Turkey | FAO and Japan support Syrian refugees and Turkish host communities in starting agribusinesses

Field activities have kicked-off with precautionary measures against COVID-19 

Another round of vocational trainings are about to start in Bursa, İzmir, and Şanlıurfa provinces to support selected Syrian refugees under temporary protection and Turkish citizens in launching micro-scale agrifood businesses. The FAO project, funded by the Government of Japan, will provide useful vocational and entrepreneurship skills, technical support services, as well as basic tools and equipment. The official inauguration of the project “Promoting Self-Reliant Livelihoods Through Employment and Micro-Entrepreneurship” was attended by Sheikh Ahaduzzaman, FAO Programme Officer, Deputy Director of GAPTAEM Murat Tarini, and local representatives of the implementing partner, the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, among others.

The 40-day training programme organized by local partners include both theoretical and on-the-job sessions. Subsequently, the 70 trainees will participate in entrepreneurship sessions covering planning, marketing, and accounting to improve their agrifood business skills. Moreover, the project will provide a set of basic tools and equipment to facilitate the launch of small-scale agrifood businesses – individually or as part of women cooperatives. Local partners will stand-by to provide continuous technical support and guidance on sustainable business development.