Project Goal and Objectives

The goal of the Institutional Strengthening of Irrigation Management Entities Sub-Activity (ISSA), which is a part of Water-to-Market Activity, is to improve the productivity and sustainability of irrigated agriculture in Armenia through supporting the management reforms in the irrigation sector by developing and strengthening the institutional capacities of irrigation system management entities, such as Water User Associations (WUAs) and Water Supply Agencies (WSAs).

The objective of the ISSA is to produce the following results in the selected schemes for intensive capacity building:
1. Build on achievements in organizational reforms (started in 2001) and support institutional strengthening of the water management entities responsible for Armenia’s irrigation infrastructure.
2. Build the organizational, administrative and operational capacities of Water Users Associations (WUAs) and develop a basis for establishing Federations of WUAs;
3. Improved management of the water supply system and measurable results in improved collection rates from WUAs and their farmer members;
4. Develop guidelines and create enabling conditions for the establishment of a Professional Irrigation Association;
5. Develop Irrigation sector Policy and propose legal changes to existing legislation

Implementation method - Institutional strengthening if fulfilled primarily through in-service training, technical consultations and direct assistance activities that are planned to build technical, managerial, institutional and financial capacities of WUA and their members in irrigation system management.