Evaluation of FAO’s country programme in Armenia 2016-2020

Book excerpt: Armenia’s agriculture represents the main economic source in rural areas and significantly contributes to the country’s GDP, employing about 30 percent of the working population. Aligned with Armenia’s national development priorities, FAO's programme has been well aligned with national priorities focusing on provision of highly specialized technical expertise towards the development of national policies, institutions, and also offering innovative approaches and solutions. The evaluation concluded that FAO should continue offering its advisory services and technical support in thematic areas within its competence, focusing on longer term sustainability of results achieved and taking into consideration vulnerability of food and agriculture systems to climate change. The Country Office needs to expand its support in areas where FAO has clear comparative advantages, and respond to the new demands in the context of the upcoming United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework Guidance (UNSDCF) for the period 2021-2025.