We Effect has been working in Moldova for more than 15 years, supporting the development of strong farmer organisations, civil society actors, and rural communities. Through partnerships with local organisations, We Effect focuses on strengthening democratic governance, improving food security, promoting climate-resilient agriculture, and advancing gender equality. Our work contributes to building resilient rural communities and strengthening Moldova’s path toward European integration.
Partnership approach
We Effect works in Moldova through long-term partnerships with local civil society organisations and farmer associations. This partnership-based approach ensures that local actors lead development processes, represent the interests of rural communities, and drive sustainable change from within.
Our key partners include the Federation of Agricultural Producers of Moldova (FARM), the National Farmers Federation of Moldova (NFFM), and the Moldova Organic Value Chain Alliance (MOVCA), together representing thousands of farmers and agricultural producers across the country. These organisations play a crucial role in advocating for farmers’ rights, strengthening producer organisations, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices.
Multi-country programme
We Effect collaborates with local partner organisations which are member-based and represent the voice of smallholder farmers and other vulnerable groups through the CSO Programme. Our work in Moldova is part of the We Effect Europe multi-country CSO programme (2025–2028), with a primary focus on sustainable rural development. This programme builds on a decade-long commitment to civil society strengthening, continuing the Sida-supported CSO initiatives that began in 2014 and have been implemented in consecutive phases: 2014–2017, 2018–2023, 2023–2025, and now 2025–2028. The programme emphasizes strengthening national structures while also fostering regional cooperation, dialogue, and synergies. Support is provided to local organisations not only in Moldova, but also in Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, and North Macedonia.
Projects
In Moldova, We Effect works through two national projects implemented together with leading farmer organisations and rural civil society actors.
United for Resilience: Empowering Rural Civil Society
Partner organisation: National Farmers Federation of Moldova (NFFM)
This project focuses on strengthening the National Farmers Federation of Moldova (NFFM) and its partner civil society organisations as key actors in promoting inclusive, democratic, and climate-resilient rural development. The initiative supports NFFM in enhancing its institutional capacity, democratic governance, and demand-driven service delivery for farmers across the country.
Through targeted capacity building, leadership development, and organisational strengthening, the project enables NFFM to improve its role as a representative organisation advocating for farmers’ rights and interests. Particular attention is given to empowering women and young farmers, strengthening their participation in decision-making processes within farmers’ organisations and rural communities.
At the farm level, the project promotes practical knowledge transfer through approaches such as Farmers Field Schools, supporting the adoption of climate-smart agricultural practices and strengthening farmers’ resilience to climate risks. The project also promotes financial inclusion, market integration, and improved access to advisory services for smallholder farmers.
In addition, the initiative facilitates structured dialogue between farmers’ organisations, civil society actors, and public institutions, enabling evidence-based policy engagement and strengthening democratic governance in the agricultural sector. By improving both organisational capacities and farmers’ livelihoods, the project contributes to more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable rural communities in Moldova.
Accountable and Resilient Rural Moldova
Partner organisation: Federation of Agricultural Producers from Moldova (FARM)
The project Accountable and Resilient Rural Moldova (ARM) aims to strengthen civil society organisations and farmer networks so they can actively contribute to equitable and sustainable rural development across Moldova. The initiative focuses on strengthening governance, transparency, and collaboration among civil society actors working in agriculture and rural development.
The project supports FARM and its network of partner organisations to improve organisational management, advocacy capacity, and service delivery for farmers and rural communities. Special emphasis is placed on strengthening cooperation among civil society actors across different regions of Moldova, including Transnistria and Gagauzia, fostering dialogue, trust, and shared learning.
Through training programmes, peer learning, and exchange platforms, farmers and civil society organisations gain improved knowledge on climate-smart agriculture, market integration, and sustainable rural development practices. The project also facilitates collaboration between farmers, cooperatives, market actors, and public institutions, helping improve access to markets, finance, and business development opportunities.
Gender equality and youth participation are central to the initiative. The project promotes women’s leadership in rural organisations and supports youth engagement in agriculture through leadership programmes, innovation initiatives, and entrepreneurship opportunities.
By strengthening civil society networks and empowering farmers, the project contributes to building more resilient rural economies, improving livelihoods, and supporting sustainable and inclusive development across Moldova.
