The Annual Steering Committee meeting for the EU-funded project "Integrated Natural Resources Management in Zarafshon Valley for Equitable and Sustainable Development" (INVEST) took place in Khujand, focusing on the project's advancements and future plans. Co-chaired by Rajabboy Ahmadzoda, Governor of Sughd Region, and Raimundas Karoblis, Ambassador of the European Union to Tajikistan, the meeting featured representatives from national and regional state agencies and partners of the Rural Development Program (RDP) II.
The gathering emphasized the progress made by the INVEST project by the end of Year 2 and outlined plans for Year 3. The project comprises four components: sustainable agriculture, integrated natural resources management, nutrition, and drinking water, sanitation, and hygiene. It aligns with national strategies and contributes to local plans and priorities.
Key achievements of the project include the improvement of irrigation systems covering 5,466 hectares, including 68 hectares of new land. Additionally, over 280 hectares of forest and pastureland have been restored, with three pasture-related infrastructures handed over to communities. The project also delivered 60 tons of high-quality potato seeds, resulting in a twofold increase in potato harvest. Furthermore, 252 farmers gained access to improved agro-machinery, while 96 farming households received small and medium-scale greenhouses.
Moreover, 1,848 farmers accessed improved storage facilities, and equipment provided to food safety centers and veterinary laboratories enhanced their services. The project trained 348 health personnel and 360 community nutrition volunteers in nutrition and hygiene, benefiting over 35,000 community members through improved nutrition-related behavioral change campaigns. Additionally, the construction of drinking water supply systems for 1,086 households in Kuhistoni Mastchoh and Panjakent districts has been initiated, with plans to expand this to 4,452 households by July 2027.
Participants at the meeting praised the project's progress and approved the Year 3 work plan, which aims to build upon the reported successes.
Ambassador Karoblis remarked, “The EU-funded Rural Development Program, successfully carried out by our partners, is enhancing rural livelihoods in Tajikistan by promoting climate-resilient community development and sustainable agriculture. We expect the project results to be beneficial to the people of Tajikistan.”
The Mayor of Penjikent, Abdukholiq Kholiqzoda, highlighted the significance of the project, noting that although the budget is €16.6mn, its economic impact is expected to exceed €40mn.
The INVEST project is implemented through strong collaboration and support from the government of Tajikistan at all levels, facilitated by an effective coordination mechanism. The partners agreed to conduct a joint visit to the Zarafshon Valley in the coming days to assess the project's field results.
The "Integrated Natural Resources Management in Zarafshon Valley for Equitable and Sustainable Development" is a five-year initiative led by the Aga Khan Foundation consortium, funded by the European Union within the Rural Development Program II. With a total budget of €16.6mn—€15mn from the EU RDP II fund and €1.6mn contributed by the Aga Khan Foundation and consortium members—this project aims to enhance livelihoods, food and nutrition security, and community resilience in the Zarafshon Valley through sustainable resource management. It commenced on August 1, 2022, and is set to conclude on July 31, 2027.
Follow Daryo's official Instagram and Twitter pages to keep current on world news.
Comments (0)