Supporting small producers in high-mountain regions

Project description

Title: Supporting the local economy in selected high-mountain regions in Tajikistan
Commissioned by: German Federal Ministry for Cooperation Economic and Development (BMZ)
Country: Tajikistan
Partner: Mountain Societies’ Development Support Programme (MSDSP) of the Aga Khan Foundation, School of Professional and Continuing Education (SPCE) of the University of Central Asia (UCA)​​​​​​​
Lead executing agency: Regional Division for Economic Development and Trade
Overall term: 2019 to 2022

Context

Particularly remote and inaccessible high-mountain regions in Tajikistan suffer from the economic situation, which has deteriorated, the infrastructure, which is in need of repair, and the generally difficult economic conditions in the country. Small farmers, as well as micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), have inadequate access to productive resources, markets, expertise and transport infrastructure. This results in disadvantages in terms of competition and production costs.

Objective

The competitiveness of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises as well as that of small-scale producers is being strengthened in the Khorog catchment area.

Approach

The programme supports the providers of business development services by training trainers and building up skills.

In addition, the programme establishes self-help structures related to production of milk, honey, sea-buckthorn, fruit, vegetables and cashmere wool in order to achieve economies of scale and reach the local and regional market. The enterprises receive training courses and counselling, and in addition they can participate in exchange visits.

Experts in the newly established Khorog Center for Entrepreneurship offer small farmers coaching before and after investing, promotion, business training, and a wide range of other training, as well as the design and production of business materials.

Food laboratories are given modern equipment in order to control food safety and quality, as well as to certify products.

Last update: August 2022