DUSHANBE, December 30, 2008, Asia-Plus — With the assistance of the Program “Enhancing Individual Incomes and Improving Living Standards in Khatlon and Sughd Provinces, Tajikistan” funded by the European Commission, ICPO Jovid will implement the project: “Improving the Livelihoods and Social Welfare of Rural Population in Sughd Province through a Support of Economic Development Initiatives and Reforms, Social Inclusion of Vulnerable Segments of Population in Decision Making and Rehabilitation Processes, and Introduction of Alternative Energy Sources in the Agricultural Sector’s Development,” press release issued by the European Commission (EC) Delegation in Tajikistan on December 30 said.
The project is focused on enhancing the livelihoods and the social welfare of the rural population through poverty reduction activities, promotion of gender equality and empowering the women and ensuring environmental sustainability in Sughd province. More than 3.000 local farmers, representatives of individual farming households and their members will improve their knowledge on better land management through multiple consultations, advices and expertise while extension services’ provision at Resource Consulting Centers (RCC). More than 2.500 vulnerable people, represented by youth and disabled ones will gain practical skills and knowledge during vocational trainings. More than 20 selected beneficiaries will improve their skills through participation in the study tours in Tajikistan and in Kyrgyzstan (to production cooperatives and advanced holdings). More than 100 representatives of local, district and regional authorities will improve their knowledge in issues related to export and import of goods, accession and economic reforms in the country. More than 1.000 rural population and employees of RCC will gain knowledge on the use of alternative energy sources and their operations.
The project will be implemented by ICPO “Jovid”, Tajik local NGO, working in Tajikistan since 2003. The project will be for the duration of 24 months since January 2009 at a total European Union contribution of 700.000 Euro.
The new EU Strategy for Central Asia aims to strengthen ties between the European Union and its Central Asian partners. It has doubled European Commission assistance to the region to €750 million for 2007-2013. Tajikistan gets the main share of bilateral assistance (€66 million for 2007-2010) in support to sector programs, technical assistance and grants. It focuses on social protection, health and private sector development, underpinned by public finance management. Projects aimed at enhancing living standards continue. Tajikistan also receives regional and thematic assistance in areas like border management and drug control (BOMCA/CADAP), education (TEMPUS, Erasmus Mundus), water / environment, human rights and democracy (EIDHR), non-State actors (NSA) and SME development (CA-Invest). The total value of EC assistance disbursed to Tajikistan since 1992 is over €500 million.
