The Marneuli villages (Maradisi and Dioknisi), located in the southeastern Kvemo Kartli region of Georgia, border Armenia and Azerbaijan and are home to approximately 750 people. The villages were established by ecological migrants from the Adjara region seeking refuge from the constant threat of landslides and avalanches. Greenhouse vegetable production and dairy farming are predominant in the region and are the main sources of income.
The Marneuli villages boast a tight-knit, forward-looking community with women farmers, in particular, playing a leading role in agricultural cooperatives, farms, small businesses and local self-help groups. The villages have full and stable 4G Internet coverage. Smartphone and computer ownership is near ubiquitous, and social networks, notably WhatsApp and Facebook, are vital platforms for the exchange of information and sales of produce.
The Marneuli villages face increasing challenges from droughts, harsh winters and floods, which are becoming more common. Prolonged winters and frosts negatively affect fruit tree blossom cycles, leading to decreased harvests, while hot summers lead to the drying up of rivers, resulting in shortages of irrigation water. Furthermore, the rising salinity levels in the soil decrease its fertility, further exacerbating the agricultural challenges in the region.
Challenges
Highlights
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Video
Digital Villages in Action in Europe and Central Asia: Focus on Georgia
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Smartphones: A new agricultural tool for women in Georgia
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Nestled in the vast plains of Georgia, in the shadows of the snow-covered Caucasus mountains, Malika Machalikashvili’s farm in Pankisi Gorge was once pretty traditional. She owned a hazelnut orchard, raised chickens and livestock and grew vegetables. She used to bring the produce to the local mar...