Women farmers and young people from Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti gathered in Martvili to celebrate International Youth Day through an event highlighting the role of youth in rural development and the importance of preserving and revitalizing local agricultural heritage.
The event was organized by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) within the framework of the project “Fostering the economic resilience of small-scale women farmers in Samegrelo and Abkhazia through farmer field schools”, with the support of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC).
Hosted at the Gulsunda Ethno-Gastro Space, the event brought together 20 women farmers with their daughters, sons, grandchildren, and other young family members to showcase local products, share agricultural knowledge, and celebrate the traditions that shape the region’s identity.
The event featured an exhibition and sale of locally produced dairy, fruit, and vegetable products, including traditional cheeses, jams, and other regional specialties. Participants also took part in culinary and practical masterclasses, providing opportunities for knowledge exchange between experienced farmers and younger generations.
The event highlighted how engaging young people, strengthening intergenerational knowledge exchange, and building connections with the private sector can help preserve agricultural heritage while creating new opportunities for smallholder farmers and supporting sustainable rural development.
Representatives of the HoReCa sector from Zugdidi, Kutaisi, and Martvili also participated, creating networking opportunities and supporting new business connections between smallholder women farmers and potential market partners.
“Young people’s involvement in agriculture is essential in shaping the future of rural communities,” said Javier Sanz Alvarez, FAO Senior Programme Officer. “By connecting generations, we help ensure that valuable knowledge and traditions are preserved while encouraging new ideas and innovation. Supporting youth engagement in agriculture means investing in more resilient and sustainable rural communities.”
“When knowledge is shared across generations, rural communities become stronger and more resilient,” said Barbara Böni, Regional Director of Swiss Cooperation, Embassy of Switzerland in Georgia. “By supporting smallholder women farmers and encouraging young people, especially young women and girls, to engage in agriculture, Switzerland helps preserve local agricultural heritage while creating new opportunities for future generations. Through our partnership with FAO, we are committed to fostering women’s economic empowerment, innovation and sustainable rural development.”
About FAO and SDC collaboration
Since 2020, FAO has been empowering women farmers in Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti with the support of the SDC. Already, 43 Farmer Field Schools have been established in the region and 813 women farmers supported with knowledge-sharing opportunities about modern and innovative food production practices.
Source: FAO
