Key to Achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in Armenia

ARMENIA working for the SDGs

FOOD AND AGRICULTURE Key to achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in Armenia

1 ARMENIA WORKING FOR THE SDGs

©FAO/Karen Minasyan

the united efforts of all countries behind – particularly vulnerable and INTRODUCTION and stakeholders, with no one left disadvantaged women and men in behind. The 17 SDGs are universal, rural communities – and promoting

integrated and indivisible, capturing the sustainable management of On 25 September 2015, the 193 all three dimensions of sustainable natural resources. Member States of the United development: social development, Nations adopted the 2030 Agenda sustained and inclusive economic The SDGs offer the right framework for Sustainable Development, growth, and environmental to tackle the economic, social and underpinned by 17 Sustainable protection. environmental challenges related Development Goals (SDGs) with to food and agricultural systems in 169 targets and 232 indicators to The 2030 Agenda aims to tackle Europe and Central Asia. guide the actions of governments, the complex challenges facing the international agencies, civil society planet today – ending poverty, organizations and other institutions hunger and malnutrition and The 2030 Agenda for to achieve sustainable development responding to climate change. In Sustainable Development by 2030. this context, sustainable food and includes: agriculture are critically important • 17 goals The 2030 Agenda sets forth a for the achievement of the SDGs in transformational and ambitious that they tackle the root causes of • 169 targets plan to guide the global approach to hunger and poverty, enabling an • 232 indicators sustainable development through inclusive society that leaves no one

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FOOD AND AGRICULTURE IN ARMENIA

Agriculture is one of the most Agriculture produces 13.7 percent percent are female farmers. Women important economic sectors of of the gross domestic product are over-represented in seasonal and Armenia. It is the main source of (GDP) (as of 2018) and employs precarious employment, and 82.1 economic activity in rural areas about 24.8 percent of the working percent of all women working in and is a signifi cant contributor population, of whom nearly 52.1 agriculture do so informally. to the gross domestic product.

Agriculture growth rate in GDP and employment in agriculture (%) 50 45.6 45.3 40 38.9 37.3 36.3 34.8 35.3 33.6 30 31.3 24.8 20 19.9 16.7 16.8 17.9 18.4 18.1 17.3 16.4 14.9 13.7 10 7.2 7.5 4.7 3.3 3.6 3 5.2 0 2.2 0.2 -10 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 -14.1 -20

GDP growth rate Share of Ag. in GDP Employment in Ag.

Source: Sta�s�cal Commi�ee of the Republic of Armenia (ARMSTAT)

In total, there is 2 044 200 ha of of uncultivated agricultural lands is of the total agricultural output agricultural land in Armenia. worrisome. (in 2016). Smallholders constitute This comprises 68.8 percent of the the vast majority in the country, country’s total territory, with about The agricultural lands are privatized, representing around 95 percent of all 0.15 ha of arable land per capita. and currently about 346 000 private farms, and have an average size of As of 2016, 21.3 percent of the family farms own 513 000 ha of 1.4 ha, usually fragmented into three agricultural land belonged to family agricultural lands, in total, and or four parcels. The smallest sizes farms. At the same time, the level produce more than 96.8 percent of agricultural land are in Ararat province (Ararat valley), at 0.72 ha, and Tavush province, at 0.86 ha. Smallholders produce most of the gross agricultural product, at around LAND BALANCE OF THE RA, 2019 (kha) 97 percent. AREA OF REPUBLIC OF ARMENIA 2974.3 ha Agricultural land, 2044.2 ha The territory of Armenia is Arable land, Other land, 390.8 444.8 characterized by high seismic activity and intensive exogenous Permanent crops, processes, which contribute to the 36.4 occurrence of landslides and erosion.

Grassland, 121.1 Another signifi cant problem in Armenia is salinization.

Pastures, 1051.1

Source: Sta�s�cal Commi�ee of the Republic of Armenia (ARMSTAT)

3 FOOD AND AGRICULTURE IN THE 2030 AGENDA THE 17 SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS

Goal End poverty in all its forms everywhere Goal End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture Goal Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages Goal Ensure inclusive and quality education for all and promote lifelong learning Goal Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls Goal Ensure access to water and sanitation for all Goal Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy Goal Promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth, employment and decent work for all

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Goal Build resilient infrastructure, promote sustainable industrialization and foster innovation Goal Reduce inequality within and among countries Goal Make cities inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable Goal Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns Goal Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts Goal Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources Goal Sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, halt and reverse land degradation, halt biodiversity loss Goal Promote just, peaceful and inclusive societies Goal Revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development

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communities, problems that still need to be addressed include the availability of preschool facilities, the distances between homes and primary schools, access to sewage systems, quality of roads, and availability of intercommunity public transport.

FAO’S SUPPORT ON SDGS IN ARMENIA

As a United Nations specialized agency, FAO has extensive experience in supporting sustainable development in the context of food and agriculture, providing ©FAO/Karen Minasyan norms, standards and data for the implementation, monitoring and reporting of the SDGs.

It is expected that the problems frost, drought, hail and seasonal related to land quality, water fl oods. These cause great damage to availability and the occurrence of agricultural production. The average natural disasters will continue to annual loss in agricultural output FAO is also the custodian worsen because of the negative related to hydrometeorological United Nations agency for impacts of climate change. hazards was estimated at USD 72 21 indicators, under million in 2016. SDG 2 (zero hunger) The average altitude of the country SDG 5 (gender equality) is 1 800 meters above sea level, According to FAO’s 2019 report SDG 6 (clean water and with 76.5 percent of the territory The State of Food Security and sanitation) located at between 1 000 meters Nutrition in The World, Armenia has SDG 12 (responsible consumption and 2 500 meters above sea level. registered a signifi cant decrease in and production) Thus, the majority of lands in the prevalence of undernourishment SDG 14 (life below water) and Armenia are mountainous and high- (PoU), which is a measurement of SDG 15 (life on land) mountainous zones; this determines hunger and food insecurity from the peculiarities of agricultural 2004 to 2017. The statistics shows production and food availability. that the PoU in Armenia declined The Ararat valley and the plain and from 7.8 percent in 2004–2006 to 4.3 subtropical zones have the most percent in 2015–2017. The national favourable conditions for plant statistics showed that 16 percent of As a custodian agency, FAO is growing, while the mountainous households were classifi ed as food responsible for collecting data from areas are more appropriate for insecure in 2015. Food insecurity is national sources, validating and animal husbandry. The agriculture accompanied with double burden of harmonizing those data, estimating of Armenia is focused mainly on child malnutrition and micronutrient regional and global aggregates, plant growing, which makes up defi ciencies; in 2015, 9 percent of and making them available for 55.4 percent of the total agricultural children younger than fi ve-years-old international reporting. FAO is output. The natural and climatic were stunted and 14 percent were also responsible for leading the conditions of Armenia determine overweight. methodological development of the high vulnerability of agriculture the 21 indicators and for providing to various forms of natural disasters Food security goes hand in hand coordinated technical assistance and stressors. Almost all regions with poverty. Poverty is a serious to countries with the objective of of the country are vulnerable to concern, as almost one-third of enabling them to produce their own hydrometeorological hazards, partly the total population – 29.8 percent data in the long run. related to climate change, including – are poor (2016). In many rural

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©FAO/Ani Grigoryan

FAO is supporting countries in the needs of women and men at different achievement of multiple SDG targets, stages of life and the needs of the most Agriculture is as food and agriculture encompasses disadvantaged, in line with the 2030 all the SDGs, through the Country Agenda’s principle of leaving no one one of the key Programming Frameworks (CPFs), a tool behind. for country-level strategic prioritization. sectors defining The three identified areas address the sustainable In Armenia, the Government and FAO, government priority areas as reflected through a participatory multi-stakeholder in key national documents, with an development of approach, agreed to implement the CPF emphasis on developing agriculture, focusing on three priority areas. fisheries and forestry and enhancing the Armenia. The capacities of smallholders and family Ministry of Economy farmers. PRIORITY 1: SUSTAINABLE USE OF of the Republic of NATURAL RESOURCES, DISASTER RISK Besides the technical support for REDUCTION AND MANAGEMENT SDG implementation, FAO also has Armenia is leading assisted Armenia in the identification the implementation PRIORITY 2: ANIMAL HEALTH, PLANT and monitoring of the SDG national PROTECTION AND FOOD SAFETY targets and indicators during the SDG and monitoring of nationalization process, providing PRIORITY 3: FOOD AND NUTRITION advice on the alignment of the the SDGs related to SECURITY AND POVERTY REDUCTION sectoral policy framework with the food and agriculture, SDGs, raising awareness on the key The three priority areas will increase the role of food and agriculture for the together with the competitiveness of farmers, foresters and achievement of the 2030 Agenda, fisherfolk and improve rural livelihood, recommending critical actions to be Statistical Committee directly supporting the achievement of, undertaken for the implementation and other relevant particularly, SDG 2 (zero hunger), 13 and monitoring of relevant SDGs, and (climate action) and 15 (life on land). providing methodological support institutions. These areas also address technical, social on the 21 SDG indicators under FAO and economic aspects, recognizing the custodianship.

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LIST OF SDG INDICATORS UNDER FAO CUSTODIANSHIP

INDICATOR CUSTODIAN/ PARTNERS TIER* 2.1.1 PREVALENCE OF UNDERNOURISHMENT FAO I 2.1.2 PREVALENCE OF MODERATE OR SEVERE FOOD INSECURITY IN THE POPULATION, BASED ON THE FAO II FOOD INSECURITY EXPERIENCE SCALE (FIES) 2.3.1 VOLUME OF PRODUCTION PER LABOUR UNIT BY CLASSES OF FARMING/PASTORAL/FORESTRY FAO II ENTERPRISE SIZE FAO, 2.3.2 AVERAGE INCOME OF SMALL-SCALE FOOD PRODUCERS, BY SEX AND INDIGENOUS STATUS II WORLD BANK FAO 2.4.1 PROPORTION OF AGRICULTURAL AREA UNDER PRODUCTIVE AND SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE II UNEP

2.5.1 NUMBER OF PLANT AND ANIMAL GENETIC RESOURCES FOR FOOD AND AGRICULTURE SECURED IN FAO I MEDIUM- OR LONG-TERM CONSERVATION FACILITIES UNEP

2.5.2 PROPORTION OF LOCAL BREEDS CLASSIFIED AS BEING AT RISK, NOT AT RISK OR AT UNKNOWN FAO I LEVEL OF RISK OF EXTINCTION UNEP

FAO 2.A.1 THE AGRICULTURE ORIENTATION INDEX FOR GOVERNMENT EXPENDITURES I IMF 2.C.1 INDICATOR OF FOOD PRICE ANOMALIES FAO II FAO 5.A.1 (A) PERCENTAGE OF PEOPLE WITH OWNERSHIP OR SECURE RIGHTS OVER AGRICULTURAL LAND UN WOMEN, UNSD, (OUT OF TOTAL AGRICULTURAL POPULATION), BY SEX; AND (B) SHARE OF WOMEN AMONG OWNERS II UNEP, UN HABITAT, OR RIGHTS-BEARERS OF AGRICULTURAL LAND, BY TYPE OF TENURE WORLD BANK FAO 5.A.2 PERCENTAGE OF COUNTRIES WHERE THE LEGAL FRAMEWORK (INCLUDING CUSTOMARY LAW) WORLD BANK, II GUARANTEES WOMEN’S EQUAL RIGHTS TO LAND OWNERSHIP AND/OR CONTROL UN WOMEN FAO UNEP, 6.4.1 CHANGE IN WATER USE EFFICIENCY OVER TIME IUCN, II UNSD, OECD, EUROSTAT FAO UNEP, 6.4.2 LEVEL OF WATER STRESS: FRESHWATER WITHDRAWAL AS A PROPORTION OF AVAILABLE IUCN, I FRESHWATER RESOURCES UNSD, OECD, EUROSTAT FAO 12.3.1.A FOOD LOSS INDEX II 14.4.1 PROPORTION OF FISH STOCKS WITHIN BIOLOGICALLY SUSTAINABLE LEVELS FAO I 14.6.1 PROGRESS BY COUNTRIES IN THE DEGREE OF IMPLEMENTATION OF INTERNATIONAL FAO II INSTRUMENTS AIMING TO COMBAT ILLEGAL, UNREPORTED AND UNREGULATED FISHING 14.7.1 SUSTAINABLE FISHERIES AS A PERCENTAGE OF GDP IN SMALL ISLAND DEVELOPING STATES, LEAST FAO II DEVELOPED COUNTRIES AND ALL COUNTRIES UNEP-WCMC 14.B.1 PROGRESS BY COUNTRIES IN THE DEGREE OF APPLICATION OF A LEGAL/REGULATORY/POLICY/ INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK WHICH RECOGNIZES AND PROTECTS ACCESS RIGHTS FOR SMALL-SCALE FAO II FISHERIES FAO 15.1.1 FOREST AREA AS A PERCENTAGE OF TOTAL LAND AREA I UNEP FAO 15.2.1 PROGRESS TOWARDS SUSTAINABLE FOREST MANAGEMENT I UNEP FAO 15.4.2 MOUNTAIN GREEN COVER INDEX I UNEP

1 Tier I – those for which an established methodology exists and data are already widely available. Tier II – those for which a methodology has been established but for which data are not easily available. Tier classification updated in April 2019.

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KEY MESSAGES

FOOD AND AGRICULTURE Sustainable food and agriculture are critically important for the achievement ARE KEY TO ACHIEVING THE of the SDGs in that they tackle the root causes of malnutrition and poverty, 2030 AGENDA enabling an inclusive society that leaves no one behind – particularly FOR SUSTAINABLE vulnerable and disadvantaged populations in rural communities – and DEVELOPMENT promoting sustainable management of natural resources. The SDGs offer the right framework to tackle the economic, social and environmental challenges related to food and agricultural systems in Europe and Central Asia, including Armenia.

SDGS ARE UNIVERSAL GOALS: The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development sets universal goals and NEW WAYS OF WORKING targets that involve the entire world, developed and developing countries TOGETHER ARE REQUIRED alike. They demand action by everyone and call for new ways of working together. Partnership, solidarity and a willingness to come together across geographies, sectors, professions and disciplines are the key enablers. The SDGs are a cross-sectoral and integrated issue that can only be achieved through a very strong cooperation and global partnerships among multiple actors – governments, United Nations agencies, cooperatives, civil society organizations, the private sector and other key actors – and across a broad range of areas.

FAO IS SUPPORTING ARMENIA As a United Nations specialized agency, FAO is widely recognized for its IN ACHIEVING THE 2030 technical capacity, global reach, monitoring expertise and experience in AGENDA building partnerships and shaping policy as a neutral convener in support of the implementation of the 2030 Agenda.

EFFECTIVE SDG MONITORING FAO has long experience and strong comparative advantages in supporting IS A KEY REQUIREMENT TO the generation of data and statistics for evidence-based policymaking. FAO is ACHIEVE PROGRESS the custodian UN agency for 21 of the 232 SDG indicators identified by the UN Statistical Commission, across SDG 2 (zero hunger), SDG 5 (gender equality), SDG 6 (clean water and sanitation), SDG 12 (responsible consumption and production), SDG 14 (life below water) and SDG 15 (life on land), and a partner agency for nine more. FAO’s support in strengthening statistical capacities on SDG indicators can help countries, including Armenia, meet the new monitoring challenges. FAO statistics can be used by both governments to formulate and supervise policy and by farmers in their forward planning and economic decision-making.

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and reduce the negative effects of Support to the Ministry FAO'S SUPPORT TO THE pesticides on humans, animals and of Economy and the IMPLEMENTATION OF SDGs the environment. The laboratory staff is trained to analyse pesticide Statistical Committee of IN ARMENIA products, supporting the government the Republic of Armenia in reducing the incidence of in SDG implementation obsolete, low-quality, fraudulent and monitoring or unauthorized pesticides on the Strengthening capacities Armenian market. The laboratory is on control of pesticide unique in its kind and is the only one in the whole Caucasus region. quality Agriculture is one of the main pillars of the Armenian economy, and is considered one of the Government's priorities. The Ministry of Economy, Agricultural inputs play a key which is responsible for economic role in the production of safe food The project significantly policy development, is the responsible institution for implementing the and feed. After the collapse of the contributes to the protection SDGs related to food and agriculture centrally planned economy and the of public health and and for identifying targets, aligning liberalization of the markets, new the reduction of risks policy planning documents pesticide inputs were imported and associated with the use of and- together with the Statistical used in Armenia from a wide range Committee – monitoring progress in of countries, often without proper pesticides – SDG target achieving SDG targets. control on quality and authenticity. 3.9 (reduce the number of While the use of pesticides in deaths and illnesses from An FAO project to support the pest, disease and weed control Ministry of Economy in the is important to ensure quality hazardous chemicals), implementation and monitoring of agricultural yields, it could also SDG target 6.3 (improve the SDGs, started in 2017, aimed have adverse effects on human and water quality by minimizing at increasing Armenia’s political awareness and commitment to animal health as well as on the the release of hazardous food security, nutrition and social environment. Ensuring the quality protection. Project goals also control of imported pesticides chemicals and materials), SDG target 12.4 (achieve included enhancing the technical and an efficient pesticide residue capacities of the Ministry of surveillance monitoring system the environmentally sound Economy and other relevant state for the food produced is, therefore, management of chemicals authorities on the implementation essential. However, Armenia lacked and reduce their release and monitoring of the SDGs. the necessary technical capacities and equipment. to air, water and soil) – A baseline study has been conducted to assess where the Ministry of Through a Greece-funded project and to the sustainable Economy stands regarding the of USD 2 million titled “Support for development of the nationalization and implementation pesticide quality control and residue agricultural sector through of the SDGs, with special attention monitoring in Armenia,” FAO less hazardous agricultural to the targets prioritized by the supported Armenia in establishing inputs, leading to improved ministry and the indicators under the the first pesticide quality control custodianship of FAO. laboratory, inaugurated in Yerevan agricultural practices, Through the project, a module on in 2015, fully equipped to carry out safer food and a cleaner the Food Insecurity Experience pesticide quality control according environment – SDG target Scale (FIES) for the collection of to international standards. With the 2.1 (end hunger and ensure SDG indicator 2.1.2 (prevalence of volume and variety of pesticides moderate or severe food insecurity imported into Armenia increasing access to safe, nutritious in the population) was integrated every year, the new laboratory and sufficient food). into the Integrated Living Conditions enables Armenia to improve the Survey (ILCS), and capacity quality of its agricultural products development activities were carried out on the 21 SDG indicators under FAO custodianship. 10 ARMENIA WORKING FOR THE SDGs

Technical assistance for the production of planting material resistant to grape phylloxera

Viticulture is one of Armenia’s most recognizable and valuable national assets. The history of wine growing in Armenia dates back over 6 000 years. The range in altitude of the country and variety of soil and climatic conditions created a favourable setting for grape production. Today, more than 60 Armenian companies ©FAO/Vahan Amirkhanyan produce more than 400 varieties of wines. Ninety-fi ve percent of all Armenian vineyards are held by production of phylloxera-resistant Developing capacity for small-scale farmers. grape plantlets; the establishment strengthening food of a workstation for grafting with security and nutrition Currently, the sector is at a critical modern equipment; staff training phase of its development. Until very for grafting and planting materials recently, Armenia was considered production at all stages; elaboration immune to phylloxera because its on the national programme for Despite considerable economic climatic conditions were not suitable phylloxera monitoring in the growth and improvements in for the insect’s biological cycle. country; and recommendations for household welfare in recent years, However, presently, the Armenia the establishment of a certifi cation Armenia remains highly vulnerable viticulture sector appears to have system for phylloxera-resistant to global economic shocks, volatility become susceptible, perhaps due to planting materials. in international food and commodity changes in environmental (climatic) prices and weather shocks that conditions that made the country more The project signifi cantly contributed negatively affect countries’ vulnerable to the spread of this pest. to the development of the viticulture economies and the food security sector in Armenia. It also provided situation in general. In 2017, FAO provided technical Armenian farmers and extension support to the Government of staff with training in the latest The FAO regional project Armenia in introducing new methods for the production of grape “Developing capacity for approaches and instruments for planting materials as well as modern strengthening food security and the sustainable development of vineyard management, including nutrition,” funded by the Russian agriculture in the country through integrated pest management, use Federation, has been implemented establishing the basis for the sound of drip irrigation, anti-hail netting, in Armenia since 2017. The project management of the grape production pruning and other techniques. aimed at addressing the linkages sector with possible production and among social protection, nutrition export growth. The FAO project Overall, it contributed to and agricultural interventions across has been addressing phylloxera SDG target 2.3 (Double the food systems to ultimately (plant pest) issues and laying the the agricultural productivity contribute to the sustainable groundwork for sustainable grape and incomes of small-scale eradication of poverty and food production in Armenia. Among food producers) and SDG insecurity. the key achievements of the project target 2.4 (Ensure sustainable are: the establishment of a vineyard food production systems In Armenia, the project established collection, with around 300 varieties; and implement resilient a “Cash+” model to strengthen food the creation of a demonstration agricultural practices that systems for nutrition-sensitive social vineyard with modern technologies increase productivity and protection, combining family benefi ts for two varieties for training production and help maintain with the provision of cattle or poultry purposes; the development ecosystems). and raspberry seedlings, in addition of rootstock vineyards for the 11 ARMENIA WORKING FOR THE SDGs

to training, to help vulnerable and agricultural training. Eradicating households make productive poverty, hunger and malnutrition Overall, the project has investments and, ultimately, improve while making agriculture and contributed to meeting their food security and nutrition. food systems sustainable requires SDG target 1.1 (eradicate extreme In total, the project covered 133 an integrated approach. School poverty for all people everywhere), Cash+ beneficiary households in feeding can, in fact, support local Marmashen community of Shirak agriculture, strengthen and diversify SDG target 1.2 (reduce at least by province and Gyulagarak community local food systems, and help move half the proportion of men, women of Lori province, providing training in people out of poverty by sourcing and children of all ages living in nutrition, hygiene, food security and food for school meals from local poverty), SDG target 2.1 (end safety. smallholder farmers. Also, through hunger and ensure access to safe, specific interventions such as healthy nutritious and sufficient food), Moreover, the project supported the school meals and food and nutrition SDG target 2.2 (end all forms of establishment of three greenhouses education, pupils can improve malnutrition) and SDG target 2.3 and two apple orchards in five their diets, develop healthier food schools of Ararat province to support practices and extend these to their (double the agricultural productivity school feeding, income generation families and communities. and incomes of small-scale food producers).

CONTACTS Cover photo: ©FAO/Karen Minasyan Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations Representation in Armenia Governmental building No 3, 3rd floor, room 362 Yerevan 0010, Republic of Armenia