Aghali
Pilot village under the FAO Digital Villages Initiative (DVI)
Description
Under its State Program of Socio-Economic Development, Azerbaijan is actively promoting the concept of smart villages with a first pilot in Aghali village. This village relies on small-scale household farming, with residents growing crops like watermelon, tomatoes, and various fruits, while facing challenges such as a lack of diversification, underdeveloped farming infrastructure, and the ongoing presence of landmines that hinder larger agricultural projects. In addition to the State Program, Aghali is supported by FAO through the “Digital Villages in Action” (TCP/RER/3905) project and World Bank under the “Azerbaijan Smart Villages Program: Inclusive and Innovative Approaches to Rural and Local Development ASA”.
Technology
The core of Azerbaijan’s approach relies on integrating digital connectivity, automation, renewable energy, and sustainable development to enhance the local economy and self-sufficiency. In response to these needs, FAO supports Aghali under its Digital Villages Initiative (DVI) to develop local community development capacities, as well as to mainstream digital technologies in agriculture through a series of initiatives. Some of these interventions include a demonstrational greenhouse featuring hydroponics and innovative farming techniques to promote education, skill development, and sustainable practices; or the piloting of digitally controlled poultry incubators to optimize productivity and support women's participation in modern agriculture. Digitally controlled poultry incubators are used to regulate and monitor the conditions necessary for egg hatching. These incubators control key factors like temperature, humidity, and ventilation to create the optimal environment for embryo development.
Target
The State Program focuses on advancing the development of the country's regions, while the DVI and World Bank projects specifically target local communities and farmers, providing direct support to improve their livelihoods and economic opportunities.
Business model
Impact
The State Program, with the support of international development partners such as the FAO and the World Bank, aims to reduce socio-economic disparities between urban and rural areas by promoting innovative farming technologies, enhancing agricultural productivity, improving access to services, uplifting rural livelihoods, and fostering sustainable development.
Partners
FAO, World Bank
Four Betters
Better production
Better environment
