Project for Livelihood Improvement of Rural Population in 9 Districts of the Republic of

Khujand The Project is aimed at addressing socio- Project partners: Ministry of Economic PROJECT FOR LIVELIHOOD economic issues that affect the livelihood Development and Trade of the Republic of improvement of population, according to Tajikistan; State Committee on Investments IMPROVEMENT OF RURAL implemented priorities at the national and and State Property Management of the local levels, as reflected in: Republic of Tajikistan; Ministry of Labor, Employment and Migration; Agency POPULATION IN 9 DISTRICTS  National development strategy and on Statistics under the President of mid-term development programmes the Republic of Tajikistan; districts OF THE REPUBLIC of the Republic of Tajikistan; administrations and local self-government OF TAJIKISTAN  Sectoral programs and local bodies; development partners; microcredit development programs of the foundations, nonprofit organizations, civil Republic of Tajikistan. society organizations and private sector. Project implementation period: The Project is mainly implemented in Project goals are closely linked with the remote areas of the Republic of Tajikistan Sustainable Development Goals, as well November 2014–October 2017 that mostly affected by different factors, as with UN Development Assistance which impede their development, Framework for the Republic of Tajikistan. including: remote distance from the The Project will be implemented in the field centers, lack of infrastructure (social – The Project for “Livelihood Improvement of Rural using comprehensive integrated approach, hospitals, schools, water supply facilities; i.e. implementation of interrelated Population in 9 districts of the Republic of Tajikistan” economic – bridges, roads, irrigation, objectives and activities in the same funded by the Government of Russian Federation finance etc.), unemployment, high level of area for achieving maximum and desired and implemented by UNDP Tajikistan. The total labor migration, weak entrepreneurship results. Consequently, the activity of growth, poverty and other factors. UNDP will be based on implementation of amount of support is 6.7 million US dollars aimed at District development programs priorities ensuring sustainable local economic development that define the most important areas in 4 districts of , 2 districts of Khatlon of economic and social development, region and 3 Districts of Republican Subordination infrastructure, environment, and others. (Rasht valley). 6.7m million US$ 9 1b c DISTRICTSD TS EXPECTED PROJECT OUTCOMES Main Components of the Project Main long-term outcome (Impact) of the Project is livelihood improvement of 1 million population in 9 districts of the Republic of Tajikistan.  District authorities are capable efficiently plan and monitor local socio-economic To achieve this result in midterm (Project outcome) the Project development will directly contribute to increase employment and business  Support development of favorable investment climate, entrepreneurship development in nine, the most vulnerable areas of Tajikistan and employment at the local level taking into account their economic capacity. The Project will  Support rural initiatives aimed to address the local population priorities, help to reduce the flow of unqualified migrants from Tajikistan creation of new jobs and entrepreneurship development to other CIS countries, including the Russian Federation.

Main Activities of the Project

 Technical assistance to improve capacity of public and private sectors in local economic development;  Training and retraining of 180 civil servants, entrepreneurs on local economic development issues;  Development/review of District Development Programmes in nine districts considering national and local priorities;  Introduction and efficient use of system for monitoring of local socio-economic development;  Organization of learning trips for local government representatives agencies, entrepreneurs and farmers to the regions of the Republic and to Russian Federation;  Provision of grant support for rehabilitation of at least 50 small-scale projects on socio- economic infrastructure (local priorities), with a total coverage of more than 200,000 people;  Creating Consultative councils for local economic development including representatives of PROJECT TARGET AREAS local authorities and private sector;  Analysis of the investment profile of each area with involvement of international  in Sughd region: , , (including Russian) expertise; Penjikent and Ayni  Provision of training courses for 500 people on agribusiness, entrepreneurship, farming,  in Khatlon region: Vose and Temurmalik; sustainable economic development and effective environmental management; in Districts of Republic Subordination  Provision of at least 2,000 microcredits for creation of jobs and development of Rasht, Tojikobod and Jirgatol entrepreneurships.

Khujand

Supporting Women’s Self-Help Groups

The purpose of self-help groups is “ Our groups work on more than 70 to unite socially and economically hectares of land. As we did not vulnerable women into groups have our own machinery for haying to conduct income-generating activities. and pressing, we had to wait to

Since 2010, 110 self-help groups rent it, we missed the opportunity have been created in the jamoats to sow and have additional harvest.” of Kulkent and Navgilem within Abror Talibov, the representative of the organization. ‘Bonuvoni the UN Women project ‘Social Rushdie Qamar’ purchased a tractor and baler on the received money mobilization of family members of migrants’. Munira, the current leader of the self-help group ‘Javonon’, One of the grant recipients was joined the group in 2009 have widowed. the organization called ‘Bonuvoni Rushdie Qamar’, which unites small According to her, in addition to “moral support from other self-help groups to jointly address women in the group,” she gained a lot of skills – from driving socio-economic issues in jamoat a tractor, and ending with communication skills with staff of Kulkent. various entities – local and tax authorities.

SughdKhujand Region Although many Afghan War veterans have wounds and disabilities, they continue contributing in addressing socio-economic problems of their communities. Afghan War veterans’ association received in Istaravshan the grant which was used to create an intensive garden, which total area is 5 hectares and includes fruit seedlings and a vineyard. The garden creates a new source of income. The total number of beneficiaries is 14 families (154 people).

Due to the climate’s peculiarities of Istaravshan, the use of intensive method of growing of fruit trees is the best solution to increase agricultural productivity and increase the efficiency of land use.

Veterans’ Garden

Sughd Region Creating livelihood opportunities for visually impaired people

A production enterprise of visually impaired people in Isfara received the grant/financial support amounted to 17,500 dollars for restoration and purchase of the production line of toilet paper. It has enabled to create work places for 8 blind people and increase the sustainability of the enterprise.

Hussein Khakimov gained confidence in the bright future of the enterprise ahead.

“ I dream of restoring other production departments and start new manufacture. This will allow us to attract more disabled people of the group II, to create livelihood opportunities for them and improve the quality of our lives.” “ I concluded that consultation and assistance are the most important things for us. We are ready to work!” Hussein Khakimov, head of the production enterprise of blind people

Sughd Region Base Station of the Academy

New agricultural machinery was The base point is the only institution provided to the base station of the “ Academy of Agricultural Sciences which is engaged in development and of RT in Isfara to process 77 cultivation of apricot and tomatoes. hectares. It will benefit its staff (30 people), 14,500 garden owners, and Currently, we are working on the contribute to the achievement of development of special kinds of apricots the Academy’s development goals. for processing companies, which will be Also, two greenhouses for tomatoes good for drying and attractive for export. and cucumbers and apricots were ” built. This will create a foundation Jamshed Buzurukov, Director of the base station for conducting research to improve the breeding performance of apricot and develop recommendations for their adaptation to climate change.

More than 1000 dehkan farms of Isfara and 15 enterprises which process dried fruits became direct beneficiaries.

Sughd Region New adras training center in jamaat Navgilem,

Courses in a newly opened training center empower women and enable them to generate their own income by dyeing and weaving adras.

It is planned to increase the number of students at the center to 100 people and expand production to meet the needs of the local market.

“ I am proud of the result of my work. My students and I have produced 14 new types of adras of different colors, textures and patterns. Out textile has found their unique ways to the hearts of our clients.” Mijgon Jalilova, master of training center, Isfara

Sughd Region Construction of building for grapes drying in WUA “-16”

A drying facility for drying and processing of grapes was built on the territory of the Water Users’ Association ‘Vahdat-16’, in jamoat Zarhalol, . The building is equipped with special wind ventilation capacity which enables to dry products with minimal quality loss and allow of the Water Users’ Association “Vahdat – 16” to quality requirements and standards.

The direct beneficiaries are 70 members of the WUA, which possess grape farms (270 ha), whereas, indirectly, it is estimated that more than 5,000 people will benefit. The project has created 16 working places (6 constant, 10 seasonal). The project provides more opportunities for the expansion export potentials for dehkan farms, dealing with viticulture.

Strengthening the technical side of the veterinary station in Isfara district

Procurement and delivery of medical supplies and equipment and a mobile crematorium have significantly improved conditions and quality of work of veterinary stations, including 23 specialists. In addition, the mechanism of preventive maintenance and timely response to animals’ infection was strengthened.

15 farmers and approximately 17,500 individual farms specializing in livestock received access to improved specialized veterinary services.

This will ensure sustainable development of the livestock sector of the district

Sughd Region Rehabilitation of building and procurement of spares for existing equipment of carpenter workshop at the vocational school in Istaravshan, Sughd region “ After graduation, our students go to colleges in Penza and Moscow region to continue their studies, but the majority of students graduate from the vocational school to be employed [here in Tajikistan].” Nuriddin (last name?), director of the vocational school

A carpenter workshop at the vocational lyceum of in the town of Istaravshan was partially renovated and equipped. Nearly 700 students from nearby villages and Istaravshan gain practical knowledge and skills in this workshop.

Sughd Region Procurement and delivery of equipment for irrigation

A horizontal double entry pump with an electric motor was given to the irrigation canal ‘Mohari-1’. It will improve the reclamation state of 1370 hectares of apricot orchards, which belong to the 600 dekhkan farms, and 230 hectares of farmlands owned by 2,000 households (about 10,000 residents of mahalla Somoniyon).

Creation of a machine and tractor station for 140 farms A machine and tractor station (MTS) was created for 140 farms - suppliers of raw materials and processors of agricultural products in Isfara district. This has improved access of dehkan farms to timely and quality services of MTS, particularly, to cultivation of garden land and protecting trees from diseases and insects.

Sughd Region Water for irrigation

A new well for irrigation of 120 workers, including 78 women agricultural lands of dehkan farms received access to irrigation water Ota-Sharif and Ota-Yusufdjon which extends their seasonal was drilled in Jamoat Zarhalol, employment and creates alternative Istaravshan district. 210 members income to the rural population. of dekhkan farms (55% of whom are women) have received access to irrigation water. The total area of restored land to grow grapes, fruits and grains is 60 acres.

Sughd Region Handicraft promotion through Zerafshan Tourism Development Association

The project has been implemented in the jamoats of Zarafshon, and Fonderies, , with the total population of 26,800 people. It is aimed at creating livelihood opportunities of women living in mountainous areas for 45 women, most of them are widows and single women. Artisans create handicrafts in ethnic style that meet European requirements and are designed for both local and international markets.

Sughd Region Creation of sewing workshop for wives of labour migrant and unemployed housewives

A sewing shop was opened in the village of Vahdat, district. 15 modern sewing machines and all the necessary equipment were purchased and installed. The objective of the sub-project is to help housewives and unemployed women to develop sewing skills, receive the profession, provide high-quality goods and create new jobs in remote villages of Lakhsh district. “ At the initial stage of production, we employed 20 women, they will be training with us and then start working on orders. In the future, we plan to expand the workshop and increase a number of workplaces up to 40.” Firdavs Mirzoev, the head of the sewing shop

Republic Subordination Developing agriculture sector by providing access to new agricultural machinery and tools

60 percent of Rasht Valley population are engaged in agricultural sector. Existing equipment of the Dehkan Farms are worn out and requires huge The main problem of the sector has been reduction in agricultural output costs to repair them. profitability. Now ADFs Samar and Fayzi Rasht have access to agricultural machinery and tools for processing, ploughing, cultivation, sowing and harvesting of grown crops.

“ New machinery which are provided to us make our life easier and this year our harvest increased to 25%, because of timely access to agricultural machinery and tools. ” Mr. Islomiddin Khudoydodov a director of ADF “Samar” in Lakhsh district

Republic Subordination Poultry farm in Lakhsh district

“ As Lakhsh district located in mountainous place the landscape, pasture and weather conditions in this area is convenient for chicken breeding, despite this there was not any chicken/poultry breeding farm in the area and local people had not enough experiences on it. But with the support of UNDP, we established farm for chicken breeding and trained local specialists (mostly women) to work in

newly established poultry farm. Now Lakhsh district is one of the largest districts we are proud of the result, 8 (5 women) of Rash Valley that has most of the republic permanent job places are created and infrastructure such as roads, schools, hospitals, drinking water supply and electricity supply daily we are providing 450-500 fresh eggs systems. However, some these infrastructures for the local population of Lakhsh district. ” do not meet the current needs and standards. Mr. Khushbakht Mukhtorov head of PO Yangishahr

Republic Subordination Vegetable processing workshop in

Every year due to the absence of proper warehouse for storage of agriculture products (potato, apple, pear and other crops) population of the region lose out opportunity of preserving their products and marketing them for better gains which would ultimately contribute to the improvement of their livelihoods.

Republic Subordination “ The mini-workshop which we established with the support of UNDP will allow us to process locally grown products by preserving and canning them, which will increase their market value, improve their quality and demand in the market. This initiative also could be one of the important steps in introducing the concept of commercialization of agriculture products, creation of added value to locally grown products in our district. Within establishmed vegetable processing workshop, we created 8 permanent job places for women. ” Mr. Safarkhuja head of ADF Fathobod in Tojikobod district

Republic Subordination Establishment of quality chain of apricot supply from gardens

More than 80 (30 female) dehkan farms representatives were trained on technologies of planting of apricot trees and drying apricots in Vose and Temurmalik districts.

“ Training of dehkan farms on the basics of processing and drying apricots has a positive impact on the development of the agricultural production in rural areas. Training on skills to export refined products from the south to the north of Tajikistan is also important.” Alisher , agronomist of the agricultural department of the Vose district

KhatlonKhujand Region

Establishment of production greenhouse in Temurmalik district

A greenhouse was constructed in Jamoat Sovet, Temurmalik district which created permanent jobs for 10 (8 women) employees and seasonal jobs for 20 (10 women). The production greenhouse will be presented to the local population as a model demonstration of a Khatlon Region greenhouse to train the rural population. Strengthening institutional development of existing and new public-private dialogue platforms at local level

The advisory board was established to improve the business environment and investment climate in Temurmalik district and to increase both human and technical capacity. It was equipped with necessary furniture and equipment to improve information technology and a website was for timely reporting news. To establish the close cooperation of the advisory board at district, regional and national levels, round tables and study visits were carried out. In addition, the advisory board has assisted local organizations and businesses to develop more than 10 project and grant proposals, 5 of which are supported and have been implemented.

Rehabilitation of plumbing class and procurement of equipment for plumbing class of professional technical college of Vose district, Khatlon region A professional technical college located in Vose district received necessary equipment that allows to improve the quality of teaching and skills of its students. The institution offers short-term courses not only to young men but also to older people.

For example, after completing short-term courses with a specialty of a plumber, Abdukodir Hakimov (37 years old) was offered a job as a constructor and in his spare time he earns extra money by providing plumbing services on-demand. Now he has a steady income.

Khatlon Region Rehabilitation and procurement of tools for a welding class in Temurmalik district

A welding class based in the employment center of Temurmalik district was fully refurbished and equipped. 80 unemployed people were already trained in gas and electric welding and 20 more are currently taking classes. Thus, not only 80 people directly benefited from the sub- projects but also their families and communities, as now the trained men Khatlon Region have a steady income and have improved gas-welding services. Procurement and delivery of agricultural machinery and tools to ADF “Barodaron–2016”

Agricultural machinery and equipment was given to the Association of Dekhkan Farms “Baradaran - 2016” in Jamoat Mirzoali Vaisov, Vose district. 12 dehkan farms, members of “Baradaran - 2016” and the number can be increased due to delivery of the new equipment. In addition, more than 15 permanent jobs and 136 (80 women) seasonal jobs were created.

According to Muso Gaffurzoda head of Vose district, the initiative has a positive impact on the local economy and welfare of the population. “ Lack of agricultural machinery did not allow us to provide support to dekhan farmers for timely land cultivation and harvesting for a second time.” Ilkhom Abdullaev, Chairman of the Association of dekhkan farms “Baradaran - 2016” Khatlon Region Construction of production and demonstration greenhouses in Tugarak jamoat, Vose district

“ We are very pleased that tomatoes and cucumbers grown in hothouse economy will appear in the outlets of Vose District. They will be able to provide more than 7 thousand inhabitants of Tugarak jamoat.” Muso Gaffurzoda Zarif, head of Vose district

A greenhouse was constructed in the village of Chordara jamoat Tugarak, Vose district to familiarize the villagers with the latest technologies, develop the local economy, and improve the welfare of the rural population. Currently, 8 people are employed.

Khatlon Region Procurement and installation of equipment and inventories for an adras-weaving classroom in professional technical lyceum of Vose district

“ We are confident that this initiative will contribute to quality education, improve the employment opportunities of young people in our area, as well as in revival of traditional crafts on adras weaving.” Kudratullo Sharifov, director of the professional technical lyceum

An adras-weaving classroom in professional technical lyceum was renovated and fully equipped, particularly, furniture, 5 adras weaving machines, 1 sewing machine, cotton yarns and all the necessary tools were provided. 15 unemployed women and young girls have been already taught professional skills of adras-weaving.

Khatlon Region

For further information, please contact Mr. Firuz Khamidov, Communities Programme Manager, UNDP Tajikistan, firuz. [email protected]; tel.: 44 600 55 96/97/98; web-site: www.tj.undp.org UNDP, 39 Aini Steet, Tajikistan, 734024

Tel: (992 44) 600 55 97 Fax: (992 44) 600 55 96

[email protected] http://www.tj.undp.org/