QUARTERLY PERFORMANCE REPORT (Y4Q3) APRIL 1 – JUNE 30, 2020

Photo credit: Rustam Sharipov

FEED THE FUTURE TAJIKISTAN LAND MARKET DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITY

QUARTERLY PERFORMANCE REPORT (Y4Q3) APRIL 1 – JUNE 30, 2020

FEED THE FUTURE TAJIKISTAN LAND MARKET DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITY

QUARTERLY PERFORMANCE REPORT (Y4Q3) APRIL 1 – JUNE 30, 2020

Chynara Arapova, Chief of Party Daler Asrorov, USAID Contracting Officer Representative

JUNE 30, 2020 This publication was produced for review by the United States Agency for International Development. It was prepared and submitted by Chemonics International Inc. Task Order No. AID-176-TO-17-00001 Contract No. AID-OAA-112-00027

DISCLAIMER

This publication was made possible through support provided by Feed the Future through the U.S. Agency for International Development, under the terms of Task Order No. AID-176-TO- 17-00001 under Contract No. AID-OAA-1-12-00027. The opinions expressed herein are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the U.S. Agency for International Development

CONTENTS ACRONYMS ...... II EXECUTIVE SUMMARY...... 1 I. KEY TASKS ...... 4 1. IMPROVE LAND POLICY, LEGAL, AND REGULATORY FRAMEWORK GOVERNING MARKET TRANSACTIONS ...... 4 1.1 RELEVANT LAWS AND REGULATIONS TO ESTABLISH A LAND USE MARKET DEVELOPED AND ADOPTED ...... 4 1.2 LAND MARKET PRINCIPLES INCORPORATED IN THE POLICY, LEGAL, AND REGULATORY FRAMEWORKS ...... 6 2. INTRODUCE MARKET-BASED PRINCIPLES FOR AGRICULTURE LAND USE TRANSACTIONS ...... 9 2.1 IMMOVABLE PROPERTY APPRAISAL ASSOCIATIONS ESTABLISHED ...... 9 2.2 LOAN PRODUCTS AND MORTGAGES BASED ON LAND USE RIGHTS AS COLLATERAL ESTABLISHED ...... 10 2.3 BUILD CAPACITY OF GOTJ TO MANAGE GOVERNMENT-OWNED LANDS UNDER THE LAND RESERVE FUND (LRF) IMPROVED ...... 10 3. SIMPLIFY LAND REGISTRATION PROCEDURES ...... 13 3.1 INSTITUTIONAL CAPACITY OF SUERIP TO DELIVER STANDARDIZED, EFFICIENT LAND REGISTRATION PROCEDURES STRENGTHENED ...... 13 3.2 LOCAL GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS’ CAPACITY TO PROVIDE ACCURATE INFORMATION AND EFFECTIVE SERVICES RELATED TO LAND REGISTRATION IMPROVED ...... 14 4. INCREASE KNOWLEDGE OF AND PROTECTION OF AGRICULTURAL LAND MARKETS ...... 16 4.1 IMPROVE ABILITY OF NONGOVERNMENTAL SERVICE PROVIDERS TO PROVIDE SUSTAINABLE LEGAL AWARENESS AND LEGAL SERVICES ON LAND REFORM ...... 16 4.2 AWARENESS OF FREEDOM TO FARM, LAND REFORM, AND LAND USE RIGHTS AMONG FEED THE FUTURE TAJKISTAN LAND MARKET DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITY TARGET POPULATION INCREASED...... 19 4.3 SUPPORT THE SUSTAINABILITY OF LACs ...... 21 II. GENDER FOCUS ...... 22 SUCCESS STORY ...... 24 ANNEX A. PROJECT PERFORMANCE INDICATORS ...... 25 PERFORMANCE INDICATORS ...... 25 INDICATOR DATA TABLE ...... 38 ANNEX B. MATERIALS AND REPORTS ...... 40 ANNEX C. SUMMARY OF ADMINISTRATIVE / STAFFING ISSUES ...... 41 ANNEX D. SUMMARY LIST OF GRANTS AND SUBCONTRACTS AWARDED DURING REPORTING PERIOD ...... 42 ANNEX E. ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE ...... 43

Feed The Future – Tajikistan Land Market Development Activity Quarterly Report Year 4, Quarter 2 i

ACRONYMS

ABT Association of Banks of Tajikistan AIA Association of Independent Appraisers AMEP Activity Monitoring and Evaluation Plan CBO Community Based Organization EOP Executive Office of the President of the Republic of Tajikistan FTF Feed the Future FTFMS Feed the Future Monitoring System GIS Geographic Information System GOTJ Government of Tajikistan IMWG Inter-Ministerial Working Group on Land Policy LAC Legal Aid Center LLC SMT LLC Simoi Mustaqili Tojikiston LMDA Feed the Future Tajikistan Land Market Development Activity LRF Land Reserve Fund NBT National Bank of Tajikistan NGO Nongovernmental Organization PO Public Organization PP Perspective Plan ROA Regulation on Right of Alienation RT Republic of Tajikistan SIC State Investment Committee SLC State Land Committee SLF Special Land Fund SSERIP State Subsidiary Enterprise for Registration of Immovable Property STARR Strengthening Tenure and Resource Rights SUERIP State Unitary Enterprise for Registration of Immovable Property USAID U.S. Agency for International Development ZOI Zone of Influence

Feed The Future – Tajikistan Land Market Development Activity Quarterly Report Year 4, Quarter 3 ii

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Successfully building on progress made during its first three years, the Feed the Future Tajikistan Land Market Development Activity (LMDA) has begun an equally remarkable fourth year surpassing many set goals. The end of the current quarter, the third of the project’s fourth year, saw this trend continue with LMDA successfully promoting the establishment of a functional agricultural land market based on market principles and gender equality in rights and processes. LMDA carries out activities in 12 districts in Khatlon Region, which has the largest number of people living below the poverty line and a dominant agricultural sector. The project focuses on land policy and private sector development that will increase the number of Tajik private appraisal companies, streamline land registration procedures and increase understanding of the many aspects of a land use market among government officials and farmers.

Beginning in April this quarter, the Government of Tajikistan (GOTJ) banned all public meetings and gatherings due to the COVID-19 pandemic. LMDA developed and implemented a COVID-19 prevention plan that: 1) activated its work-at-home policy starting March 27, 2020, 2) engaged short- term advisors using remote platforms, 3) postponed all trainings and public events until the situation with COVID-19 has improved and 4) required all employees to comply with additional safety measures.

At this challenging time, LMDA pivoted from its usual way of leading activities. To adapt to this new environment, the project shifted from its traditional face-to face activities. To achieve results, LMDA introduced innovative approaches using online platforms and online video communication. The project helped farmers to convert to and leverage digital communication technologies in order to continue raising their awareness of land issues during the crisis.

During Y4Q3, the following results were achieved in each task activity:

I. IMPROVE LAND POLICY, LEGAL, AND REGULATORY FRAMEWORK GOVERNING MARKET TRANSACTIONS • On June 17, 2020, Majlisi Namoyandagon Majlisi Oli, the lower chamber of Parliament, adopted the new Appraisal Law of the Republic of Tajikistan on Valuation Activities and submitted the Law to Majlisi Milli Majlisi Oli, the upper chamber of Parliament, for approval. The approval of the Law by Majlisi Milli Majlisi Oli is expected in September 2020. After approval the law will be submitted to the President of the Republic of Tajikistan (RT) for signature.

2. INTRODUCE MARKET-BASED PRINCIPLES FOR AGRICULTURE LAND USE RIGHTS • In May 2020, LMDA supported the State Investment Committee (SIC) and Association of Independent Appraisers (AIA) in finalizing the draft of the three National Appraisal Standards: 1) the Immovable Property Appraisal Standard, 2) the Standard for Key Appraisal Concepts and Principles and 3) the Standard for Appraisal Report Content and Design Requirements. The project assisted AIA in publishing and disseminating 200 copies of the three National Appraisal Standards to the relevant partners. • In April 2020, the Association of Banks of Tajikistan (ABT), with LMDA support, finalized the draft Regulation on Providing Loans Secured by Land Use Rights with the Right of Alienation (ROA) for Commercial Banks and Financial Institutions. The regulation was incorporated as a separate chapter into National Bank of Tajikistan Instruction No. 186, “On the procedure for granting credit and accruing interest in credit organizations.”

Feed The Future – Tajikistan Land Market Development Activity Quarterly Report Year 4, Quarter 3 1

• In June 2020, LMDA translated into Tajik the Methodology on Determining the Market Value of Land Use Rights of Agricultural Lands developed by LMDA short-term Appraisal Expert Ms. Nina Ignatenko. The digital version of the methodology was submitted to the SIC and AIA for their information and use in early July 2020. • LMDA short-term Land Administration Expert Ms. Gulzat Namatbekova prepared a report, Development of the Draft Instructions on Conducting Tenders and Direct Leasing of the Special Land Fund and Land Reserve Fund Agricultural Lands, which was submitted to USAID in April 2020. In May 2020, the Draft Instructions were submitted to the State Land Committee (SLC) and the State Unitary Enterprise for Registration of Immovable Property (SUERIP) for review and adoption. • During the reporting period, LLC SMART, with LMDA’s assistance, published the approved Perspective Plans (PPs) and maps of Jayhun and Shahritus districts. One hundred PPs and two maps were delivered to the Perspective Plan Working Group chairs of each district and relevant partners. • This quarter, local subcontractor LLC SMART, with LMDA assistance, finalized the draft PP of Qubodiyon District (text and cartography). The published draft PP was submitted to the local administration for approval at the Majlis meeting in June 2020. However, due to COVID-19, the Majlis meeting was postponed to September 2020. • During the reporting period, LMDA developed a training video in Tajik, Development Stages of a Perspective Plan, for local government officials in the 12 target districts of Khatlon Region. The main goal of the training video is to educate officials on effective use of Land Reserve Fund and Special Land Fund agricultural lands and the six main stages of PP development. In July 2020, LMDA distributed 30 DVDs with a recorded training video to the SUERIP, SLC and local administration officials of Khatlon Region. • LMDA short-term Land Administration Expert Ms. Namatbekova developed and finalized the Analysis of Perspective Plans’ Implementation for the Use of Agricultural Lands of the Land Reserve Fund and Value of the Lease for the Use of Agricultural Lands of the Land Reserve Fund in the Pilot Districts of Khatlon Region, which was submitted to USAID in June 2020. In July 2020, LMDA submitted the Analysis of Perspective Plans’ Implementation to SLC and SUERIP for information and further use.

3. SIMPLIFY LAND REGISTRATION PROCEDURES • In June 2020, SUERIP Director Mr. Rahmon Umariyon assigned regional registration offices to review the Standard on Cadaster and provide recommendations. In July 2020, LMDA specialists delivered hard and electronic copies of the draft Standard on Cadaster to SUERIP representatives. • LMDA short-term Registration Expert Mr. Bakytbek Dzhusupbekov finalized the Comparative Analysis on Time and Cost Reduction of Land Registration Procedures in Districts Without Single- Window Principles and with Automated Registration Procedures, which was submitted to USAID in June 2020. In July 2020, the hard and electronic copies of the Comparative Analysis were delivered to SUERIP.

4. INCREASE KNOWLEDGE OF AND PROTECTION OF AGRICULTURAL MARKETS • Six LMDA-grantee Public Organizations (POs) conducted a total of 370 online training sessions for 1,495 farmers (946 female / 549 male) in the target districts on the following five topics: 1) inheritance of land use rights, 2) procedures for registering dehkan farms with tax authorities, 3) taxation of dehkan farms, 4) access to loans secured by land use rights and 5) state registration of immovable property and rights to immovable property.

Feed The Future – Tajikistan Land Market Development Activity Quarterly Report Year 4, Quarter 3 2

• Through two POs, the project conducted 135 online training sessions for 449 female farmers on women’s rights to land use and gender-equitable provision of land use rights for both women and men in the 12 target districts. • This quarter, tashabbuskors provided individual consultations with 2,817 farmers (999 female/1,818 male). • Forty-three Legal Aid Center (LAC) attorneys provided the following services: 1) legal services, including individual consultations for 818 farmers (429 female/389 male) and 2) participation in 26 court cases representing farmers on the following issues: a) unauthorized seizure of land plots, b) taxation of dehkan farms, c) land plot allocation and d) illegal exclusion from dehkan farm structure. Of these 26 cases, two were resolved to the benefit of the farmers, with 24 cases still pending. In addition, six land disputes were resolved by mediation. • In June 2020, LMDA grantee Union of Attorneys of Khatlon Region conducted 10 online training sessions for 43 attorneys (14 female / 29 male) in the 12 target districts. The following topics were covered: 1) the law on dehkan farms, 2) the Land Code of the Republic of Tajikistan, 3) inheritance of land use rights, 4) the procedure for state registration of dehkan farms with tax authorities, 5) the legal basis for land use rights market development, 6) the legal basis for land use rights transactions, 7) the legal basis for the sale and purchase of land use rights, 8) leasing of land, 9) mortgage of land use rights and 10) termination of land use rights. • LMDA continued to support the production of radio and television programs covering target beneficiaries (farmers, rural citizens, local government officials, women and youth) in the 12 target districts via local LMDA-grantee, LLC Simoi Mustaqili Tojikiston (LLC SMT). LLC SMT produced and broadcast two 12-minute monthly television programs via channel Jahonnamo and six 15-minute radio programs via channel Tajikistan. • Four articles, including two interviews and success stories by different authors, were published and distributed to project beneficiaries in the 12 target districts via one (monthly) issue of Agroinform TJ newspaper. • In May 2020, LMDA Consulting Research Specialist Mr. Eric Abbott prepared the Analysis of Public Perception Data on Land Reform Effort, which was submitted to USAID.

Feed The Future – Tajikistan Land Market Development Activity Quarterly Report Year 4, Quarter 3 3

I. KEY TASKS 1. IMPROVE LAND POLICY, LEGAL, AND REGULATORY FRAMEWORK GOVERNING MARKET TRANSACTIONS This quarter, LMDA’s policy team continued to promote development and approval of clear policies and laws to govern Tajikistan’s emerging land market, primarily by facilitating remote meetings with Inter-Ministerial Working Group (IMWG) members and efforts to draft, finalize and advocate for passage of land reform legislation supporting the establishment of a land market. In cooperation with other project components, LMDA’s legislative drafting team achieved the following results.

BREAKDOWN OF ACHIEVEMENTS BY AREA

1.1 RELEVANT LAWS AND REGULATIONS TO ESTABLISH A LAND USE MARKET DEVELOPED AND ADOPTED

Collaborate with the Inter-Ministerial Working Group on Land Policy On April 6, 2020, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Government of Tajikistan (GOTJ) requested that all international organizations accredited in the Republic of Tajikistan reschedule all public meetings and gatherings from April to a later date due to the COVID-19 pandemic. LMDA developed and implemented a COVID-19 prevention plan that called for: 1) activating its work-at-home policy starting March 27, 2020, 2) engaging short-term advisors using remote platforms, 3) postponing all trainings and public events until the situation with COVID-19 has improved and 4) requiring all employees to comply with additional safety measures. IMWG meetings were not conducted and all communication with IMWG members was by phone. On June 18, 2020, First Deputy Minister of Justice of the Republic of Tajikistan and IMWG member Mr. Abdumanon Kholikzoda was replaced by Sector Manager of the Legal Department of EOP Ms. Nigina Alizoda. Earlier, on January 27, 2020, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and IMWG member Ms. Jamilya Saidova was replaced by former Deputy Chair of INTER-MINISTERIAL WORKING GROUP MEMBERS • Mr. Zarif Alizoda, IMWG Chair and Legal Adviser to the President of the Republic of Tajikistan, Executive Office of the President (EOP) • Mr. Jamshed Sharifzod, Senior Advisor to the Office of the Legal Assistant to the President of the Republic of Tajikistan, EOP • Mr. Firdavs Abdullozoda, Manager of Legal Department Sector, EOP • Mr. Alimardon Azimzoda, Deputy Head of the Department of Agriculture and Environmental Protection, EOP • Mr. Azizmamad Karimzoda, First Deputy Chair, SLC • Mr. Akram Kahorov, First Deputy Director, SUERIP • Mr. Rustam Latifzoda, Member of the Parliament of the Republic of Tajikistan • Mr. Jamshed Murtazozoda, Member of the Parliament of the Republic of Tajikistan

Feed The Future – Tajikistan Land Market Development Activity Quarterly Report Year 4, Quarter 3 4

the State Investment Committee Ms. Nigina Anvari. Ms. Alizoda and Ms. Anvari must be approved by the Head of EOP. Once approved by the EOP, the two new members would complete the 10-member IMWG, which will strengthen its effectiveness. The presence of women leaders in the IMWG is important because it will ensure women’s participation and input in the formulation of land policy.

Facilitate Passage of Mortgage Law Amendments In April 2020, the project planned a series of information meetings with tashabbuskors, Legal Aid Centers (LACs) and Public Organizations (POs) on Mortgage Law amendments. However, due to COVID-19, in-person meetings were replaced by virtual meetings conducted under Task 4 (please see p. 16 for more information).

LMDA produced two versions of two brochures: 1) “New Amendments to the Mortgage Law” in Tajik and Russian and 2) “Access to the Secured Loans on Land Use Rights” in Tajik. One version was for employees of government agencies, credit organizations and lawyers. The second version was only for farmers and explained the law in simple, accessible language. Brochures in Tajik and Russian were sent to local government officials, farmers, lawyers, tashabbuskors, PO representatives and women’s groups.

Promote Passage of Right of Alienation Draft Regulation On April 27–28, 2020, the Working Group under the State Land Committee (SLC) finalized the draft Right of Alienation (ROA) by incorporating comments from the EOP of the Republic of Tajikistan. Further, on May 11, 2020, the SLC submitted the revised draft ROA to the relevant ministries and agencies for reapproval. Comments from the Anti-Corruption Agency and the Ministry of Justice are expected. After the re-concurrence of the draft ROA with all ministries and agencies, the SLC will submit the draft to the GOTJ for final approval.

The early adoption of the ROA is very important since without this regulation, the land use right market, including mortgage of land plots, cannot operate. The ROA will help to eliminate problems with the illegal market and will help replenish the state budget through Archive photo: SUERIP First Deputy Director Mr. Akram Kahorov discusses transactions such as purchase and ROA with LMDA specialists, February 11, 2020 sale, exchange, etc.

Facilitate Passage of Rules on Acquiring Land Use Rights on Land Use Rights Market Draft Regulation In June 2020, Deputy Head of the Department of Agriculture and Environmental Protection and IMWG member Mr. Alimardon Azimzoda informed the project that the economic justification clarifying why the Rules on Acquiring Land Use Rights on Land Use Rights Market regulation should be adopted and all related documents are still under consideration by Deputy Prime Minister Mr. Davlatsho Gulmakhmadzoda. The regulation will lay the foundation for establishing a secondary market specifically for civil land transactions between farmers. The project recommended to the IMWG Chair Mr. Zarif Alizoda that he initiate a meeting with Mr. Gulmakhmadzoda to advance this issue.

Feed The Future – Tajikistan Land Market Development Activity Quarterly Report Year 4, Quarter 3 5

1.2 LAND MARKET PRINCIPLES INCORPORATED IN THE POLICY, LEGAL, AND REGULATORY FRAMEWORKS

Facilitate Passage of Valuation Legislation On June 17, 2020, Majlisi Namoyandagon Majlisi Oli, the lower chamber of Parliament, adopted the Law of the Republic of Tajikistan on Valuation Activities and submitted the Law to Majlisi Milli Majlisi Oli, the upper chamber of Parliament, for approval. The approval of the Law by Majlisi Milli Majlisi Oli is expected in September 2020. After approval the law will be submitted to the President of the Republic of Tajikistan (RT) for signature.

The Law lays the foundation for public regulation of appraisal activity and the concept of a “professional public organization of appraisers.” In addition to appraiser and consumer services, the Law includes the concept of appraisal activity by a state-authorized body and establishes the legal status of national appraisal standards as a normative legal act that determines the unified appraisal procedure.

Finalize, Harmonize, and Submit Fifteen-Year Long-Term Land Strategy and Five-Year Road Map The SLC informed the project that after finalization of the draft ROA, the SLC will start finalizing the Land Strategy. The draft Land Strategy is expected to be sent for reapproval to key ministries and agencies in July 2020.

The fifteen-year long-term Land Strategy defines the long-term objectives, principles and directions of Tajikistan’s state policy on land relations by developing a land use rights market, strengthening and protecting the land use rights of Tajik citizens. Table 1 lists the status of land use legislation.

TABLE 1: RESULTS OF LAND POLICY AND LEGISLATION DRAFTING BY END OF Y4Q3

LAWS AND STEPS TAKEN TOWARD TIME PERIOD STATUS REGULATIONS APPROVAL Mortgage Law - Draft developed - September 2018 C Amendment - Sent to key ministries and agencies - November 2018 C for consideration - Comments finalized based on - February 2019 C suggestions received from key ministries and agencies - GOTJ approved and submitted to the - November 2019 C lower chamber of Parliament for consideration - The lower chamber of Parliament - December 2019 C adopted the draft and sent it to the upper chamber of parliament for approval - Approved and adopted - January 2020 COMPLETED

Feed The Future – Tajikistan Land Market Development Activity Quarterly Report Year 4, Quarter 3 6

GOTJ Draft: Rules - Submitted to GOTJ for approval - June 2018 C Regarding - Comments finalized based on - September 2018 C Transacting with suggestions received from GOTJ Land Use Rights in - Submitted revision to GOTJ for - December 2018 C the Land Use Rights approval Market - SLC received additional suggestions - January 2019 C from GOTJ - Submitted second revision to GOTJ - March 2019 C for approval - SLC received additional suggestions - April 2019 C from GOTJ - Comments finalized based on - June 2019 C suggestions received from GOTJ - Submitted third revision to GOTJ for - July 2019 C approval - Justification developed and submitted - December 2019 C a fourth time for GOTJ revision and approval - SLC received additional suggestions - January 2020 C from GOTJ - Justification developed and submitted - February 2020 IP a fifth time for GOTJ revision and approval

GOTJ Regulation - Draft developed - May 2018 C Regarding ROA - Sent to key ministries and agencies - December 2018 C for consideration - Comments finalized based on - March 2019 C suggestions received from key ministries and agencies - Submitted to GOTJ for approval - July 2019 C - SLC received suggestions from GOTJ - August 2019 C - Returned to SLC for revision - Comments finalized based on - October 2019 C suggestions received from key - February 2020 C ministries and agencies; - Sent to key ministries and agencies for consideration - May 2020 IP

Feed The Future – Tajikistan Land Market Development Activity Quarterly Report Year 4, Quarter 3 7

Appraisal Law - Suggestions received from key - October 2018 C ministries and agencies - Comments finalized based on - December 2018 C suggestions received from key ministries and agencies - Received signatures and approval of - February to C key ministries and agencies March 2019 - Submitted to GOTJ for approval - March 2019 to C - SLC received suggestions from GOTJ May 2019 C - Comments finalized based on suggestions received from GOTJ - June 2019 C - SIC submitted to GOTJ for approval - GOTJ approved and submitted to - October 2019 C the lower chamber of Parliament for consideration - March 2020 C - The lower chamber of Parliament adopted and sent it to the upper chamber of parliament for approval - June 2020 IP - Under consideration by the upper chamber of Parliament

Land Appraisal Law - Finalized - May 2018 C Amendments - Submitted to SLC for consideration - March 2019 C (The approval process will start after the approval of the draft Appraisal - October 2019 IP Law)

Draft: Fifteen-Year - Draft developed - November 2019 COMPLETED Long-Term Land Strategy

Key: C: Completed Step IP: In Progress COMPLETED: Draft process completed

Feed The Future – Tajikistan Land Market Development Activity Quarterly Report Year 4, Quarter 3 8

2. INTRODUCE MARKET-BASED PRINCIPLES FOR AGRICULTURE LAND USE TRANSACTIONS

This quarter, LMDA supported local subcontractor LLC SMART in finalizing and publishing Perspective Plans (PPs) on the use of Land Reserve Fund lands and maps of two districts: Panj jamoat of Jayhun District and Kh. Kholmatov jamoat of Shahritus District. In May 2020, the project assisted LLC SMART in finalizing the PP of 20-solagii Istiqloliyati Tojikiston jamoat of Qubodiyon District, and the PP was submitted to the local administration for approval. LMDA also assisted the Association of Independent Appraisers (AIA) in finalizing and publishing three National Appraisal Standards. In addition, the National Bank of Tajikistan incorporated the Regulation on Providing Loans Secured by Land Use Rights with the Right of Alienation for Commercial Banks and Financial Institutions into Instruction No. 186, the procedure for granting credit and accruing interest in credit organizations. Finally, with the assistance of LMDA short-term Land Administration Expert Ms. Namatbekova, the analysis of the implementation of PPs for the use of agricultural lands of the Reserve Fund and value of the lease for the use of agricultural lands of the Reserve Fund in the pilot districts of Khatlon Region was finalized and will be submitted to the SLC in July 2020.

BREAKDOWN OF ACHIEVEMENTS BY AREA

2.1 IMMOVABLE PROPERTY APPRAISAL ASSOCIATIONS ESTABLISHED

Facilitate the Further Development and Increase the Role of the AIA During the reporting period, LMDA assisted the AIA in developing a brochure on the association’s work and achievements during the life of the project. The brochure will also be used to promote AIA’s activities,

engaging the target audience directly. The brochure

contains information about AIA’s:

• goal and objectives • members

training center • • membership in foreign organizations • activities (2017–2020)

• conditions for joining the association

In May 2020, AIA published 200 copies of the brochure in Tajik and Russian (100 copies each). On June 18, 2020, the

brochure was disseminated to the relevant partners,

including the SIC, the State Unitary Enterprise on The brochure of the Association of Appraisers Valuation and other independent appraisers. of the Republic of Tajikistan

Feed The Future – Tajikistan Land Market Development Activity Quarterly Report Year 4, Quarter 3 9

Finalization and promotion of National Appraisal Standard In May 2020, LMDA together with the SIC and AIA finalized the draft of the three National Appraisal Standards: 1) the Immovable Property Appraisal Standard; 2) the Standard for Key Appraisal Concepts and Principles and 3) the Standard for Appraisal Report Content and Design Requirements. Further, in June 2020, the project assisted AIA in publishing and disseminating 200 copies of the three National Appraisal Standards to the relevant partners, including the SIC, the State Unitary Enterprise on Valuation, the State Unitary Enterprise "Valuation" of the executive body of the state power in Dushanbe, and independent appraisers.

Develop the Second Edition of Methodology on Determining the Market Value of Land Use Rights AIA Executive Director Mr. Furqat Guseinov (left) of Agricultural Lands delivers National Appraisal Standards and AIA In June 2020, the second edition of the Methodology on brochures to Deputy Director of the State Unitary Enterprise on Appraisal (SUEA), Mr. Habibulo Determining the Market Value of Land Use Rights of Mirzoev Agricultural Lands, based on the comparative approach using price information for auctions that determine the market value of land use rights, was translated into Tajik. The methodology was developed by LMDA short-term Appraisal Expert Ms. Nina Ignatenko. In July 2020, the digital version of the translated methodology was submitted to the SIC and AIA for information and further use. According to the methodology, an appraiser can use, in addition to the income approach, a comparative approach with corrections for soil quality index and distance from the village to determine the market value of land use rights. 2.2 LOAN PRODUCTS AND MORTGAGES BASED ON LAND USE RIGHTS AS COLLATERAL ESTABLISHED Facilitate the Development of Internal Mortgage Procedures for Financial Institutions In April 2020, the Association of Banks of Tajikistan (ABT), with LMDA support, finalized the draft Regulation on Providing Loans Secured by Land Use Rights with the Right of Alienation (ROA) for Commercial Banks and Financial Institutions in Tajik. On April 6, 2020, ABT submitted the draft regulation to the National Bank of Tajikistan (NBT) for review and adoption. In May 2020, NBT informed ABT that it had decided to amend Instruction No. 186, “On the procedure for granting credit and accruing interest in credit organizations,” and incorporate the regulation as a separate chapter. If the amended Instruction No. 186 is approved, banks will consider land use rights with the Right of Alienation as a pledge to provide a loan secured by property. The draft regulation was developed in accordance with the following laws of the RT: Civil Code, Land Code, the Law on the NBT, the Law on Banks and Banking Activities, the new Mortgage Law and the Appraisal Law. The draft regulation would govern a mechanism for using land use rights with the ROA. It includes the procedure for: 1) obtaining loans, 2) drawing up a pledge agreement, 3) lending and repaying a loan and 4) meeting the requirements of a pledge holder. 2.3 BUILD CAPACITY OF GOTJ TO MANAGE GOVERNMENT-OWNED LANDS UNDER THE LAND RESERVE FUND (LRF) IMPROVED Developing Instructions for Conducting the Auctions and Support Local Government Officials to Conduct Auctions in Target Districts In April 2020, SLC received comments and suggestions regarding the draft procedures on Providing Land Plots to Individuals and Legal Entities from the last two ministries: Ministry of Justice and the

Feed The Future – Tajikistan Land Market Development Activity Quarterly Report Year 4, Quarter 3 10

Ministry of Agriculture. LMDA assisted the SLC in reviewing and incorporating the comments into draft procedures. To date, the SLC finalized the draft procedures, but due to COVID-19, it has not yet been considered at the working group meeting. Once the draft procedures are addressed by the working group, they will be sent to the relevant ministries and agencies for re-concurrence.

During the reporting period, LMDA short-term Land Administration Expert Ms. Namatbekova prepared a report, Development of the Draft Instructions on Conducting Tenders and Direct Leasing of the Special Land Fund and Land Reserve Fund Agricultural Lands, which was submitted to USAID. The draft instructions determine the general procedures and conditions for leasing Special Land Fund (SLF) and Land Reserve Fund (LRF) lands by conducting a tender or through direct provision, and they include two ways of holding a tender: 1) auctions, where the highest bidder is announced as the winner and 2) investment tenders, where the winner is the person who offers the best conditions for using the land, including the rental terms.

Adoption of the draft instructions will introduce effective methods for leasing the SLF and LRF agricultural lands, whereby the state can receive additional income to the state budget that can be used to address the social and economic problems of the rural population. The publicity and transparency of the tenders will create an opportunity for all interested farmers to lease SLF and LRF land plots on equal terms.

In May 2020, Instructions on Conducting Tenders and Direct Leasing of the Special Land Fund and Land Reserve Fund Agricultural Lands was submitted to the SLC and the State Unitary Enterprise for Registration of Immovable Property (SUERIP) for review and adoption.

Development of Perspective Plans in 10 Target Districts During the reporting period, LLC SMART, with LMDA’s assistance, published the approved PPs and maps of Jayhun and Shahritus districts. On June 23, 2020, LLC SMART delivered 200 copies of PPs of Jayhun and Shahritus districts (100 each) to the Perspective Plan Working Group chairs of both districts and relevant partners, including local administration and local land committee chairs of the two districts, for further dissemination.

LMDA assisted local subcontractor LLC SMART in finalizing the draft PP of Qubodiyon District (the text and Delivery of Perspective Plans in Panj jamoat of Jayhun District. maps). On 12 June, LLC SMART published the draft PP and maps of Qubodiyon District and submitted them to the local administration for approval. The Local Land Committee of Qubodiyon District informed the SLC that the PP would be presented at the Majlis meeting in June 2020. However, approval of the PP was not included in the agenda of the local Parliament meeting and, due to COVID-19, the Majlis meeting was postponed to September 2020.

LMDA also developed a training video in Tajik, Development Stages of a Perspective Plan, for local government officials in the 12 target districts. Perspective Plans were recently introduced in Tajikistan for the first time, and the main goal of the training video is to educate local government

Feed The Future – Tajikistan Land Market Development Activity Quarterly Report Year 4, Quarter 3 11

officials on effective use of LRF and SLF agricultural lands and the six main stages of PP development. A PP is a public local legal document for management of LRF and SLF lands that supports the efficient and orderly use of land for five years into the future. Each narrative includes information regarding jamoat LRF lands (such as total area, user details, lease terms, etc.), and the mapping sections clearly show the three zones in each jamoat, the number of each land plot, as well as its size in hectares. Every farmer can consult the PP to find information on agricultural lands for further planning of their investments, thus helping farmers to improve their food self-sufficiency and the well-being of their families.

In July 2020, LMDA delivered 30 copies of DVDs with a recorded training video to SUERIP, SLC and local administration officials of Khatlon Region.

Analysis of the dollar value of the leased lands This quarter, LMDA short-term Land Administration Expert Ms. Namatbekova developed and finalized the Analysis of Perspective Plans’ Implementation for the Use of Agricultural Lands of the Land Reserve Fund and Value of the Lease for the Use of Agricultural Lands of the Land Reserve Fund in the Pilot Districts of Khatlon Region. The analysis provides information on: • Implementation of the activities outlined in the PP for the use of LRF lands • The value of the lease for the use of LRF agricultural lands in two districts: Yovon and Jomi • Recommendations for improving the management of LRF lands • The PP for the use of LRF agricultural lands.

The analysis describes the value of the lease for the use of LRF agricultural lands in Yovon and Jomi and related problems. According to the analysis, in case of full implementation of PP activities and in terms of the provision of land for lease through auction, local budgets over a five-year period (2019– 2023) are expected to receive approximately: 1) $62,153 — Sitorai Surkh jamoat of Yovon District and 2) $40,014 — Yakkatut jamoat of Jomi District. It is important to mention that the amount of revenue from the use of agricultural lands depends on how well local district officials implement PP activities. The revenue from the lease of LRF agricultural lands showed that the state can receive additional income to the local budget, which can then be used to address socioeconomic problems of the rural population and improve the land.

The project submitted the Analysis of Perspective Plans’ Implementation to the SLC and SUERIP for information and further use in July 2020.

Feed The Future – Tajikistan Land Market Development Activity Quarterly Report Year 4, Quarter 3 12

3. SIMPLIFY LAND REGISTRATION PROCEDURES LMDA’s ongoing support of Tajikistan’s SLC and the state registration institution, SUERIP, to improve procedures for registering immovable property has proven essential to the country’s development of its emerging vibrant land use market. Easing the registration of immovable property has and will continue to yield tangible impacts for rural citizens. This quarter, LMDA continued working with SUERIP and other stakeholders to streamline land registration procedures, identify additional opportunities and consolidate steps in the registration process, eliminating those that are not necessary.

BREAKDOWN OF ACHIEVEMENTS BY AREA

3.1 INSTITUTIONAL CAPACITY OF SUERIP TO DELIVER STANDARDIZED, EFFICIENT LAND REGISTRATION PROCEDURES STRENGTHENED

Monitor the Reduction of Time and Cost of Land Registration Procedures for Clients and Farmers LMDA continued to monitor and work on reducing time and cost in the registration of immovable property as part of an ongoing effort to improve the overall immovable property registration system.

This quarter, LMDA registration specialists together with short-term Registration Expert Mr. Bakytbek Dzhusupbekov finalized the report on the Comparative Analysis on Time and Cost Reduction of Land Registration Procedures in Districts Without Single-Window Principles and with Automated Registration Procedures. The analysis compares registration terms between single-window and automated registration procedures and best international practices of land cadaster automation. Specialists also provided recommendations for further simplification of land registration and land cadastral procedures. The report covers:

• Current automation registration processes at SUERIP • Analysis of time and cost reduction of registration procedures • Research on international approaches The Comparative Analysis on Time and Cost • Next steps to reduce time and cost of registration Reduction of Land Registration Procedures in Districts without Single-Window Principles and - Automating document submission and with Automated Registration Procedures cadastral procedures - Maintenance of digitized cadastral maps and communication with the legal database; using GPS receivers for surveying and drone technologies for mapping - Further automation of the process for receiving documents and conducting a technical inventory of immovable property - Increasing transparency of services as a condition for reducing costs for consumers • Recommendations for reducing registration costs

Feed The Future – Tajikistan Land Market Development Activity Quarterly Report Year 4, Quarter 3 13

The report shows that in districts with an automated registration process, the registration of immovable property takes three to four days. According to a presentation by SUERIP Director Mr. Rahmon Umariyon at LMDA’s Second Annual Land Conference, registration of properly submitted documents takes only two to three hours. Streamlined registration processes with an established single-window approach and automated registration leads to reduction in the cost of registration by 30 percent. The report was submitted to USAID in June 2020. In July 2020, hard and electronic copies of the Comparative Analysis were delivered to SUERIP.

In May and June 2020, SUERIP registration offices on the national and regional level reduced the number of staff by 50 percent as some government officials in LMDA’s 12 target districts were placed on unscheduled vacation due to COVID-19. Restrictions on movement in target districts decreased the number of farmers applying for registration of rights to their property in registration offices by 55–65 percent. In June 2020, 90 percent of SUERIP registration office staff returned to work.

Furthermore, the COVID-19 situation caused a decrease in the number of registered transactions (rent, exchange and inheritance). In the first quarter of FY 2020, there were 122 transactions, whereas in the second quarter, there were only 72 (an approximately 40-percent decrease).

Facilitate Approval of the Standard on Cadaster In early June 2020, SUERIP Director Mr. Rahmon Umariyon assigned regional registration offices to review the Standard on Cadaster and provide their recommendations and comments. On June 26, 2020, SUERIP First Deputy Director Mr. Akram Kahorov informed LMDA that the final Standard on Cadaster, which was submitted to SUERIP Director Mr. Umariyon for approval and was discussed at the national level, was sent to regional registration offices. The Standard will serve as a basis for the development of a module for automating the receipt of applications and performing cadastral work, and it is a tool for integration of cadastral activity into single-window procedures.

The adoption of the Standard on Cadaster is necessary for the following reasons: • It unifies the flow of documents for delivery of cadastral services. • It will be used as a baseline for the development of modules on cadaster in the Automated Registration System. • The information on cadastral services will be open to all consumers.

In July 2020, LMDA specialists delivered hard and electronic copies of the draft Standard on Cadaster to SUERIP representatives.

3.2 LOCAL GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS’ CAPACITY TO PROVIDE ACCURATE INFORMATION AND EFFECTIVE SERVICES RELATED TO LAND REGISTRATION IMPROVED

Provide Support to SUERIP/SLC Representatives at the National and Regional Level to Deliver Trainings in Project-Supported Training Centers Special training modules on technical skills for using Geographic Information System (GIS) programs, cadastral surveying technology and digital map compilation to improve the professional level of SUERIP personnel is expected to be approved by SUERIP Director Mr. Umariyon next quarter.

On April 20, 2020, SUERIP IT Specialist Mr. Zohir Hakimov conducted one training session for 12 representatives of State Subsidiary Enterprise for Registration of Immovable Property (SSERIP) at the Khatlon Region SUERIP Training Center. Participants learned how to use ArcGIS and Automated Registration Software. In May and June 2020, SUERIP training centers on national and regional levels stopped conducting training sessions and other events due to COVID-19.

Feed The Future – Tajikistan Land Market Development Activity Quarterly Report Year 4, Quarter 3 14

Integration of the Land Management Department to Automated Registration and a Database Management System Through Automation of Cadastral Procedures The project supported SUERIP to use innovative technology, such as drones, to integrate visual inputs collected by drones into the digital mapping system and transfer them to the ArcGIS software. To date, trained SUERIP specialists are familiar with the automation of the cadastral system, the integration of cadastral work with the single–window approach and the processing of data from drones through the GIS software.

LMDA supported registration offices by obtaining computers and licensed ArcGIS software. LMDA provided trainings for SSERIP Land Survey specialists to improve their skills on the application of the automation of the cadastral system and on using new technology, such as drones. This knowledge will help specialists in the integration of cadastral work with the single-window approach and in further development of the automated system.

Feed The Future – Tajikistan Land Market Development Activity Quarterly Report Year 4, Quarter 3 15

4. INCREASE KNOWLEDGE OF AND PROTECTION OF AGRICULTURAL LAND MARKETS This quarter, LMDA continued to support greater transparency in land administration by providing updated informational materials for ongoing dissemination, as well as training sessions for farmers on land use markets and protection of farmers’ land use rights in the project’s 12 target districts in Khatlon Region. 1. Throughout these districts, informational materials such as print brochures and booklets on land reform and land use markets were widely distributed and made available in all local government offices, jamoats, and LACs. 2. LMDA continues to increase capacity building of rural activists (tashabbuskors) and to update all beneficiaries on changes to relevant laws regarding land market implementation. Further training sessions were held for providers of information and advice, especially LAC attorneys and tashabbuskors, to ensure that they are able to inform farmers of all relevant changes to land legislation. In addition, training sessions were held for local government officials and other stakeholders, including those in civil society, for-profit and not-for-profit entities, and other land sector professionals.

BREAKDOWN OF ACHIEVEMENTS BY AREA

4.1 IMPROVE ABILITY OF NONGOVERNMENTAL SERVICE PROVIDERS TO PROVIDE SUSTAINABLE LEGAL AWARENESS AND LEGAL SERVICES ON LAND REFORM Support Nongovernmental Service Providers to Increase Legal Awareness of Farmers in Each District within the Zone of Influence (ZOI) This quarter, GOTJ banned all public meetings and gatherings due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In May 2020, the project changed its usual method of conducting trainings to innovative online training sessions for gender-mixed groups and female groups.

Training for farmers The project specialists and trainers surveyed farmers and discovered that nearly 90 percent used mobile applications that allowed video and audio calls. After studying various possibilities, LMDA specialists decided to conduct online training sessions by using various mobile applications and software. Following this, LMDA’s Task 4 Leader trained and advised trainers of six POs via video phone calls.

The project conducted online training sessions for farmers in the 12 target districts via an NGO grant obtained and distributed to six POs: Ruhafzo, Bonuvoni Fardo, Fazoi Solim, Sakina, Mahbuba, and Tajikagrofond. These POs conducted 370 online training sessions for 1,495 farmers (946 female / 549 male) in the target districts on the following five topics: 1) inheritance of land use rights, 2) procedures for registering dehkan farms with tax authorities, 3) Online training session for taxation of dehkan farms, 4) access to loans secured by land use farmers in Shahritus District rights and 5) state registration of immovable property and rights to immovable property (see also Success Story, p. 24).

Promoting the Land-Use Rights of Female Farmer Groups During the reporting period, two POs, Marifat and Hukuk va Rushdi Jomeai Dehot, continued to work with the project in conducting training sessions for female farmers delivered by using innovative

Feed The Future – Tajikistan Land Market Development Activity Quarterly Report Year 4, Quarter 3 16

online platforms. On May 26, 2020, due to COVID-19, LMDA’s Task 4 Leader conducted an online training via video call for four female farmers on women’s rights to land. The aim of the training was to demonstrate online teaching strategies to five trainers of Hukuk va Rushdi Jomeai Dehot and Marifat. Participants asked questions orally and in writing.

The two POs conducted 135 online training sessions for 449 female farmers on women’s rights to land use and gender-equitable provision of land use rights for both women and men in the 12 target districts. Marifat conducted 73 online training sessions in six districts of Khatlon Region: Dusti, Jaloliddini Balhi, Jayhun, Nosiri Khisrav, Qubodiyon and Shahritus, and Hukuk va Rushdi Jomeai Dehot conducting 62 online training sessions in six districts of Khatlon Region: Jomi, Khuroson, Kushoniyon, Levakant, Vakhsh and Yovon. Table 2 below shows the number of training sessions for female farmers and the number of participants in June 2020.

TABLE 2: NUMBER TRAINING SESSIONS FOR FEMALE FARMERS June 2020 # District # of # of female trainings participants 1 Dusti 6 20 2 Jaloliddini Balhi 12 37 3 Jayhun 12 37 4 Jomi 11 42 5 Khuroson 14 45 6 Kushoniyon 11 40 7 Levakant 3 10 8 Nosiri Khisrav 13 40 9 Qubodiyon 17 53 10 Shahritus 13 41 11 Vakhsh 8 40 12 Yovon 15 44 Total 135 449

Provide Support to Local Activists (Tashabbuskors) to Share Land-Related Information with the Rural Population This quarter, LMDA continued work with 67 tashabbuskors in many areas. Due to COVID-19, only individual informational consultations were provided to farmers on an as-needed basis, helping rural citizens understand land legislation and land reform initiatives. Farmers were accompanied through land registration application steps and in court proceedings, and the consultations helped to inform LMDA’s future training themes. This quarter, tashabbuskors provided individual consultations with 2,817 farmers (999 female/1,818 male).

Feed The Future – Tajikistan Land Market Development Activity Quarterly Report Year 4, Quarter 3 17

Informational Consultations

Yovon 344 A. Jomi 320 Qubodiyon 301 Kushoniyon 274 Shahritus 263 Total Vakhsh 261 2817 J. Balkhi 243 Dusti 232 Jayhun 231 999 Khuroson 206 Nosiri Khisrav 88 Levakant 54 Total Female

Increase the Capacity of Lawyers (of LACs) to Resolve Land Disputes LMDA has helped to create and sustain 12 LACs — one in each of the 12 target districts — staffed by 43 attorneys who are providing advice and representation to farmers in land disputes.

During this quarter the 12 LACs provided legal services, including individual consultations for 818 farmers (429 female/389 male) and participated in 26 court cases representing farmers on issues regarding the unauthorized seizure of land plots, the taxation of dehkan farms, land plot allocation and illegal exclusion from dehkan farm structure. Of these 26 cases, two were won, 24 claims are still pending and six land disputes were resolved by mediation.

Facilitate the mentorship of Legal Aid Center attorneys Recognizing that certain LACs are stronger performers than others, LMDA facilitated the mentorship of less-experienced attorneys by those in higher-performing LACs. This was done via training sessions on the resolution of land disputes at the Economic Court of the RT and on consulting techniques (oral and written).

This quarter, higher-performing attorneys mentored attorneys in the following districts with these results: • Jayhun District LAC attorneys mentored two LACs: Dusti LAC and the Nosiri Khisrav LAC. As a result, Dusti LAC won the case of head of dehkan farm Muiddin, Mr. Jamshed Muiddinov, on April 13, 2020. Jayhun LAC attorney assistance involved working with the less-experienced Dusti attorneys in the Economic Court of Khatlon Region and demonstrating how to protect Mr. Muiddinov’s land use rights. • Jayhun LAC attorneys were involved in providing mentorship for Nosiri Khisrav LAC, which protected the land use rights of female farmer Ms. Gulinor Jalilova for her household land plot. The land dispute was resolved by mediation to the benefit of her five family members on April 17, 2020. • Yovon District LAC attorneys mentored two LACs: Vakhsh LAC and Jomi LAC. As a result, Vakhsh LAC attorneys helped to resolve a dispute and protect the land use rights of female farmer Ms. Gulbuta Siyahmardova. The parties agreed to mediation and the dispute was resolved on May 18, 2020.

Feed The Future – Tajikistan Land Market Development Activity Quarterly Report Year 4, Quarter 3 18

• In addition, Yovon LAC attorneys worked with the less-experienced Jomi attorneys in the Court of Yovon District and in resolving a land dispute and protecting the land use rights of farmer, Mr. Sattor Amirov. Yovon LAC attorneys provided mentoring in the preparation of the claim and training on mediation skills. As a result, the parties agreed to mediation and the land dispute was resolved on May 5, 2020.

During the reporting period, LMDA concluded a grant agreement with the Union of Attorneys of Khatlon Region to deliver training sessions on land legislation and legal issues to strengthen the capacity of practicing LAC attorneys who protect land rights in the 12 target districts. The Union of Attorneys developed the methodology of sustainable trainings and prepared a training program to ensure regular training of practicing attorneys on land legislation and legal issues. The training methodology includes interactive methods for trainers and trainees (lawyers and attorneys) to impart and acquire knowledge and skills. The training plan for land legislation also included the number and duration of lectures and practical assignments and the number of trainees per session. During June 2020, the Union of Attorneys planned to conduct all trainings online via ZOOM. All presentations and trainings were sent to participants by email.

In June 2020, the Union of Attorneys conducted 10 online training sessions for 43 attorneys (14 female / 29 male) in the 12 target districts. Participants learned about the following topics: 1) the law on dehkan farms, 2) the Land Code of the Republic of Tajikistan, 3) inheritance of land use rights, 4) the procedure for state registration of dehkan farms with tax authorities, 5) the legal basis for land use rights market development, 6) the legal basis for land use rights transactions, 7) the legal Online training session for LAC attorneys on land legislation, June 10, 2020. basis for the sale and purchase of land use rights, 8) leasing of land, 9) mortgage of land use rights and 10) termination of land use rights. The Union of Attorneys, after the completion of the grant, will continue conducting training sessions on a quarterly basis.

4.2 AWARENESS OF FREEDOM TO FARM, LAND REFORM, AND LAND USE RIGHTS AMONG FEED THE FUTURE TAJKISTAN LAND MARKET DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITY TARGET POPULATION INCREASED

Radio and Television Programs This quarter, LMDA continued to support the production of radio and television programs reaching target beneficiaries (farmers, rural citizens, local government officials, women and youth) in the ZOI through local grantee LLC Simoi Mustaqili Tojikiston (LLC SMT). LLC SMT produced and broadcast two 12-minute monthly television programs via channel Jahonnamo and six 15-minute radio programs via Radio Tajikistan. The aim of the two television programs was to inform the public about land use issues and highlight project success stories, which include: 1) benefits and drawbacks of new amendments to the Tajik Law on Mortgage, which were discussed by specialists; 2) legal aid

Feed The Future – Tajikistan Land Market Development Activity Quarterly Report Year 4, Quarter 3 19

for farmers provided by 12 LACs in Khatlon Region and ways to obtain help from the LACs. The programs included interviews with Vakhsh LAC lawyer Ms. Barno Rahimova and Khuroson LAC lawyer Ms. Sabohat Azizova; 3) results of main partners’ activities to increase awareness in Khatlon Region of land use rights, freedom to farm and land reforms during the project life; 4) results and success stories of farmers in Khatlon Region achieved with the Tashabbuskors Network and the help of POs in 67 jamoats. In May 2020, LLC SMT produced its final TV and radio programs.

Newspaper on Land Reform Print media is the main and most reliable source of information in rural areas. A follow-on grant agreement in this quarter for grantee PO Neksigol Mushovir facilitated the publication and distribution of 5,000 copies of the monthly Agroinform TJ newspaper to stakeholders in the 12 target districts. On April 20, 2020, Neksigol Mushovir issued the seventh and last installment of the monthly Agroinform TJ newspaper on land reform. The articles highlighted: 1) an interview with ABT Head of Legal Department Mr. Valeriy Kim about the amendments to the Mortgage Law, 2) an interview describing one day with a tashabbuskor about Mr. Holibek Jumayev, a tashabbuskor from jamoat Utakaran Nazarov of Qubodiyon District, 3) an article about land and public administration in the Republic of Tajikistan and 4) an article on moving beyond outdated practices about a female farmer, Ms. Orosta Nasrulloyeva, who challenged stereotypes 10 years ago in Sayod village in Talbak Sadriddinov jamoat of Shahritus District.

In addition, each newspaper edition published lists and contact information for all SUERIP offices and LACs working with LMDA assistance in the 12 target districts.

ANALYSES OF THE PUBLIC PERCEPTION DATA ON LAND REFORM EFFORTS IN TAJIKISTAN

In May 2020, LMDA Consulting Research Specialist Mr. Eric Abbott prepared a draft report, Analysis of Public Perception Data on Land Reform Effort in Tajikistan. The analysis measured change in public perception and support of land reform and resulting changes in the uptake of relevant services. In close collaboration with the LMDA team, Overseas Strategic Consulting, Ltd. (OSC), an LMDA subcontractor, completed the analysis.

The analysis examined long-term as well as shorter-term impact of USAID interventions in land restructuring and land use rights of dehkan farmers in Tajikistan. USAID projects have been focusing on these issues since 2006, often in collaboration with the World Bank, Helvetas, DFID, and other organizations. Regular surveys of representative samples of dehkan farmers were conducted in 2007, 2011, 2016 and 2020. These surveys permit analysis of key impacts over time as farmers receive their rights to land and change their farming behaviors as a result. Changes in legislation and administrative procedures also have been made to meet emerging needs as farmers receive and register their certificates, inherit land, and begin to lease land to and from others, and they will soon be able to buy/sell rights or use them as collateral for agricultural loans. This analysis focused on Khatlon Region since USAID projects have tended to focus on 12 districts in this region. However, the surveys also permit national-level analysis that show somewhat similar results over time. Impact includes dramatic increases in crop production and crop diversity, greater investments in agriculture, significantly higher household economic index gains and increased demand for household labor.

The analysis was submitted to USAID in May 2020. The activity produced insightful, evidence-based results and data that highlight the project’s achievements and USAID investments. It is of value to the greater development community and researchers worldwide both for collating evidence and best practices as well as for future programming and intervention design.

Feed The Future – Tajikistan Land Market Development Activity Quarterly Report Year 4, Quarter 3 20

As a follow-up to the report, OSC is developing a dissemination plan that comprises: • Identification of key external stakeholders, including research institutions, development organizations, relevant knowledge portals and other global stakeholders • A 1–2 page executive summary for a wide but targeted audience for external digital dissemination • A presentation for external digital dissemination with links to databases and associated notes for external dissemination • A short presentation for dissemination to Tajik government stakeholders (to be translated into Tajik by LMDA staff) • A short (250–400 word) abstract for submission to relevant conferences

4.3 SUPPORT THE SUSTAINABILITY OF LACs

Sustainability analysis In the fourth project year, all LACs are expected to be 100 percent financially independent. After April 1, 2020, LMDA ended grant agreements with all LACs. This quarter, they continued to work without financial support from the project, fully operating on their own funds. Thus, LACs are now 100 percent financially self-sustainable. However, due to COVID-19, some of the LACs fell short of achieving their planned financial goals. In the last three months, only three LACs — Jayhun, Jomi and Vakhsh — achieved 100 percent of the projected financial results in their business plans. Nine LACs — Dusti, Jaloliddini Balhi, Khuroson, Kushoniyon, Levakant, Nosiri Khisrav, Qubodiyon, Shahritus and Yovon — face difficulties and are still in the process of achieving their target goal.

Feed The Future – Tajikistan Land Market Development Activity Quarterly Report Year 4, Quarter 3 21

II. GENDER FOCUS LMDA aims to increase women’s awareness and legal literacy on land use rights and land reform, ensuring rural female farmers are aware of changes in land policy so they can participate in the land use rights market. Strengthening the capacity of female leaders in the land reform process and increasing women’s access to land and their ability to exercise their rights to land will ensure the development of a basic livelihood and an adequate standard of living. Highlights of this quarter’s gender mainstreaming activities include online training on land issues for female farmer groups. INCREASING THE KNOWLEDGE BASE OF FEMALE FARMERS THROUGH SPECIAL TARGETED TRAININGS In order to protect, promote and advance female farmers’ land use rights, the project organized special training for female farmer groups about agricultural land issues, as most women in target districts lack this information. LMDA closely collaborated with other USAID projects — Feed the Future Tajikistan Agriculture and Water Activity (TAWA) and Agribusiness Competitiveness Activity in Tajikistan (ACAT) — and after receiving the list of their special female farmer groups, set up training on land issues.

To navigate through the COVID-19 crisis, the project pivoted to innovative ways of conducting its activities. During the reporting period, two POs, Marifat and Hukuk va Rushdi Jomeai Dehot, continued to conduct 135 training sessions for 449 female farmers (see also Promoting the Land-Use Rights of Female Farmer Groups, p. 16).

Specifically, on June 1, 2020, an online training schedule was developed that indicated LMDA Task 4 Leader conducts trainings with female farmers and trainers on the time and content of women’s rights to land. online training sessions, their purpose and expected results. LMDA specialists, PO trainers and NGO leaders faced difficulties in organizing and conducting online training sessions in a new format, such as low-speed internet in Khatlon Region, the absence of touch-screen phones, lack of digital skills, etc. All the challenges were successfully addressed in the preparatory process. LMDA specialists consulted and advised both trainers and the majority of participants. Many farmers found it difficult to use touch-screen phones and new technologies. Project specialists consulted with farmers to help them use mobile phones and familiarize them with common tasks such as installing mobile applications and software, thus increasing their digital literacy.

This month’s online training session topic was the legal basis for the lifelong inheritable use right of a land plot. However, during the trainings, participants showed interest in such practical questions as: 1) What are the procedures for inheriting land use rights? 2) During what period of time do I need to contact the notary office to accept the inheritance? 3) Who are the instant and secondary heirs?

Feed The Future – Tajikistan Land Market Development Activity Quarterly Report Year 4, Quarter 3 22

4) If I have a will at hand, do I need to contact a notary office? 5) What are the procedures for dividing the inheritance? 6) If there is a dispute over the division of inheritance, how can this issue be addressed? and 7) If a marriage is not officially registered, can a wife inherit land use rights as per legislation? All female farmers received answers to their questions.

Feed The Future – Tajikistan Land Market Development Activity Quarterly Report Year 4, Quarter 3 23

SUCCESS STORY

Farmers increased awareness of land tenure law

despite COVID-19

COVID-19 has affected all aspects of the lives of people worldwide. In

Land Market response to the spread of the virus, the Government of Tajikistan

took measures starting from closing borders and educational Development institutions to restricting travel and banning all events, including public

Activity meetings throughout the country. As a result, farmers were not able

to attend LMDA’s regular awareness-raising training sessions. supported

sustainable However, the project organized an online session to demonstrate

learning through online teaching strategies to eight trainers of two public organizations

(POs), Hukuk va Rushdi Jomeai Dehot and Marifat, and LMDA’s Task 4 online training Leader educated and advised the other 30 trainers through phone

sessions consultations and video calls. Due to this, farmers in the 12 target

districts continued to learn about land tenure online.

To avoid the spread of the virus, small families with 2–3 dehkan farm

members were placed in one training group and big families with 3 6 – dehkan farm members were in a second group. Some farmers struggled to adapt to online learning and time management issues. The project overcame the challenges of farmers’ poor digital literacy by conducting awareness-raising work through a series of video and phone calls to help farmers adapt to online training sessions. Project

specialists helped farmers not only to master phone features, but also

to download, set up and use mobile applications, thus connecting farmers and trainers and helping them to communicate. The remote online training sessions were as effective as the in-person sessions in reaching the target population and had a positive impact on beneficiaries.

“Of course, we had some issues in the preparation “I liked the project’s initiative on so-called digital learning. It was a very phase, but we bridged all different experience for me as a trainer and participants, but equally gaps with the project’s effective. Female farmers were happy to continue their trainings even support. Participants were open and active despite the though it was not a traditional way of learning.” – PO Marifat trainer Ms. new learning environment. Umarova Nigora. Female farmers reported an increase in knowledge of By the end of the current quarter, farmers had participated in 370 inheritance and gender- equitable provision of land online trainings in mixed-gender groups. Female farmers participated use rights…It was a new in 135 online training sessions tailored specifically for female farmers learning experience for all of in the project’s target area — the 12 districts of Khatlon Region. us and we enjoyed it!” – PO Marifat Coordinator Ms. “Given the current situation, we encouraged farmers to participate in the Marifat Khidiralieva project’s online training sessions. The project ensured equal access to knowledge in all 12 target districts through distance learning with a U.S. Agency for International combination of printed materials.” – LMDA Deputy Chief of Party Ms. Development www.usaid.gov Nodira Sidykova

Feed The Future – Tajikistan Land Market Development Activity Quarterly Report Year 4, Quarter 3 24

ANNEX A. PROJECT PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

As part of the Feed the Future initiative, LMDA reports on its performance into the Feed the Future Monitoring System (FTFMS) on an annual basis.

To track and manage the project’s progress, LMDA developed its Activity Monitoring and Evaluation Plan (AMEP), which was approved by USAID on December 23, 2016. AMEP was updated, first on November 20, 2018, according to new requirements of the FTFMS, and the last time on December 13, 2019, according to requirements of USAID, since most of the project indicators have been overachieved. This report includes the project’s cumulative results achieved on 22 indicators for FY 2020 Quarter 3. This is the last quarter of the four-year LMDA project. For the 22 indicators, targets for 18 were achieved at or over 100 percent; two indicators remain below their targets, which are assessed quarterly rather than cumulatively. Data on two indicators are reported on an annual basis and are not included in this quarterly report: 2.8 — Increased awareness of farmers regarding their rights in the target area, and 3.2 — Percent reduction in time and cost to register property.

PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

Indicator 1.1 Number of specific pieces of tenure and property rights legislation or implementing regulations proposed, adopted, and/or implemented positively affecting property rights of urban and/or rural poor as a result of USG assistance (STARR)

Measures the number of land-related laws, policies, regulations, and administrative procedures improved through LMDA assistance.

This indicator counts the number of land-related policies and legal instruments that have completed one or several of the following five procedural stages of regulatory drafting/improvement:

Stage 1: Analyzed Stage 2: Public debate and/or Number of Laws and Regulations consultation with stakeholders Supported by the Project Stage 3: Drafted or revised Stage 4: Received official approval Stage 5: Implemented Year 4 (target)

By the end of FY 2020 Quarter 3, Year 4, Quarter LMDA supported a cumulative total of 3 (actual) 14 land-related policies and legal instruments through at least one of 0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 these stages. These laws and Year 4, Quarter Year 4 (target) regulations are summarized in Table 1. 3 (actual) Cumulative 14 12

Feed The Future – Tajikistan Land Market Development Activity Quarterly Report Year 4, Quarter 3 25

TABLE 1: STATUS OF IMPROVEMENTS TO LAWS AND REGULATIONS STAGES # LAWS AND REGULATIONS 1 2 3 4 5

1 State Registration of Immovable Property and Rights Law Rules, Registration Procedures, Maintenance, and Forms of Registration Cards, Registration Files, Registration of 2 Applications, and the Assignment of a Cadastral Number of Immovable Property N/A N/A

3 Mortgage Law

4 Appraisal Law

5 Land Policy Concept (2030)

6 Short-term Land Strategy (2017-2021)

7 GOTJ Regulation on Rights of Alienation GOTJ Draft Rules on Transacting with Land Use Rights in the 8 Land Use Rights Market

9 Land Appraisal Law Procedure on Providing Land Plots to Individuals and Legal 10 Entities

11 Lease Law

12 Civil Code

13 Tax Code

14 Land Code

Indicator 1.2 Percent of individuals trained in land tenure and property rights as a result of USG assistance who correctly identify learning objectives of the training 30 days after the training (STARR)

The percent of individuals who received training sessions in registration, surveying, conflict resolution, land allocation, land use planning, land legislation, land management, resettlement, restitution, or new technologies who correctly identified the key learning objectives of the training 30 days after its completion.

Under this indicator, the project measures the knowledge of the Percent of Individuals Who Correctly training participants by Identify Training Learning Objectives conducting surveys 30 days after After 30 Days the completion of training. The survey is conducted by LLC Tahlil va Mashvarat via phone Year 4 (target) interviews. According to the Year 4, Quarter 3 results of the survey conducted (actual) during third quarter of FY 2020, 99 percent of the participants 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% correctly identified the key Year 4, Quarter 3 learning objectives 30 days after Year 4 (target) the training. The results for this (actual) indicator are calculated on a Percent 99% 95% quarterly basis

Feed The Future – Tajikistan Land Market Development Activity Quarterly Report Year 4, Quarter 3 26

Indicator 1.3 Number of land and property rights disputes resolved by local authorities, contractors, mediators, or courts as a result of USG assistance (STARR)

Measures the number of land and property rights disputes resolved by local authorities, contractors, mediators, or courts.

Results for this indicator are measured based on the contribution of LACs: Number of Land and Property Right the number of court representations Disputes Resolved with Project Support and mediations in the 12 target districts of Khatlon Province. During the reporting period (which includes Year 4 (target) only April–May 2020), project- supported LACs were involved in the Year 4, Quarter resolution of two court cases, both of 3 (actual) which were resolved to the benefit of 0 100 200 300 400 farmers, and six disputes via mediation, all of which were also resolved to the Year 4, Quarter Year 4 (target) benefit of farmer beneficiaries. LACs 3 (actual) resolved a total of eight disputes Cumulative 400 400 during the reporting period. With 392 disputes resolved during prior periods, a cumulative total of 400 land and property rights disputes have been resolved with project support.

Indicator 1.4 Percent of people with access to a land administration or service entity, office, or related facility that the project technically or physically establishes or upgrades who report awareness and understanding of the services offered (STARR)

Measures the percent of adults who: 1) report awareness of the entity, office, or related facility, 2) can identify one or more services offered by the entity, office, or related facility, and 3) report valuing the service offered by the entity, office, or related facility. Interventions that include both technical and physical components are counted once, and any entity can be counted once in the year Percent of People with Access to Land the upgrade/establishment occurs. Who Report Awareness of the Services Offered Results for this indicator are measured by a survey conducted by Year 4 (target) LLC Tahlil va Mashvarat among visitors to 13 LMDA-supported Year 4, Quarter 3 SUERIP offices. The results are (actual) calculated on a quarterly basis and are not cumulative. During Year 4 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% Quarter 2, survey results showed Year 4, Quarter 3 81% of farmers demonstrated an Year 4 (target) understanding of the services (actual) provided by these offices. The Percent 81% 85% reduction from the Year 4 Quarter 2 result of 85% is attributable to service disruptions caused by temporary COVID-related travel restriction and closure of SUERIP offices.

Feed The Future – Tajikistan Land Market Development Activity Quarterly Report Year 4, Quarter 3 27

Indicator 1.5 Number of parcels with relevant parcel information corrected or incorporated into an official land administration system (whether a system for the property registry, cadaster, or an integrated system) as a result of USG assistance (STARR)

This may include newly digitized parcel rights, updated parcel Number of Parcels Registered by Land attributes, parcels with boundary Registration Offices Supported by the revisions or ownership rights Project corrected, and parcels with newly formalized rights. Reporting can include all parcels registered after the Year 4 (target) USG provided assistance or funding to the government or other authority to Year 4, Quarter 3 improve their system, which resulted (actual) in parcel information being corrected 0 500 1000 1500 2000 2500 or incorporated into an official land administration system. Year 4, Quarter 3 Year 4 (target) (actual) During the reporting period, 83 Cumulative 2508 2430 new parcels were registered in the ZOI. Results achieved under this indicator are measured using information from 13 SUERIP offices. Added to the 2,425 parcels registered during prior periods, a cumulative total of 2,508 parcels have been registered by the land administration system in the ZOI.

Indicator 1.6 Number of people with secure tenure rights to land, with legally recognized documentation and who perceive their rights to land as secure as a result of USG assistance (STARR)

Measures the number of adults who have received legally recognized documentation of their rights to land and who report (for example, through polling or household survey) their rights are secure. Any legally recognized documentation of tenure rights should be captured by this indicator, regardless of type. Examples of legally recognized documentation may include certificates, titles, leases, or other recorded documentation issued by Number of People Who Perceive Their government institutions. Rights to Land Secure After Receiving Certificate The project subcontractor LLC Tahlil va Mashvarat conducts a survey among Year 4 (target) visitors to 13 project-supported SUERIP offices to assess if they Year 4, Quarter perceived their land use rights as 3 (actual) “secure” after receiving a certificate. During the reporting period, 307 0 5000 10000 15000 shareholders were provided with land Year 4, Quarter Year 4 (target) use right certificates, 289 of whom 3 (actual) consider their land use rights as Cumulative 12255 12120 secure. With 11,966 shareholders who reported their perception of

Feed The Future – Tajikistan Land Market Development Activity Quarterly Report Year 4, Quarter 3 28

their land use rights in the previous reporting periods, a cumulative total of 12,255 farmers consider their rights as secured as a result of USG assistance.

Indicator 2.1 Number of individuals participating in USG food security programs (Feed the Future)

Measures participants of Feed the Future-funded programs. The number includes those who participate in LMDA trainings, including farmers, NGO representatives, and government officials. It also includes farmers who receive legal aid and informational consultations.

During the reporting period, eight project-supported grantee training Number of Individuals Benefitting organizations, including two Directly from USG (Feed the Future) organizations which conduct Interventions training only for female farmers, conducted online training sessions Year 4 (target) via video calls on land-related topics across the ZOI with the Year 4, Quarter participation of 1,944 farmers. 3 (actual) LMDA-supported LACs provided legal consultations for 818 0 40000 80000 120000160000 farmers, supported five farmers in Year 4, Quarter Year 4 (target) court cases, and 20 farmers 3 (actual) through mediation. Tashabbuskors Cumulative 160878 118243 conducted informational consultations for 2,817 farmers, which totals 5,604 individuals who have benefited from LMDA activities. Added to the 155,274 project beneficiaries who have participated in project activities during prior periods, a cumulative total of 160,878 individuals have benefited from USG food security programs.

Indicator 2.2 Percent of USG-assisted organizations with improved performance (Feed the Future)

Measures the total number of defined organizations that benefit from Percent of USG-assisted Organizations LMDA’s allocated resources towards with Improved Performance (Feed the straightening organizational capacity Future) Assistance which undergo a deliberate performance improvement process. Year 4 (target) During the reporting period, LMDA awarded a grant to the Association Year 4, Quarter 3 of the Union of Attorneys of (actual) Khatlon Region to provide training 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% sessions for LAC attorneys and Year 4, Quarter 3 lawyers. The project also continued Year 4 (target) supporting 24 organizations that (actual) were awarded grants and Cumulative 100% 95% subcontracts during prior periods to implement LMDA activities. As a result, a cumulative total of 25 organizations, including 12 community-based organizations (CBOs), 10 legal companies, two associations and one private enterprise were provided USG assistance. All of these organizations (100 percent) reported improvement in their performance as a result of USG Feed The Future – Tajikistan Land Market Development Activity Quarterly Report Year 4, Quarter 3 29

assistance. The USG assistance contributes to the improvement of the outputs of the organization and builds the capacity of grantees by introducing improved management practices. Table 2 lists the supported organizations.

TABLE 2: ORGANIZATIONS RECEIVING USG ASSISTANCE THROUGH LMDA

Organization ACTIVITIES TYPE OF ORGANIZATION Information provision to rural 1 Tashabbuskor Network Public Organization (NGO) beneficiaries Design and publication of 2 Neksigol Mushovir monthly newsletter on land Public Organization (NGO) reform 10 Legal Consultancy Centers 3 Sustainable legal aid provision Private Enterprises in 12 target districts 4 Fazoi Solim Training organization Public Organization (NGO)

5 Bonuvoni Fardo Training organization Public Organization (NGO)

6 Arbitraj Training organization Public Organization (NGO)

7 Sakina Training organization Public Organization (NGO)

8 Mahbuba Training organization Public Organization (NGO)

9 Tajikagrofond Training organization Public Organization (NGO)

10 Ruhafzo Training organization Public Organization (NGO) Development of internal Association of Independent 11 documents, drafting of national Business Association Appraisers appraisal standards Hukuk va Rushti Jomeai 12 Training organization Public Organization (NGO) Dehot 13 Iktidor Training organization Public Organization (NGO)

14 Marifat Training organization Public Organization (NGO) Training and development of 15 Training organization Private Enterprise microfinancing Center Union of Attorneys of Khatlon Deliver trainings to attorneys 16 Legal Association Region and lawyers

Feed The Future – Tajikistan Land Market Development Activity Quarterly Report Year 4, Quarter 3 30

Indicator 2.3 Number of adults provided with legally recognized and documented tenure rights to land or marine areas, as a result of USG assistance

Measures the number of adults participating in USG-funded activity Number of Adults Provided with Legally designed to strengthen land or marine Recognized and Documented Tenure tenure rights who received legally Rights to Land with USG (Feed the recognized and documented tenure Future) Assistance rights to land or marine areas as a result of USG assistance. Year 4 (target) During the reporting period, Year 4, Quarter through 13 LMDA-supported SUERIP 3 (actual) offices, 307 shareholders were provided with legally recognized land 0 3000 6000 9000 12000 certificates. Added to the 11,901 Year 4, Quarter shareholders who were provided Year 4 (target) 3 (actual) with land certificates during prior periods, a cumulative total of 12,208 Cumulative 12208 12040 adults have been provided with legally recognized and documented property rights.

Indicator 2.4 Number of adults who perceive their tenure rights to land or marine areas as secure as a result of USG assistance.

Measures the number of adults participating in USG-funded activity Number of Adults Who Perceive Their designed to strengthen land or marine Tenure Rights to Land or Marine Areas tenure rights who perceive their tenure as Secure as a Result of USG Assistance rights as secure as a direct result of USG assistance.

During the reporting period, the Year 4 (target) project subcontractor LLC Tahlil va Year 4, Quarter Mashvarat conducted a survey among 3 (actual) visitors to 13LMDA- supported SUERIP offices. Among 307 0 3000 6000 9000 12000 shareholders who received legally Year 4, Quarter recognized and documented property Year 4 (target) 3 (actual) rights, 289 consider their rights secure after receiving land certificates Cumulative 11806 11600 during the third quarter of FY 2020. Added to the 11,517 shareholders during prior reporting periods, a cumulative total of 11,806 shareholders consider their rights as secure after receiving their land use rights certificates.

Feed The Future – Tajikistan Land Market Development Activity Quarterly Report Year 4, Quarter 3 31

Indicator 2.5 Number of farmers who obtained documented property rights as a result of USG assistance

Measures the number of farmers that Number of Farmers Who Obtained received formal recognition by Documented Property Rights as a Result government institutions or other of USG (Feed the Future) Assistance authorities at national or local levels of ownership rights and/or use rights through certificates, titles, leases, or Year 4 (target) other recorded documentation. Year 4, Quarter During the reporting period, 307 3 (actual) farmers received a land use right 0 3000 6000 9000 12000 15000 certificate documenting their Year 4, Quarter property rights. With 12,365 farmers Year 4 (target) provided with land use right 3 (actual) certificates during prior reporting Cumulative 12672 12500 periods, a total cumulative number of 12,672 farmers obtained documented property rights.

Indicator 2.6 Number of individuals who received legal aid on land issues in Feed the Future target districts supported by USAID

The number of all occurrences of individuals directly consulted by project-supported grantees, and also of individuals receiving court representation and other project paid services.

During the reporting period, LMDA- Number of Individuals Who Received supported LACs provided 818 Legal Aid on Land Issues individual legal consultations, supported five famers in the resolution of two court cases, and 20 Year 4 (target) famers in the resolution of six land and property rights disputes, which Year 4, Quarter resulted in a total of 843 farmers 3 (actual) benefiting from legal aid. 0 10000 20000 30000 40000 Added to the 35,076 individuals who Year 4, Quarter Year 4 (target) received legal aid during prior 3 (actual) periods, a cumulative total of 35,919 Cumulative 35919 32000 individuals have received USAID- supported legal aid on land-related issues across the ZOI.

Feed The Future – Tajikistan Land Market Development Activity Quarterly Report Year 4, Quarter 3 32

Indicator 2.7 Number of government officials supported by USG assistance (i.e., participated in trainings, roundtables, etc.) related to land tenure and property rights. These would include Jamoat heads, agricultural specialists, local land committee officials, other relevant officials, judges, lawyers, and traditional authorities (heads of Mahallas) (Feed the Future)

Tracks the number of government officials from relevant key institutions that participate in educational and consensus-building events. Relevant key institutions include organizations affiliated with SUERIP, regional committees on land management, tax offices, the Department of agriculture, press secretaries from relevant ministries, local executive authorities, local self -government bodies, and similar organizations at the village, jamoat (sub-district), district, and regional levels in the target FTF districts. Number of Government Officials Supported by USG (Feed the Future) During the reporting period, no Assitance events were conducted with participation of government officials due to the restrictions on conducting Year 4 (target) public events because of COVID-19. Year 4, Quarter The number of government officials 3 (actual) who participated in LMDA events and were supported by USG assistance 0 600 1200 1800 2400 programs related to land tenure and Year 4, Quarter Year 4 (target) property rights remained at 2,400 3 (actual) from the previous reporting period. Cumulative 2400 2400

Indicator 2.8 Increased awareness of farmers regarding their rights in the target area (Feed the Future)

An index score from a project-issued survey that measures the knowledge of farmers on the rights accorded by the land reform process.

According to the project’s AMEP, this indicator is reported on an annual basis.

Indicator 2.9 Number of consensus-building fora (working groups, public-private dialogues, roundtables, etc.) held with project support (Feed the Future)

Measures the number of meetings, roundtables, forums and other venues, in Number of Consensus-building Fora which civil sector actors (legal advocacy Held with Project Support representatives, farmers, and others) interact with government officials Year 4 (target) regarding specific, demand-driven provisions of land policy and legislation. Year 4, Quarter 3 (actual) During the reporting period, the project held 10 online trainings for 0 300 600 900 120015001800 attorneys. Added to the 1,667 events Year 4, Quarter Year 4 (target) held during prior periods, a cumulative 3 (actual) total of 1,677 consensus-building Cumulative 1677 1650 forums have been held with project support.

Feed The Future – Tajikistan Land Market Development Activity Quarterly Report Year 4, Quarter 3 33

Indicator 2.10 Number (and percent total) of court cases resolved to the benefit of farmers supported by the project (Feed the Future)

Measures the number and the percentage of court cases resolved to the benefit of farmers from the total number of court cases that were registered by project’s supported legal service providers.

During the reporting period, LMDA- Number (and Percentage Total) of supported LACs provided court Court Cases Resolved to the Benefit of representation in two court cases, Farmers Supported by the Project both of which were resolved to the benefit of farmers. With 124 court cases resolved to the benefit of Year 4 (target) farmers from a total of 130 cases during prior periods, a cumulative Year 4, Quarter total of 126 court cases have been 3 (actual) resolved to the benefit of farmers from a cumulative total of 132 0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 reported cases. The percent of court Year 4, Quarter cases resolved to the benefit of Year 4 (target) farmers remained at 95 percent by the 3 (actual) end of the reporting period. The 95% 95% percent is counted as the number of Cumulative 126 120 resolved court cases to the benefit of famers from the total number of cases registered by the project.

Indicator 2.11 Percent of cost of services covered through fees (Feed the Future)

Tracks the services provided by LACs for fees as a percentage of overall operating budget in order to measure Legal Aid Center Costs Covered Through sustainability progress. Fees

This indicator relates to the Year 4 (target) sustainability plan of LACs. By the end of the project all LACs were expected to be 100% self- Year 4, Quarter 3 sustainable, however, from all (actual) twelve LACs an average of 79% of legal aid center costs were 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% recovered during Year 4 Q3. This Year 4, Quarter 3 Year 4 (target) figure does not account for (actual) supplemental income raised by LAC Percent 79% 100% lawyers providing non-LAC services, an important aspect of LAC sustainability.

Feed The Future – Tajikistan Land Market Development Activity Quarterly Report Year 4, Quarter 3 34

Indicator 2.12 Number of new dehkan farms (including female-owned) established (i.e., have received certificates) with USAID assistance (Feed the Number of New Dehkan Farms Future) Established with USAID Assistance

Measures number of farms, including Year 4 (target) individual and family farms, which have been established with the LMDA’s support. Year 4, Quarter 3 (actual) During the reporting period, 13 LMDA- 0 500 1000 1500 2000 2500 supported SUERIP offices provided Year 4, Quarter certificates to 83 new dehkan farms. Year 4 (target) With 2,425 dehkan farms established 3 (actual) during prior periods, a cumulative total Cumulative 2508 2350 of 2,508 dehkan farms have been registered with USAID assistance.

Indicator 2.13 Total number of recorded land transactions formally registered in the targeted region facilitated by the project (Feed the Future) Number of Recorded Land Transactions in the ZOI Number of land transactions involving a purchase/sale, lease, exchange, or inheritance facilitated by LMDA-supported Year 4 (target) legal aid and service providers. Year 4, Quarter During the reporting period, 72 land 3 (actual) transactions were registered in the 0 200 400 600 800 ZOI by registration offices, including Year 4, Quarter one exchange, three lease agreements Year 4 (target) and 68 inheritances of land use rights. 3 (actual) With 678 land transactions registered Cumulative 750 600 during prior periods, a cumulative total of 750 land transactions were formally registered by the end of the reporting period.

Feed The Future – Tajikistan Land Market Development Activity Quarterly Report Year 4, Quarter 3 35

Indicator 2.14 Number of legal Number of legal instruments designed instruments drafted, proposed, with project support to promote or adopted with USG assistance gender equality designed to promote gender equality or non-discrimination against women or girls at the Year 4 (target) national or sub-national level (Feed the Future) Year 4, Quarter 3 (actual)

Number of all policies/laws/regulations 0 2 4 6 8 10 worked on by LMDA lawyers, Year 4, Quarter international experts and working group Year 4 (target) members that take into account gender. 3 (actual) Cumulative 10 9 As of the end of the reporting period, LMDA had examined 10 laws and regulations regarding gender sensitivity.

Indicator 3.1 Number of individuals within the FTF ZOI Number of individuals within the FTF trained on land use rights and ZOI trained in land use rights participation in the land rights market (Custom) Year 4 (target) The number of individuals who have received significant knowledge or skills Year 4, Quarter via intentional, structured, and 3 (actual) proposed interactions/trainings. Individuals can include farmers, local, 0 50000 100000 150000 regional and national government Year 4, Quarter authorities, policymakers, public Year 4 (target) 3 (actual) organization representatives, private- practice lawyers, and other Cumulative 140522 140000 stakeholders of land reform.

During the reporting period, eight project-supported POs provided online training sessions for 1,944 farmers. With 138,578 individuals trained on land-related issues during prior periods, a cumulative total of 140,522 individuals have been trained within the ZOI on land-related topics. A disaggregated cumulative list of participants by occupation, district and gender is shown in Table 3.

Feed The Future – Tajikistan Land Market Development Activity Quarterly Report Year 4, Quarter 3 36

TABLE 3: INDIVIDUALS TRAINED IN LAND TENURE AND PROPERTY RIGHTS

# GOVERNMENT # OF FARMERS # DISTRICTS OFFICIALS MALE FEMALE MALE FEMALE 1 Dusti 5,361 5,881 90 21 2 Jaloliddini Balkhi 4,725 6,491 60 9 3 Jayhun 6,795 4,502 61 9 4 Jomi 3,906 7,929 81 14 5 Khuroson 4,320 6,500 65 78 6 Kushoniyon 3,621 8,200 74 11 7 Levakant 2,513 8,512 75 25 8 Nosiri Khisrav 3,734 8,031 83 39 9 Qubodiyon 2,824 8,588 90 79 10 Shahritus 4,646 7,522 82 27 11 Vakhsh 5,593 6,882 77 18 12 Yovon 3,936 8,236 83 23 Total by gender 51,974 87,274 921 353 Total 139,248 1,274 Grant total 140,522

Indicator 3.2 Percent of reduction in time and cost to register property (Custom)

The average percentage change in number of days and amount of money it takes an individual to register a property within the formal system. This indicator is designed to refer to the duration of time (calendar days) and not time spent on a task. It includes all informal and formal steps to register a property for the first time or transfer a property between users.

According to the project’s AMEP, this indicator is reported on an annual basis.

Feed The Future – Tajikistan Land Market Development Activity Quarterly Report Year 4, Quarter 3 37

INDICATOR DATA TABLE

ANNUAL TARGETS & FTF/STAR ACTUALS (CUMULATIVE) R BASELI LOA NO. INDICATOR INDICATO NE TARGET YEAR 4 R NO. TARGET ACTUAL STARR INDICATORS Number of specific pieces of tenure and property rights legislation or implementing regulations proposed, EG.3.1- 1.1 adopted, and/or implemented positively 0 12 12 14 12 affecting property rights of urban and/or rural poor as a result of USG assistance Percent of individuals trained in land tenure and property rights as a result EG.10.4- 1.2 of USG assistance who correctly 0 95% 95% 99% 2 identify learning objectives of the training 30 days after the training Number of land and property rights disputes resolved by local authorities, EG.10.4- 1.3 344 400 400 400 contractors, mediators, or courts as a 3 result of USG assistance Percent of people with access to a land administration or service entity, office, or related facility that the project EG.10.4- 1.4 0 85% 85% 81% technically or physically establishes or 4 upgrades who report awareness and understanding of the services offered Number of parcels with relevant parcel information corrected or incorporated into an official land administration EG.10.4- 1.5 system (whether a system for the 2,079 2,430 2,430 2,508 5 property registry, cadaster, or an integrated system) as a result of USG assistance Number of people with secure tenure rights to land, legally recognized EG.10.4- 1.6 documentation and who perceive their 10,761 12,120 12,120 12,255 6 rights to land as secure as a result of USG assistance FEED THE FUTURE INDICATORS

Number of individuals benefitting 2.1 EG.3-2 28,243 118,243 118,243 160,878 directly from USG interventions Percent of USG-assisted organizations EG.3.2- 2.2 0 95% 95% 100% with improved performance 29 Number of adults provided with legally recognized and documented tenure EG.10.4- 2.3 10,647 12,040 12,040 12,208 rights to land or marine areas, as a 7 result of USG assistance Number of adults who perceive their EG.10.4- 2.4 tenure rights to land or marine areas 10,312 11,600 11,600 11,806 8 as a result of USG assistance

Feed The Future – Tajikistan Land Market Development Activity Quarterly Report Year 4, Quarter 3 38

Number of farmers who obtained EG.3.1- 2.5 documented property rights as a result 11,111 12,500 12,500 12,672 13 of USG assistance Number of individuals who received 2.6 legal aid on land issues in FTF target 0 32,000 32,000 35,919 districts supported by USAID Number of government officials supported by USG assistance, i.e., participated in trainings, roundtables, etc.) related to land tenure and property rights. These include jamoat 2.7 0 2,400 2,400 2,400 chairs, agricultural specialists, local land committee officials, other relevant officials, judges, lawyers, and traditional authorities (heads of mahallas). Increased awareness of farmers about 2.8 7.65 9.7 9.7 N/A their rights in the target districts Number of consensus-building fora (working groups, public-private 2.9 1,464 1,650 1,650 1,677 dialogues, roundtables, etc.) held with project support Number (and percentage total) of court 107; 120; 120; 126; 2.10 cases resolved to the benefit of 95% 95% 95% 95% farmers supported by the project Percentage of cost of services covered 2.11 0 100% 100% 79% through fees Number of new dehkan farms (including female-owned) established 2.12 2,079 2,350 2,350 2,508 (i.e., have received certificates) with USAID assistance Total number of recorded land transactions formally registered in the 2.13 477 600 600 750 targeted region facilitated by the project Number of legal instruments drafted, proposed, or adopted with USG assistance designed to promote 2.14 0 9 9 10 gender equality or non-discrimination against women or girls at the national or sub-national level CUSTOM INDICATORS Number of individuals within the Feed the Future ZOI trained on land use 3.1 0 140,000 140,000 140,522 rights and participation in the land rights market Percent reduction in time and cost to 50%; 3.2 0 50%; 30% N/A register property 30%

Feed The Future – Tajikistan Land Market Development Activity Quarterly Report Year 4, Quarter 3 39

ANNEX B. MATERIALS AND REPORTS

During the reporting period, LMDA prepared the following reports: • Report: Development of the Draft Instructions on Conducting Tenders and Direct Leasing of the Special Land Fund and Land Reserve Fund Agricultural Lands, compiled by LMDA short-term Land Administration Expert Ms. Gulzat Namatbekova and submitted by the project to USAID, April 2020. • Analysis of public perception data on land reform effort in Tajikistan compiled by LMDA Consulting Research Specialist Mr. Eric Abbott and submitted by the project to USAID, May 2020. • Comparative Analysis on Time and Cost Reduction of Land Registration Procedures in Districts Without Single-Window Principles and with Automated Registration Procedures, compiled by LMDA Registration Expert Mr. Bakytbek Dzhusupbekov and submitted by the project to USAID, June 2020. • Analysis of the implementation of Perspective Plans for the use of agricultural lands of the Reserve Fund and value of the lease for the use of agricultural lands of the Reserve Fund in the pilot districts of Khatlon Region, compiled by LMDA short-term Land Administration Expert Ms. Gulzat Namatbekova, June 2020.

Feed The Future – Tajikistan Land Market Development Activity Quarterly Report Year 4, Quarter 3 40

ANNEX E. ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE

All project activities and grants awarded to project partners were screened for environmental compliance. Based on the results of the screening, none of the proposed activities had any effect on the natural or physical environment, produced any medical waste, or required any construction activities.

Feed The Future – Tajikistan Land Market Development Activity Quarterly Report Year 4, Quarter 3 43

www.feedthefuture.gov