This major project is the first of a number of national government designed demand led multi component regional development programmes aimed at reducing regional disparities and stimulating the development of rural areas. The programme follows a government led multi-sectoral, multi-agency approach to rural development and poverty alleviation and will be implemented in partnership with local actors following a decentralised approach to economic regeneration.

Eastern Anatolia is remote, poor and badly affected by regional instability; its employment base has become weak, and its infrastructure and natural and cultural assets are in a poor condition. It suffers from numerous environmental problems including poor rural water supply. At the same time the region does not have the capacity to regenerate itself, hence the need for external and fresh innovative initiatives to stimulate rural economic activity, job creation and income generation.

The Programme approach to addressing the problems in the area is through capacity building, improving the environment; supporting SMEs and disadvantaged groups in rural areas, and improving/diversifying the agriculture and tourism sectors.

The Programme is supported by a €40m Grant Fund and focuses on three main areas:

• Institutional Support/Capacity Building at both federal and regional level:
  • Supporting the Government State Planning Organisation in regional development and project management;
  • Supporting various ministries through various project interventions designed to stimulate rural economic activity;
  • Capacity building in SME/micro-business development for the Central Government organisation KOSGEB and regional Chambers of Trade and Commerce;
  • Supporting and strengthening a local Programme Management Unit, set up by the beneficiary to implement the Programme with the help of the Technical Assistance Team.
• Infrastructure Development:
  • The development of Tourism and Cultural Heritage, which is seen as a particular priority in promoting the natural assets of the region
  • Improving the environment by rehabilitating a waste-water treatment plant through a works contract;
  • Feasibility studies for Solid Waste/Sewage Treatment Plants;
  • Awarding grants for worthwhile environmental projects mainly focussing on rural water supply improvement projects;
  • Rehabilitation /reconstruction of ateliers which provide common services to micro businesses;
  • Procurement of mobile educational units designed to reach and assist rural populations in remote areas.
• Decentralised Demand Driven Actions:
  • Supporting NGOs and disadvantaged groups in rural areas through capacity building, training and financial support;
  • Job creation through grant supported new micro and small businesses in rural areas;
  • Focussed training- addressing specific training needs of micro businesses in rural areas, in particular women and young entrepreneurs starting up new businesse