Narrative Description of the Project:

SMEs in Armenia face a wide range of obstacles for development and growth. Many site issues related to taxes, corruption, legal and financial aspects are key impediments to growth. Agricultural SMEs not only face these broader issues, but also have additional issues that can only be identified in rural communities. Agriculture is forever changing and modernizing structure throughout the world, and those countries that do not adapt to the changing environment will have little opportunity for success.

As a result of preparatory investigation, VISTAA identified four (4) areas of training that could immediately address the issues facing agricultural SMEs. The individual areas included diary processing, bookkeeping, fruit processing and storage, and livestock care. A break down in government institutions, research facilities, and the educational system has left these enterprises without access to new technologies and information. The adjustment to a market economy has left many without the proper skills to operate in a market environment. VISTAA specialists shared their knowledge and experience working with SMEs for years, addressing the needs of SMEs and provided them with training they could use immediately.

Description of Actual Services Provided by Your Staff:

• Training needs assessment
• Identification of target groups
• Preparation of a training portfolio on 4 major areas
• Preparation and publication of training materials
• Delivery of trainings with the implementation of practical work and visual materials
• Verification of training topics and training impact assessment through pilot research
• Resolution of logistical issues related to training
• Coordination of training program in training venue
• Post-training evaluation
• Other additional functions