Small Farms in Armenia Boost Economy, Empower Women
The agriculture sector in Armenia is crucial to the economy, employing many people and contributing significantly to the GDP. From 2004 to 2015, the sector recorded strong growth, driven by increased productivity in small farms using better seeds and fertilizers. Most farms are small-scale, but larger farms play a substantial role in land use. Agricultural exports grew substantially during this period, mostly driven by beverages and tobacco products rather than utilizing Armenia’s full agricultural potential. Despite some improvements in access to credit and investments, budget allocation for agriculture is not efficiently distributed, with many subsidies taking precedence over essential services. While overall agricultural employment decreased, women's employment in the sector increased slightly. The sector showed resilience against various shocks due to factors like farming diversity and stable public support systems.