History

The village is located south-east of the city of Armavir. It is rich with fruit orchards. Drinking water is derived from artesian sources, though irrigation water is connected to the main from Armavir. The community was originally formed by newcomers from Vayk, Talin, Ghukasyan, Bogdanovka regions, as well as immigrants from Iran and Syria

Projects

Completed ASIF-financial support Hay Dprots-school furniture (2006) ICHD-Local government training, 2004, school furniture 80 units Ongoing MCA-rehabilitation of irrigation pipeline UMCOR, AREGAK- micro-financing UMCOR- Integrated Management of Childhood Illness, Health system modernization project (2006)

General Information

Distance from Yerevan 57 km Distance from Marz Center 24 km Distance from border 500 km   Altitude above sea level 905 meter Climate moderate     Historical monuments   Population: 1,510        Households 575   Total area 1290 hectares Of which:          Pastures 0 hectares        Arable land 582.8 hectares        Orchards 0 hectares        Forests 0 hectares   Land use farming, animal husbandry

PROGRAM COMPONENTS

Infrastructure Assessment

Infrastructure priorities for the rural community of Araks

Infrastructure Priorities Total amount needed (AMD) Funding sources Road 4 km of road renovations, and 2 km potholes need to be filled. Irrigation Millenium Challenge Armenia-rehabilitation of irrigation pipeline Drinking water 7 km internal pipeline needs to be reconstructed Electricity Gas Overhaul needed. Kindergarten School Both the kindergarten and school need to be renovated and furnished. Health Care A medical center needs to be built and furnished. United Methodist Committee on Relief- Integrated Management of Childhood Illness, Health system modernization project (2006) Telephone: Cell / Land Internet TV, radio 25 TV channels accessible. Community / Cultural Center Both the Culture and Community centers need capital renovations and furnishing. Lighting and Landscaping Other United Methodist Committee on Relief, AREGAK- micro-financing Other Other Other TOTAL NEEDED

Economic Assessment

Araks can target the development of both its agriculture and animal husbandry sectors. The village has a number of competitive advantages: it is located in one of the best climatic regions of Armenia, has vast land resources and is close to the key markets of Yerevan and Armavir. In terms of agriculture, the village owns 544 hectares of land. Of these, 259 are arable land, 229 are orchards, and 56 are vineyards. To raise its competitiveness, the village needs to further develop its orchards in order to cultivate high-return fruits and vegetable crops (as opposed to low-income generating cereals), in addition to native varieties of grapes. To market its produce, the community also needs to effectively maintain a network of sales channels, such as access to fruit and vegetable wholesalers, as well as food processing companies and winemaking enterprises. The community also owns 439 cattle heads and has the potential to develop animal husbandry further. Current negligible levels of milk and meat production can be improved through animal breeding and better utilization of feeds (e.g. alfalfa). To market these products, the community would again need to engage in a regional network of milk connection and meat processing companies. Human potential and capacity in this village, in addition to its strategic location, can also be utilized in a future development strategy to attract investments in the agri-food, light-industry and tourism sectors.