Transrural In Moldavia

Moldavia encompasses north-eastern Romania, the neighbouring Republic of Moldova and the Chernivetska region of south Ukraine.
 

Moldavia encompasses north-eastern Romania, the neighbouring Republic of Moldova and the Chernivetska region of south Ukraine. The region was united under Stefan the Great (c. 1433-1504) and the population shares common ethnic origins and language despite changes in political borders. During Stefan’s reign many of the unique “painted monasteries” were built. They survive to this day as a sign of the rich cultural heritage of the region.

Transrural has been active in the region since 1998, working in the three areas indicated on the map below, two in the west, one in the east. The western and more mountainous part resisted the collectivisation imposed in other regions by Ceausescu, remaining an area of small homesteads and subsistence agriculture. After the fall of communism, employment opportunities in state industries disappeared. Women were particularly affected, as they have fewer employment opportunities than men, yet they need to earn a living if their partner is absent.

Transrural responded to the challenge to help women of all ages earn extra income through activities that could be fitted into their daily tasks within the home and smallholding. Our craft and homestay projects were the result.

The eastern part of Moldavia was collectivised during the communist period and the majority of the population were employed on the vast state-owned and collective farms. After 1990, many people became unemployed and were left with nothing more than their “dacia” plot or their garden. With no state support, they lived in extreme poverty and were at risk of malnutrition.

This was the basis for Transrural’s “Microplot” project and the challenge was to help people maximise the fruit and vegetable yield from their plots for improved nutrition at minimal cost.