YEREVAN, February 29. /ARKA/. The Armenian government at a meeting on Thursday approved signing a grant agreement with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to implement a program designed to improve food security adapted to climate change.

The $3 million grant, which will be provided by the Japan Foundation for Prosperity and Resilience Asia-Pacific (JFPR), aims to improve food security in rural areas vulnerable to the effects of climate change.

The program will be implemented in two regions of Armenia - Shirak and Tavush, which have high levels of poverty among smallholder farmers, low food security and are exposed to climate risks.

"Ten villages will be provided with climate-resilient energy solutions designed to cut energy costs. Small solar photovoltaic panels will also be procured and revolving funds will be set up in which the energy saved from the solar panels will be invested in various agricultural projects," the government said.

The program is open to farms that meet a number of criteria, such as those with one breadwinner, where the owner of the farm is a woman, with 4 or more children under the age of 18 and  with persons with disabilities in their care. -0-