KULOB, September 10, 2008, Asia-Plus — Work on selection of recipients for humanitarian aid, provided by the Swiss Development and Cooperation Agency (SDC) and UN FAO, has started in Khatlon’s Muminobod district, Asia-Plus has learned from Dodarbek Saydaliyev, head of the Kulob Civil Society Support Center Shahrvand.
The humanitarian aid including 140 tons of animal feed, 1,400 kilograms of fodder seeds, 28 tons of mineral fertilizers and 210 kilograms of medicines.
The lists of 700 the most vulnerable inhabitants are being prepared by representatives of the communities at general meetings, the NGO head said.
The Emergency Provision of Animal Feed, Veterinary Services and Training for Livestock Farmers in Muminobod District of Khatlon Province project is funded by SDC. The project is designed for April 2009 – March 2009.
In 2007/8, Tajikistan has been facing the worst cold spells in decades. The cold wave affected water and electricity supply in the whole country, food availability as well as the agricultural sector. One of the severe consequences of the winter was a general reduction in quality and quantity of animal feed and unavailability of winter pastures. This situation resulted in significantly increased mortality of livestock and decreased animal productivity including milk and egg production (estimated drop of 20-30%) with a serious impact on the households’ food security and cash income.
FAO and the Ministry of Agriculture (MoA) carried out a joint rapid appraisal of the agriculture sector in 13 districts of Tajikistan to assess the scale of damage to crops and livestock. The final report estimated the level of losses at approximately US$250 million for livestock and agriculture. In the surveyed districts, a total of 276’550 households had been affected of which estimated 114’300 households are considered vulnerable to food insecurity, among them almost 13’000 female-headed households. The extent of the damage varies across the 13 districts, with Fayzobod, Shahritus, Panj, Vakhsh, Muminobod and Roudaki suffering most.
In order to sustain livestock, crop production and overall agriculture livelihood opportunities, FAO is assisting affected farmers through providing animal feed (including maize seeds, concentrates, vitamins, mineral feed additives), de-wormers, general veterinary support, and trainings of farmers in care taking of livestock.
The project is part of the UN-OCHA-Flash Appeal submitted to the donor community, international organizations, and government agencies in February 2008.
The main objectives of the project are to reestablish livestock production capacity through provision of animal feed and fodder seeds for further cultivation; to maintain nutritious and healthy animal feeding practices through provision of clinical veterinary services; and to avoid future losses in livestock and livestock production through provision of trainings, impact assessment and early warning
