Knowledge is a power and the ALCP is committed to facilitating high quality agri information transfer to rural farmers strengthening the field of journalism in Georgia and Armenia.
On 25th-29th of April an international agricultural journalist was commissioned to deliver trainings to 11 Armenian TV and press journalists and 2 heads of the Department of Journalism of Armenian universities in the Caucasus International University in Tbilisi.
Follow the link of Imedi TV news on the event.
The agri journalism initiatives started in Georgia when 45 Georgian print and TV journalists attended an agri journalism training in 2015. Since then 45 TV and press journalists trained in agri journalism in Georgia have presented 267 videos and 350 articles on animal health, Brucellosis, Mastitis, Anthrax, Foot and Mouth, farm hygiene, milking hygiene, proper nutrition, animal registration and EU regulations related to Georgia. Farmers say that now they are not afraid when they hear about new rules and EU regulations, as they have reliable information on it.
Also, an agri module was created for inclusion in BA Journalism degrees. Now Seven universities across Georgia already have the agri-journalism module established in their curriculum, lasting one semester with a total of 15 credit hours. Three more universities are about to do the same this year. 346 students have undergone the course in Georgia to date.
Now those initiatives are ready for transfer to Armenia.
Professor of the Department of Journalism Vanadzor State University in Armenia, Mane Papyan stated:
‘I attended the agri training. We have talked about developing sector specific journalism leading to the creation of qualified media professionals for years. Today we had a discussion regarding the integration of a new agro-journalism module and amendments in the electronic manuals and curricula. The Vanadzori State University Journalism Program will discuss about establishing the module, I really like the ideas’ - she said.
Photo source: Caucasus International University
The Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Minister of Agriculture, the National Food Agency and SDC funded, Mercy Corps Georgia implemented ALCP on March 31st 2015. Within the framework of this memorandum ALCP will facilitate the building of two Bio-security yards with water points on the Animal Movement Route in Kvemo Kartli region, another three Bio-security yards will be financed from the State Budget.
The advisors from 5 municipalities of Ajara were trained on how to increase women participation in community meetings. Following the training facilitated by ALCP AJ, they worked with the Village Representatives and as a result of their activities, the attendance of women in these meetings has increased by 10-15%.
Very soon the Kvemo Kartli Region will have a new regional mechanism for Disaster Risk Reduction implemented by Local municipalities and the Kvemo Kartli Governor’s office. The Governor of Kvemo Kartli Paata Khizanishvili discussed this topic with the Gamgebelies of the region, deputy governors, the Mayor of Rustavi City and representatives of Alliances Lesser Caucasus Programme (ALCP) on March 11, 2015. The importance of regional coordination and the necessity of creating working groups in all municipalities were highlighted during the meeting.
The Advisory Committee was established in Ajara, which is supposed to be a forum for regional players representing national, local and regional government, civil society and the private sector to tackle key issues in agriculture sector. The participants discussed the role of the Self-governments in Disaster Risk Reduction, wildlife related issues in the region and also clarified the functions of the newly formed Municipal DRR Working Group in five municipalities of Ajara.
A kindergarten was opened on February 17th in Boslebi Village, Dmanisi municipality as a result of facilitation by the Dmanisi Women’s Room. The Kindergarten will serve 30 children not only Georgians from Boslebi Village but also from neighbor Kakliani Village which is mainly inhabited by Azeris. Four local women will be employed there.
From the ISET Economist news (http://www.iset.ge/news/?p=4633)
By Eric Livny
The “do no harm” (primum non nocere) principle is well known to students of medical schools. It is one of the most fundamental maxims in medicine, as formulated, for example, in the Epidemics book of the Hippocratic Collection:
“The physician must … have two special objects in view with regard to disease, namely, to do good or to do no harm“.
Doctors are taught that medical interventions are not risk-free. Thus, when facing a “problem” one should consider whether to use a particular procedure (e.g. surgery or chemical treatment) or do NOTHING.
Not surprisingly, this very principle has applications in many fields other than healthcare. And it is high time for this principle to be studied and applied in Georgian policymaking.
