The project “Organic Agriculture and Rural Tourism Development in Mtskheta-Mtianeti region” (OART) is funded by the Austrian Development Cooperation and implemented by the Biological Farming Association Elkana. The overall objective of the project is to create economic opportunities for men and women in deprived rural areas with high potential for tourism and agricultural development. By focusing on generating economic opportunities in organic agriculture and rural tourism sectors, the expected impact of the project is to reduce poverty through sustainable local economic development in the Mtskheta-Mtianeti region.
The purpose of the evaluation is to examine the project, its achievements and shortcomings, and document the learning. The evaluation follows OECD DAC criteria and assesses the relevance, efficiency, effectiveness, sustainability and impact of the project using the desk review, qualitative (key informant interviews and focus group discussions) and quantitative (face-to-face and phone surveys) research methods.