Pemzashen is known as a tuff quarry, providing stone for use across Armenia. However, Pemzashen faces a significant issue: a severe water shortage for irrigating grain crops and orchards. This problem greatly impacts agricultural development and creates serious economic challenges for local residents, whose livelihoods largely depend on farming.

Local activists are determined to help the residents of Pemzashen address this issue. Their goal is to persuade local authorities to change their approach to the water shortage problem, which is linked to climate change. They propose building rainwater harvesting reservoirs to provide a stable water source for irrigation, even during dry periods. These reservoirs would collect and store rainwater, which could be used to mitigate the effects of water scarcity on agriculture.

In addition to building the infrastructure, activists are also educating residents on water collection methods and how to adapt to changing weather and climate conditions. This includes:

• Using modern, more efficient, and water-saving irrigation systems.
• Cultivating crop varieties that are more drought-resistant.

By implementing rainwater harvesting reservoirs in Pemzashen, the initiative will not only address the drought problem but also serve as an inspiring example for other rural communities in the region. It highlights the importance of local initiatives in tackling the challenges of drought and water scarcity.