The objectives of the project “Optimising the Potential of Local Assets for Rural Development of Keda Municipality” are to diversify local economic activities, foster investment, and empower competitive agricultural and environmental practices in Keda Municipality via bottoms-up strategic planning of rural development. The priority of the project is to increase Keda Municipality’s development potential and make optimal use of local resources.


The project is being implemented by CENN in a partnership with:

• Centre for Strategic Research and Development of Georgia (CSRDG)
• Institute of Democracy (IOD)
• Austrian Institute for Regional Studies and Spatial Planning (ÖIR)

The project is supported by the European Union. The EU is supporting agriculture and rural development in Georgia through its ENPARD Programme. Implemented since 2013 with a total budget of EUR 179.5 million, the main goal of ENPARD is to reduce rural poverty in Georgia. The first phase of ENPARD in Georgia focused on developing the potential of agriculture. The second and third phases of ENPARD focus on creating economic opportunities for a rural population that go beyond agricultural activities. More information on ENPARD is available at: enpard.ge.


The following activities will be implemented within the project:

1. Establishment and capacity building of the Keda Local Action Group (LAG) (involving AMAGs) and community-based institutions, raising awareness of the EU’s rural development approaches the institutional building of the Keda LAG, linking and networking with other LAGs nationwide.
2. Participatory development of a gender and youth sensitive Keda Rural Development Strategy (RDS), development of monitoring and evaluation (M&E) tools for implementation of the Keda RDS, approval of the Keda RDS by the relevant state authorities in Adjara.
3. Implementation of innovative projects (through sub-grants under the strategy) to foster economic and investment opportunities and inclusive rural growth, and improve the well-being of rural communities (identification of sustainable projects generating new employment opportunities, financing and implementation of innovative projects); participatory development of the Keda Marketing and Communication Strategy; the Invest in KEDA active media outreach and marketing campaign; organisation of the Keda business forum and Keda Rural Festivals; exchange and site visits to promote projects and attract investments; capacity building and promoting opportunities for rural youth (organization of youth camps, support of youth initiatives/projects).