,000 $0 $840,000 $393,786


NO. INDICATOR NAME



4.5.2-42 Number of private enterprises, producer

organizations, water users associations, women’s groups,

trade and business associations, and community-based organizations (CBOs)

that applied new

technologies or management

practices. (F)

0 0 35 49 80 56 45 0 20 0 5 0 185 105

4.6.3-2 Number of People

gaining employment as a result of participation in USG-

funded workforce development programs

0 0 80 257 300 107 250 0 50 0 20 0 700 364

4.6.3-4 Number of persons

completing USG-funded workforce development

programs

0 0 140 1,066 850 224 700 0 495 0 15 0 2,200 1,290

CROSSCUTTING INDICATORS & TARGETS/ACTUALS

GNDR2 Percentage of female

participants in USG-assisted programs designed to increase

access to productive

economic resources (assets, credit, income

or employment)

35% 0%

zrda activity in georgia

Documents