FAO support to Tajikistan’s cooperatives and rural development improves agricultural productivity – Food and Agriculture Organization

FAO Supports Cooperative Development and Rural Institutions in Tajikistan

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has successfully completed a Technical Cooperation Programme Facility project on cooperative development and strengthening rural institutions under the national Agrarian Reform Programme in Tajikistan. This project aimed to improve the working environment of cooperatives and enhance the capacity of national authorities to support their development. Additionally, the project provided support to four agricultural cooperatives at the local level.

As part of these initiatives, FAO recently supplied office equipment to the four cooperatives and facilitated the purchase and transfer of essential agricultural equipment to the Nuri Shahriston Farmers’ Cooperative. This equipment includes two two-wheel tractors, a potato harvester, and various related tools. The availability of this machinery will greatly enhance the cooperative’s impact and utility for its members and their communities.

“FAO is committed to continuing its technical assistance and support to strengthen cooperatives, ensure their institutional and economic sustainability, and contribute to Tajikistan’s agricultural growth and food security. We are also collaborating closely with local partners to enhance the capacity of cooperatives in serving the needs of smallholder farmers and promoting rural development in the country,” said Aghasi Harutyunyan, FAO Representative a.i. in Tajikistan.

FAO’s efforts align with the “Agricultural Reform Programme of the Republic of Tajikistan,” which has played a crucial role in establishing cooperatives like “Nuri Shahriston.” Through these initiatives, FAO empowers cooperatives and their members to address challenges such as increasing farm productivity, improving access to machinery and markets, and ultimately contributing to the long-term growth and sustainability of Tajikistan’s agricultural sector and the stability of its rural economy.

Milestones of the Project

Under the support of the Ministry of Agriculture, the project hosted the First National Cooperatives Forum in March 2024. This forum provided a platform for local stakeholders and cooperatives to discuss their challenges, share experiences, explore development opportunities, and learn from successful cooperatives in other countries. The forum concluded with a Final Statement emphasizing the importance of creating an enabling environment for cooperative development, promotion, and emancipation.

A significant focus of the project has been the support provided to the Ministry of Agriculture in revising the Law of the Republic of Tajikistan on Cooperatives. Through a thorough analysis of the current legislative framework and discussions with relevant stakeholders, including cooperative members, recommendations for amendments to the law were prepared. These proposed amendments have been submitted to the Ministry of Agriculture for further approval by the Government of Tajikistan. It is expected that the amended law will enhance the efficiency and sustainability of cooperatives.

The project also organized training sessions on horticulture and potato production, equipping cooperative members with valuable skills in sustainable agricultural practices. An accounting system was established, and capacity building on accounting was provided for cooperative management. Based on the analysis of existing capacities, advantages, and assets of the cooperatives, as well as the needs of their members, development recommendations with detailed action plans and cost-benefit analyses were prepared for each cooperative. These recommendations were followed by marketing and financial planning trainings.

The United Nations has declared 2025 as the International Year of Cooperatives under the slogan “Cooperatives Build a Better World.” Globally, cooperatives across all economic sectors contribute to more prosperous and inclusive societies by providing goods and services. In the agrifood sector, cooperatives play a crucial role in combating hunger and malnutrition. They are strategic allies in reducing power asymmetries, promoting decent work, strengthening territorial governance, and fostering public-private partnerships.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

SDGs Addressed:

• SDG 1: No Poverty
• SDG 2: Zero Hunger
• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
• SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

Specific Targets:

1. Target 1.2: By 2030, reduce at least by half the proportion of men, women, and children of all ages living in poverty in all its dimensions according to national definitions.
2. Target 2.3: By 2030, double the agricultural productivity and incomes of small-scale food producers, in particular women, indigenous peoples, family farmers, pastoralists, and fishers, including through secure and equal access to land, other productive resources and inputs, knowledge, financial services, markets, and opportunities for value addition and non-farm employment.
3. Target 8.3: Promote development-oriented policies that support productive activities, decent job creation, entrepreneurship, creativity, and innovation, and encourage the formalization and growth of micro-, small-, and medium-sized enterprises, including through access to financial services.
4. Target 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable, and resilient infrastructure, including regional and transborder infrastructure, to support economic development and human well-being, with a focus on affordable and equitable access for all.
5. Target 12.2: By 2030, achieve the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources.
6. Target 17.17: Encourage and promote effective public, public-private, and civil society partnerships, building on the experience and resourcing strategies of partnerships.

Indicators:

• Indicator 1.2.1: Proportion of population living below the national poverty line, by sex and age
• Indicator 2.3.1: Volume of production per labor unit by classes of farming/pastoral/forestry enterprise size
• Indicator 8.3.1: Proportion of informal employment in non-agriculture employment, by sex
• Indicator 9.1.1: Proportion of the rural population who live within 2 km of an all-season road
• Indicator 12.2.1: Material footprint, material footprint per capita, and material footprint per GDP
• Indicator 17.17.1: Amount of United States dollars committed to public-private and civil society partnerships

Analysis:

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

The issues highlighted in the article are connected to the following SDGs:

• SDG 1: No Poverty – The article discusses efforts to strengthen cooperatives and rural institutions, which can help reduce poverty.
• SDG 2: Zero Hunger – The article mentions the improvement of agricultural productivity and access to machinery and markets, which are essential for achieving zero hunger.
• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – The article focuses on strengthening cooperatives, promoting entrepreneurship, and enhancing the capacity of small-scale food producers.
• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure – The article mentions the provision of office equipment and agricultural machinery to cooperatives, contributing to infrastructure development.
• SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – The article discusses the promotion of sustainable agricultural practices and efficient use of natural resources.
• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – The article highlights the collaboration between FAO, local partners, and the Ministry of Agriculture to support cooperatives and rural development.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

Based on the article’s content, the following specific targets can be identified:

1. Target 1.2: By 2030, reduce at least by half the proportion of men, women, and children of all ages living in poverty in all its dimensions according to national definitions.
2. Target 2.3: By 2030, double the agricultural productivity and incomes of small-scale food producers, in particular women, indigenous peoples, family farmers, pastoralists, and fishers, including through secure and equal access to land, other productive resources and inputs, knowledge, financial services, markets, and opportunities for value addition and non-farm employment.
3. Target 8.3: Promote development-oriented policies that support productive activities, decent job creation, entrepreneurship, creativity, and innovation, and encourage the formalization and growth of micro-, small-, and medium-sized enterprises, including through access to financial services.
4. Target 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable, and resilient infrastructure, including regional and transborder infrastructure, to support economic development and human well-being, with a focus on affordable and equitable access for all.
5. Target 12.2: By 2030, achieve the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources.
6. Target 17.17: Encourage and promote effective public, public-private, and civil society partnerships, building on the experience and resourcing strategies of partnerships.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

The article mentions or implies the following indicators that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets:

• Indicator 1.2.1: Proportion of population living below the national poverty line, by sex and age – This indicator can measure progress towards reducing poverty.
• Indicator 2.3.1: Volume of production per labor unit by classes of farming/pastoral/forestry enterprise size – This indicator can measure progress towards doubling agricultural productivity and incomes of small-scale food producers.
• Indicator 8.3.1: Proportion of informal employment in non-agriculture employment, by sex – This indicator can measure progress towards promoting decent job creation and formalization of micro-, small-, and medium-sized enterprises.
• Indicator 9.1.1: Proportion of the rural population who live within 2 km of an all-season road – This indicator can measure progress towards developing quality and reliable infrastructure.
• Indicator 12.2.1: Material footprint, material footprint per capita, and material footprint per GDP – This indicator can measure progress towards sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources.
• Indicator 17.17.1: Amount of United States dollars committed to public-private and civil society partnerships – This indicator can measure progress towards promoting effective partnerships.

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: fao.org