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AgFin+ IQC Task Order (RAISE) - n/a Enterprise & Agriculture Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan 2004 - 2007 USAID |
Building Capacity Through Agricultural Development
RATIONALEAgriculture plays a significant role in the economies of Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. It accounts for 40% of GDP and 50% of employment in the Kyrgyz Republic; 27% of GDP and 50% of employment in Tajikistan and 25% of GDP and 40% of employment in Uzbekistan. In all three countries, farmers face constraints to development including poor access to markets, a lack of financial resources, and lack of production know-how. The project links farmers to specific markets, assists them in overcoming the impediments they face in delivering products into those markets and in capturing a fair return for their efforts.
OBJECTIVES
To build agricultural capacity, demonstrate success, and stimulate economic growth through agricultural development. The project complements existing activities in the region by linking farmers to underserved markets, addressing financial constraints, providing on-farm support, and coordinating with other agricultural sector development efforts.
ACTIVITIES
To generate personal income for Kyrgyz, Tajik and Uzbek farmers, the project links targeted groups of farmers to specific markets and then assists them in overcoming the array of constraints faced in delivering products to those markets and capturing a return for their efforts. The success of pilot groups will encourage replication by other farmers; extending support beyond pilot groups will stimulate sector and economic growth and ultimately reduce poverty in the three target republics.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
• Agricultural training in production techniques provided to 17,415 participants
• 1,792 farmers linked to processors/traders through contracts and trading agreements
• 30 market studies completed identifying real market prices and contacts that businesses can use to update prices and specifications in the future
• 4,097 loans facilitated totaling over $1.5 million, with 99% repayment to date
• Signed $2 million in subcontracts with local service providers ranging from input dealers, credit providers, extension services, processors, and market research organizations
• Developed 7 new markets for existing products and 9 new value-added products
• On-farm incomes in Kyrgyzstan have increased by approximately $1,700 per hectare