Promoting effective, inclusive economic growth in Tajikistan

Context

Tajikistan is a mountainous country where land suitable for intensive agriculture is scarce. Its geographical location also makes it vulnerable to the effects of climate change. Agriculture is nevertheless an important sector of the economy, accounting for roughly half of Tajikistan's labour force.

The country's economy is less competitive than those of other former Soviet republics. Its rural areas are home to mainly smallholder farmers. There are a small number of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in Tajikistan's agricultural value chains, but most have limited financial and technical resources and employ only a few people.

Objective

Tajikistan’s agricultural sector is more productive and competitive. MSMEs and farmers contribute to ecological and socially sustainable economic development.

Approach

With the financial involvement of the European Union (EU), the project operates in the following areas:

• It supports the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan in shaping strategic policies with regard to the economy, agriculture and water. To that end, it is bolstering the competencies of the responsible ministries.
• The project advises farmers and processing companies through a network of village advisors, who also offer services related to inputs, mechanisation and crop management.
• The project builds up trade relationships between export-oriented processing companies and producer cooperatives, thereby promoting quality and certification in line with sustainability standards.
• It also supports start-ups with a focus on women and young entrepreneurs.
• In all components of its work, the project promotes climate change adaptation and sustainable agricultural practices.
• In order to enable implementation of water management reforms, the project provides assistance to the Ministry of Energy and Water Resources. It also advises on coordination efforts between the areas of water and agriculture. Furthermore, the project promotes the climate-sensitive management of river basins with the involvement of all those affected.

Last update: August 2022