OLIVE Project Introduced to Stakeholders at Launch Meeting in Mardin
The OLIVE project, which aims to promote ecological production, strengthen rural livelihoods and foster local partnerships, held its launch meeting in Mardin.
The launch meeting for the “Opportunities for Livelihoods and Empowerment through Agroecology for Refugees and Local Communities in Türkiye – OLIVE” project, coordinated by the Development Foundation of Türkiye (DFT-TKV), took place on October 14, 2026, at the Dicle Development Agency Conference Hall. The event brought together representatives of public institutions, local authorities, project partners and civil society, alongside farmers.
Funded by Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and supported by Welthungerhilfe (WHH), the project is being implemented in cooperation with TKV-DFT, Mavi Kalem Association, the Diyarbakır Chamber of Commerce and Industry Science and Education Foundation, the Ömerli District Governor’s Office, Mardin Metropolitan Municipality, Ömerli Municipality and other relevant institutions and stakeholders. Activities across Mardin, Diyarbakır and Batman focus on ecological production, support for farmers, women’s economic empowerment, skills development for young people and strengthening the capacity of local institutions.
Opening remarks were delivered by Professor Aziz Ekşi, chair of DFT’s Board of Directors; Arzu Karacanlar, representing Mavi Kalem Association; and Meryem Özdemir Aydın, representing the Diyarbakır Chamber of Commerce and Industry Science and Education Foundation. The speakers highlighted the importance of cooperation among institutions, the active involvement of local stakeholders and ensuring that project activities respond to needs on the ground.
Other attendees included Ender Muhammed Gümüş, Mardin provincial director of agriculture and forestry; Hüseyin Kahraman, district director of agriculture and forestry; representatives of local authorities and project partners; specialists from relevant institutions; and lead farmers. Participants shared views and recommendations on aligning project activities with local producers’ needs, strengthening coordination between public institutions and project partners, and ensuring farmers’ active participation.
Comprehensive Support, From Ecological Farming to Market Access
Presentations outlined OLIVE’s overall approach, objectives, implementation plan and the responsibilities of participating institutions. The project supports efforts to strengthen livelihoods among vulnerable local and refugee communities, help small-scale farmers cope with rising input costs and climate-related challenges, and increase the participation of women and young people in economic life.
The Ömerli Ecological Agriculture Practice and Training Center, a key site for project implementation, provides farmers with technical services, training and advisory support. Over the course of the project, the center aims to reach 1,500 visitors, provide agricultural services to 200 small-scale farmers and establish at least five partnerships with local institutions.
Project activities include vocational training for farmers, advanced ecological farming activities, a lead farmer model, technical advice and in-kind support. They also include developing a food community model that connects producers directly with consumers. Ecology activities for children and schools support environmental awareness and social cohesion from an early age.
Planned activities for women’s economic empowerment include strengthening women-led businesses and cooperatives through technical training, mentoring, advisory services and in-kind support. For young people, the project plans to offer digital skills training, internship opportunities and stronger connections with the business community.
The Importance of Local Input
Throughout the meeting, participants emphasized the importance of cooperation among public institutions, local authorities, civil society organizations and producers for the project’s sustainability. Discussions highlighted the need to incorporate farmers’ practical experience into implementation, tailor technical support to local needs, and connect the expertise and existing services of public institutions with project activities.
Participants’ views and recommendations are expected to inform implementation. The meeting also underscored OLIVE’s ambition to go beyond delivering individual activities by helping to establish a lasting basis for cooperation among producers, public institutions, civil society and market actors across the region.
Through efforts to expand farmers’ knowledge and production capacity, improve market access for local products, increase economic opportunities for women and young people, and strengthen cooperation among institutions, OLIVE aims to contribute to sustainable rural development in Mardin and the surrounding area.
