IOCC has been working to help improve living conditions in the nation of Georgia since 1994. Located in the Caucasus region, the country has faced continual challenges triggered by the collapse of the USSR. Today 20% of Georgians still live below the poverty line, and 14% get by on less than $1.25 per day.
In 2017, IOCC began working with local farmers and the Georgian Orthodox Church to build and maintain inexpensive plastic greenhouses, enabling Georgians to raise vegetables — and their income.
Building on its initial success, the program is now moving ahead on two fronts: Training to local farmers and locals who have been displaced by conflicts in the area, while also providing solar-powered produce dryers and education for participants to properly use them.
While COVID-19 temporarily paused in-person trainings during spring, farmers still sowed seeds thanks to video, phone, and photo guidance from IOCC staff and consultants.
Learn more about how IOCC is harnessing the sun to bring a new day for Georgia.
