Capacity Development for Green Agriculture in Armenia: An AKIS-Based Assessment and Strategic Roadmap

Abstract

This study contributes to the European Union›s Green Agriculture Initiative in Armenia (EU-GAIA), a development project aimed at fostering sustainable, inclusive, and market-oriented agribusiness in the northern regions of Armenia. Implemented by the Austrian Development Agency, the project supports the transition to green agriculture (GA) through capacity building, policy development, and stakeholder engagement. Employing the Agricultural Knowledge and Innovation System (AKIS) framework, this research identifies capacity needs, institutional challenges, and knowledge gaps among key stakeholders. The study combines a systematic review with 68 in-depth stakeholder interviews and a tailored questionnaire-based self-assessment to develop a capacity development roadmap. Findings reveal critical weaknesses in research collaboration, extension services, market incentives, and policy enforcement. The paper presents a detailed strategy for short- and long-term capacity building, including the establishment of Centres of Excellence, curriculum reforms, legal frameworks, and stakeholder networking mechanisms. The results offer actionable insights for policymakers, development agencies, and academic institutions committed to sustainable agricultural transformation.