KHACHMAZ – Today, the villages of Khaspoladoba, Arzu and Sarkarli in Khachmaz district inaugurated one new irrigation and two water supply systems projects that will improve access to irrigation water for local farmers and supply non-potable water for household use for several thousand residents.  These projects are part of collaboration between the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the Azerbaijani government, and local communities. 

In Khaspoladoba, two new artesian wells will improve access to irrigation water for nearby hazelnut and fruit orchards, where water shortages have been limiting crop productivity.  Having sufficient irrigation water available close by will increase the productivity of hazelnut and fruit trees and increase the size and quality of the produce.  Better harvests will lead to increased income for local farmers. The project in Khaspoladoba was completed under USAID’s Socio-Economic Development Activity (SEDA) and Agricultural Support to Azerbaijan Project (ASAP). 

The Arzu and Sarkarli communities installed new 60-ton and 25-ton capacity water tanks respectively, as well as nearly 8 kilometers of new water pipes in the two villages.  The new water systems supply non-potable water for household use to nearly 2400 residents.  These projects were completed under USAID SEDA. 

Representatives from USAID, the Ministry of Economy, the Khachmaz Executive Committee, and municipal government attended the events in both locations.

USAID’s SEDA is implemented by the East-West Management Institute with support from the Azerbaijani government.  The activity promotes cooperation between citizens, civil society organizations, and government to advance socio-economic development and improve the quality of life in rural areas.  Through USAID’s SEDA, engaged citizens across Azerbaijan have contributed time and money to complete 131 projects that include activities supporting local economies, medical facilities, roads in rural areas, water and irrigation systems, and local school renovations -- benefiting nearly 240,000 people in 146 communities.  Many of these communities have used the connections they have formed with their local government, civil society, and donors to develop follow-on projects to address other community problems. 

USAID’s Agricultural Support to Azerbaijan Project (ASAP) provides technical assistance on improved growing and processing practices, business management, marketing and exportation to small and medium-sized agribusinesses and farms across Azerbaijan.  ASAP supports the Azerbaijani government’s efforts to expand and diversify the non-oil economy through investment in the agricultural sector.