FAO - The Times Of Central Asia

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FAO

Opinion: Why Agriculture Cannot Afford to Overlook Women Farmers

Представьте себе спортивную команду, в которой лишь половина игроков регулярно тренируется и получает необходимое снаряжение и поддержку. Такая команда не сможет выступать в полную силу. То же самое происходит и в сельском хозяйстве. Женщины-фермеры играют важнейшую роль в странах Европы и Центральной Азии. Они выращивают сельскохозяйственные культуры, занимаются животноводством, руководят фермерскими хозяйствами и поддерживают сельскую экономику. Они трудятся на той же земле, что и мужчины, делят обязанности по хозяйству и обеспечивают свои семьи, однако их труд зачастую воспринимается как второстепенный, остается незамеченным или рассматривается лишь как «помощь». В результате они нередко лишены равного доступа к обучению, ресурсам и возможностям, необходимым для того, чтобы сделать их нелегкий труд более продуктивным. Когда женщины не могут в полной мере реализовать свой потенциал как фермеры, тогда и сельское хозяйство не может раскрыть свой потенциал в полной мере. Международный год женщин-фермеров 2026 призван вновь привлечь внимание мирового сообщества к важнейшему вкладу женщин в развитие сельского хозяйства. Приуроченная к празднованию международного года инициатива ФАО «100 героинь: вклад женщин в преобразование агропродовольственных систем и развитие сельских районов» представляет собой чествование заслуг, достижений, новаторского подхода, стойкости и лидерских качеств женщин из разных стран и регионов – в том числе двадцати пяти женщин из региона Европы и Центральной Азии. Но за этими отдельными историями успеха скрывается реальность, которую нельзя игнорировать. Бесчисленное количество женщин ежедневно выполняют столь же важную работу, не получая при этом должного признания, ресурсов или равных возможностей. У этого неравенства есть и экономическая стоимость. По оценкам ФАО, устранение гендерного разрыва в производительности фермерских хозяйств и в оплате труда могло бы принести мировой экономике почти один трлн долл. США и обеспечить продовольственную безопасность 45 млн человек. В странах Европы и Центральной Азии был достигнут значительный прогресс в укреплении нормативной правовой базы, способствующей обеспечению равных возможностей для женщин и мужчин, что должно привести к реальным улучшениям в жизни сельских женщин. Однако сохраняющийся гендерный разрыв в сфере сельского хозяйства и развития сельских районов ограничивает производительность женщин и препятствует реализации их личностного и профессионального потенциала в качестве фермеров. Социальные требования и дискриминационные практики лишь усиливают эти барьеры, формируя представление о том, кого следует считать фермерами, а также кому принимать решения и распоряжаться доходами и производственными ресурсами. Даже при том, что женщины играют ключевую роль в ведении сельского хозяйства, их труд зачастую не ценится, не оплачивается или попросту остается невидимым. Им не хватает необходимой поддержки для развития своих хозяйств и бизнеса. В результате молодые женщины теряют интерес к сельскому хозяйству, не видя в нём перспективного направления для профессиональной карьеры или возможности возглавить собственное фермерское хозяйство. Для устранения этих пробелов необходимы отраслевые меры и политические решения, которые признают за женщинами статус полноправных фермеров и предпринимателей. Например, правительства могут обеспечить систематический учёт вклада женщин в сельскохозяйственной статистике, создать условия для регистрации женщин в качестве полноправных фермеров, а также гарантировать женщинам и мужчинам равный доступ к службам распространения сельскохозяйственных знаний и консультационным услугам. Такие меры помогут женщинам расширить доступ к земле, финансированию, производственным ресурсам, технологиям, знаниям и рынкам. Кроме того, они станут четким институциональным сигналом: женщины должны быть признаны полноправными участниками сельскохозяйственного производства. Следующая задача...

Food Security

Tajikistan Nearly Halves Undernourishment, but Healthy Diets Remain Out of Reach for Many

Tajikistan has nearly halved its undernourishment rate over the past decade, but food insecurity and access to healthy diets remain major challenges for a significant share of the population, according to a new regional report by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). The report on food security and nutrition in Europe and Central Asia said the prevalence of undernourishment in Tajikistan fell to 8.4% in 2022-2024 from 16.1% in 2014-2016, marking one of the strongest improvements in the region. Despite the progress, Tajikistan remains among the countries in Europe and Central Asia where undernourishment exceeds the FAO’s 2.5% benchmark. Central Asia remains the only subregion where the indicator stayed above that threshold, at 2.8% in both 2023 and 2024. The report said around a quarter of Tajikistan’s population faced moderate or severe food insecurity in 2022-2024, above the Central Asian average. Across the region, 16.2% of the population, or 13.3 million people, faced similar conditions in 2024. Access to healthy diets also remains a challenge. In 2024, about 24% of Tajikistan’s population could not afford a healthy diet, compared with the Central Asian average of 14%, according to FAO. That figure has improved from more than 30% in 2019 but remains one of the highest in the region. Only neighboring Kyrgyzstan recorded a higher rate, at 30.4%, while Uzbekistan stood at about 13% and Kazakhstan at 4% to 5%. Child nutrition indicators have improved but remain uneven. Stunting among children under five in Tajikistan fell to around 13% in 2024, nearly half the level recorded in 2012, though still above the 10% threshold. Tajikistan also recorded the highest child wasting rate in the region, at 6.4%, the report showed. The report also highlighted persistent anemia among women, affecting around 37% of women aged 15 to 49, while obesity among adults has risen to about 24%. Exclusive breastfeeding was one of the few positive trends. According to UNICEF, exclusive breastfeeding among infants under six months rose to 40.8% in 2023 from 14.2% in 2000.

FAO

New FAO Project Aims to Strengthen Kyrgyzstan’s Aquaculture Sector

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and Kyrgyzstan’s Ministry of Water Resources, Agriculture and Processing Industry have launched a new initiative designed to strengthen the country’s aquaculture sector and improve the sustainability of fish production. The project, Sustainable Fish Value Chains for Landlocked Developing Countries, is funded by South Korea’s Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries. It aims to improve the sustainability, productivity, and competitiveness of fish value chains in Kyrgyzstan, with a particular focus on rainbow trout and carp, two species identified as having strong potential for growth and income generation. The project was officially launched during an inception workshop held in Bishkek on May 29. Government officials, industry representatives, academics, and development partners reviewed the preliminary findings of a value-chain assessment and discussed priorities for the sector’s future development. “Aquaculture holds significant potential for improving food security, creating jobs, and supporting rural livelihoods,” said Oleg Guchgeldiyev, FAO Representative in Kyrgyzstan. “This new project reflects our commitment to work with national partners to unlock that potential through sustainable and inclusive value chain development.” FAO experts presented initial findings on market opportunities, regulatory frameworks, and sustainability performance across Kyrgyzstan’s trout and carp industries. Participants discussed key challenges facing the sector and identified priority areas for future investment and policy support. “By improving how fish moves from farms to markets, this initiative will help unlock new opportunities for producers, strengthen value addition, and support the long-term sustainability and competitiveness of the aquaculture sector in Kyrgyzstan,” said Jalilbek Toimatov, Director of the Fisheries Industry Complex Department under the Ministry of Water Resources, Agriculture and Processing Industry. As a landlocked country with abundant freshwater resources, including lakes, reservoirs, and rivers, Kyrgyzstan has considerable untapped potential for aquaculture development. The project aims to strengthen fish value chains, increase incomes for producers and related businesses, create jobs in rural communities, and contribute to more resilient and sustainable food systems. Aquaculture has been developing rapidly in Kyrgyzstan in recent years. According to the Ministry of Water Resources, Agriculture and Processing Industry, commercial fish production reached 4,029 metric tons in the first quarter of 2026, while 545 fish farms were operating nationwide. The largest share of production came from Chui Region in northern Kyrgyzstan, which produced 2,206 tons of fish across 398 farms. It was followed by Jalal-Abad Region with 962 tons from 39 farms, Issyk-Kul Region with 311 tons from 48 farms, Naryn Region with 243 tons from 34 farms, Talas Region with 195 tons from 15 farms, and Osh Region with 110 tons from 11 farms. The ministry says it is continuing efforts to modernize aquaculture production, introduce advanced farming technologies, increase the supply of high-quality fish products to the domestic market, and expand export opportunities for the sector. The FAO initiative is expected to support those goals by helping Kyrgyz producers improve efficiency, meet market requirements, and build a more competitive and environmentally sustainable aquaculture industry.

Water Consumption

Central Asian Countries Rank Among World’s Highest Water Consumers

Several Central Asian countries rank among the world’s highest consumers of water per person, according to data compiled by the Worldometer portal. The figures, based on statistics from UN agencies including UNESCO and the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), place Turkmenistan first globally, with Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Kyrgyzstan also in the top ten. The figures highlight a long-standing regional challenge: heavy dependence on water-intensive agriculture combined with aging irrigation systems that lose substantial amounts of water before it reaches fields. Turkmenistan leads the global ranking with daily water consumption of 15,445 liters per person. Uzbekistan ranks fourth worldwide at 4,778 liters per capita per day, followed by Tajikistan with 4,460 liters and Kyrgyzstan with 4,153 liters. Kazakhstan recorded the lowest level among Central Asian states, at 3,397 liters per person daily, though that still places it among relatively high-consuming countries internationally. In terms of total annual water use, Uzbekistan consumes the largest volume in the region at 54.56 billion cubic meters a year. It is followed by Turkmenistan with 27.9 billion cubic meters, Kazakhstan with 22.77 billion, Tajikistan with 11.49 billion, and Kyrgyzstan with around 8 billion cubic meters. Experts say agriculture explains much of the region’s high consumption. Globally, farming accounts for about 70% of freshwater use, compared with 20% for industry and 10% for households. In Central Asia, agriculture represents more than 80% of water consumption, while up to 40% of water is estimated to be lost through deteriorating irrigation infrastructure. The problem has become increasingly significant as freshwater demand rises worldwide. According to UN estimates, freshwater withdrawals have tripled over the past 50 years, while global demand continues to grow by around 64 billion cubic meters annually because of population growth, changing consumption patterns, energy production, and biofuel development. Several Central Asian governments have begun introducing reforms aimed at reducing water losses. In Uzbekistan, authorities joined the World Bank’s Water Forward initiative and announced plans to expand water-saving technologies across 4.1 million hectares of irrigated farmland while reducing irrigation losses by 25%. Kazakhstan has also faced recurring shortages. Seasonal water restrictions are regularly introduced in southern regions, and this year the government approved consumption limits because of expected shortages during the agricultural season. The issue is closely linked to energy production in upstream countries. Studies by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) indicate that more than 80% of electricity generation in Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan comes from hydropower, creating a close link between irrigation needs and energy supply. Limited coordination over water releases and electricity generation has contributed to summer shortages in some years. The figures show the scale of the challenge for Central Asian governments seeking to reduce water losses and manage shared rivers more effectively.

Food Security

Kazakhstan Ready to Become Key Food Hub in Eurasia

Tajikistan is hosting the 35th Session of the FAO Regional Conference for Europe from May 11 to 15, bringing together members of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations from Europe and Central Asia for discussions on regional food security and agricultural development priorities. The conference has gathered agriculture ministers from Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan to address the most pressing challenges facing the sector, review FAO activities in Europe and Central Asia in 2024-2025, and outline priorities for 2026-2027. Speaking at the conference, Kazakhstan’s Minister of Agriculture Aidarbek Saparov said the country occupies a strategically important position in the global food security system and remains among the world’s leading grain producers. According to Saparov, Kazakhstan harvested around 27 million tons of grain for the second consecutive year in 2025, along with nearly 5 million tons of oilseeds and approximately 1 million tons of legumes. During the latest agricultural season, the country exported 15.3 million tons of grain. Kazakhstan currently ranks 10th globally in grain exports, second in flour exports, and eighth in sunflower oil exports, supplying agricultural products to around 50 countries. “Against the backdrop of population growth, climate change, and instability in global markets, food security is becoming a key factor in the sustainable development of states. Under these conditions, Kazakhstan is capable of occupying a strategic niche as a regional center for the production, storage, processing, and supply of grain products,” Saparov said. The minister added that Kazakhstan is implementing a comprehensive livestock development plan for 2026-2030 aimed at increasing livestock numbers and expanding the sector’s export potential. Saparov said Kazakhstan possesses the resources necessary to strengthen its position as one of Eurasia’s key food hubs and is prepared to ensure stable, rapid, and cost-effective supplies of grain and processed grain products to Central Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and other regions.

Agriculture

New FAO Report Ranks Tajikistan Among World’s Most At-Risk Countries for Land Degradation

Tajikistan is among the countries most vulnerable to land degradation, according to a new report from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). The findings point to alarming environmental and socio-economic risks for a country where agriculture remains the primary source of employment. The FAO attributes Tajikistan's vulnerability to a combination of small landholdings and intense pressure on soil resources. The country has more than 1 million rural households, including approximately 181,000 dekhkan farms. The average landholding is just 0.2 hectares, with a median size of 0.1 hectares, meaning half of all farmers operate on micro-plots. Challenges to Sustainable Agricultural Growth Under these conditions, expanding agricultural production is not feasible through increased acreage. Instead, growth depends on improving soil quality, upgrading irrigation systems, ensuring stable water access, and adopting modern technologies. These factors now define the boundaries of Tajikistan's agricultural development. According to the FAO, land degradation has affected 3.2 billion people globally, nearly 40% of the world's population. In some regions, agricultural yields have already declined by at least 10%. In Tajikistan, the stakes are especially high. The country has limited arable land, and its farming sector relies heavily on glacial meltwater and consistent irrigation. Climate risks are intensifying faster here than in many neighboring states. Extent and Impact of Land Degradation International experts estimate that nearly 70% of Tajikistan’s arable land is already degraded, with 10% of the population living in affected areas. The main drivers are erosion, salinization, and nutrient depletion, which collectively undermine soil productivity. These environmental pressures reduce rural incomes, increase reliance on external resources such as fertilizers, and contribute to forced migration, exacerbating social and economic vulnerabilities across the country.