The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved $17.5 million in grant assistance to improve women’s agricultural skills and food security in Tajikistan.
The project, which aims to support women farmers, will cover six districts in Khatlon province (Bokhtar, Farkhor, Kulyab, Panj, Shahritus, and Vose), the country’s largest agricultural region.
ADB’s Director General for Central and West Asia, Eugene Zhukov, said the bank views women as critical agents of change, and the project aims to increase their role in agriculture. The project will provide women access to modern resources, including drying plants, greenhouses, water-saving technologies, and training in financial management and production technologies.
Particular emphasis is placed on climate-resilient farming practices to reduce vulnerability to climate change impacts such as drought and heat stress. The project will also establish small-scale crop processing and storage centers to increase the value of crops in the market.
In addition, the project will create digital platforms for the training and trading of agricultural products. It is also expected to address social problems faced by women, such as gender-based violence. Under the guidance of the Women and Family Committee, a shelter offering counseling, a referral system, and training and entrepreneurship opportunities will be opened.
ADB has supported Tajikistan for 26 years, serving as the country’s largest donor. During this time, Tajikistan has received over $2.6 billion from ADB, of which more than $2 billion was provided through grants. Since 2018, the country has received the bank’s financial assistance exclusively on a grant basis.
