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Expansion of Collaboration Between RSMED Project and the Rural Development Agency (RDA)

Georgia
Sustainable agriculture, Trade, Entrepreneurial ecosystems
29.04.2025
The Rural Small and Medium Enterprises Development Project (RSMEDP) signed a renewed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Georgian Rural Development Agency (RDA). The agreement, signed by Richard Rose, Team Leader of RSMEDP, and George Darchia, Director of the RDA, marks a new phase in their ongoing collaboration to strengthen support for rural businesses.

The updated MoU aims to improve access to finance and business development services for rural enterprises in Georgia, with a particular focus on making these services more inclusive and effective. Key areas of cooperation include:

  • Increasing the participation of women and ethnic minority groups in RDA programs.
  • Strengthening the Agency’s monitoring, evaluation, and communication practices.
  • Introducing additional support tools to enhance rural enterprise performance, especially by improving existing farmer registration systems and agro-insurance schemes.

This renewed agreement builds on the partnership first established in December 2022. Since then, RSMEDP and RDA have worked together to increase women’s involvement in the “Plant the Future” program. As part of this effort:

  • More than 200 staff from the Agency’s regional offices (ICCs) received training in communication skills.
  • Nearly 500 women received consultations to support their investment in small-scale agriculture.
  • Over 200 of these women also participated in study visits to deepen their knowledge and exposure.

The expanded partnership reflects both parties’ commitment to inclusive rural development and better support for small and medium-sized enterprises in the sector.

2021 - 2028
Georgia
Sustainable agriculture, Trade, Entrepreneurial ecosystems
Creating a better business environment for rural small and medium-sized (SME) enterprises in Georgia
The Rural SME Development project aims at creating a better business environment for rural SMEs and entrepreneurs in Georgia. Strengthening the performance of rural businesses leads to new and improved jobs and increases in income for rural households.    
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