Increasing Small-Scale Farmers’ Resilience to Drought in the Republic of Moldova - GCP/MOL/004/HUN

Abstract

Agriculture plays a significant role in the economy of the Republic of Moldova, accounting for about 14 percent of gross domestic product (GDP), 30 percent of employment, and 70 percent of exports. Drought is the principal perceived agriculture risk in the country, which is exposed to recurrent drought events, severely impacting crop yields and livestock. Future climate projections reveal more frequent and severe drought events, resulting in higher temperatures, reduction in precipitations, and water scarcity. Against this background, FAO and the Ministry of Agriculture, Regional Development and Environment (MARDE) identified inadequate infrastructure and little maintenance of the irrigation systems used by small-scale farmers as one of the weaknesses of the agriculture sector. The project aimed to improve rural livelihoods and ensure adaptation to climate change through better water management and the adoption of modern irrigation technologies.