The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $17.5mn grant aimed at enhancing the productivity of women-led farms, strengthening agricultural processing and storage facilities and providing crucial support to vulnerable women in Tajikistan. The Resilient Livelihoods and Empowerment of Rural Women Project officially launched with the goal of empowering rural women, will target six districts in Khatlon province namely Bokhtar, Farkhor, Kulob, Pyanj, Shahritus and Vose. This region, known for being the most populous and significant agricultural producer in Tajikistan will benefit from a comprehensive range of interventions designed to boost local agriculture and support its female workforce.
ADB Director General for Central and West Asia, Yevgeniy Zhukov, emphasized the importance of investing in women as agents of change stating,
The project aims to address the critical need for climate-resilient agricultural practices as Tajikistan is particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change including droughts and heat stress. Key components of the project include providing female farmers with advanced agricultural inputs such as drying facilities, greenhouses and water-saving irrigation technologies. The initiative will also offer training in financial management, production technologies, nature-based solutions and integrated pest management. The focus will be on high-income potential areas such as fruits, vegetables and beekeeping. Additionally, small-scale post-harvest processing and storage hubs will be established to enhance product quality and market value.
In support of vulnerable women who have experienced domestic violence or other forms of abuse, the project will establish a shelter offering gender-based violence support services. This will include counseling, a referral system, livelihood training and entrepreneurial opportunities. The project will be implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture, the Committee for Women and Family Affairs and the Khatlon Administration.
Since joining ADB in 1998, Tajikistan has received over $2.6bn in assistance from the bank including more than $2bn in grants. ADB, founded in 1966 remains dedicated to fostering a prosperous, inclusive, and sustainable Asia and Pacific region while striving to eradicate extreme poverty.
Earlier Daryo reported that the ADB has approved a $30mn grant to improve maternal and child healthcare in Tajikistan's Ayni, Dangara and Darvoz districts. The funding will support the construction of new maternity and district hospitals equipped with climate-friendly technologies and a digital asset management system. The project also includes staff training, enhanced health service management and outreach programs to boost maternal and child health.
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