FAO empowers kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan smallholder farmers for climate-resilient agriculture
By Faridat Salifu
A Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO)-implemented multi-country initiative supporting smallholder farmers has equipped farmers Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan with sustainable, productive and climate-resilient agricultural practices.
Funded through its Flexible Voluntary Contribution (FVC) mechanism, the two-year project aimed to address challenges in agricultural production, food and nutrition security, and environmental sustainability.
“Key results include the introduction of climate-smart technologies for priority fruit and vegetable crops, alongside strengthened production and market capacity in the domestic vegetable seed sector,” said Artur Shamilov, FAO Agricultural Officer. “FAO equipped smallholder farmers with practical skills in crop production, value chain development and farm management, while also improving the capacities of national partner institutions.”
The agricultural sector is a backbone of the economy in both countries, supporting livelihoods, generating employment, and reinforcing national food security. Within this, fruit and vegetable production has been identified as a strategic priority.
The project, titled “Small farmers as agricultural innovators for resilient agrifood ecosystems”, was implemented in partnership with the Ministry of Water Resources, Agriculture and Processing Industry of the Kyrgyz Republic and the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Uzbekistan.
It focused on education, innovation, and climate-resilient approaches to strengthen smallholder farming systems.
A high-level closing event on 10 December in Tashkent brought together government representatives, FAO officials, development partners, financial institutions, and farmer cooperatives.
The event showcased project achievements, lessons learned, and explored opportunities to scale up climate-resilient greenhouse production and horticulture.
Participants displayed organic and climate-resilient products, highlighted women’s leadership in agriculture, and demonstrated innovative technologies piloted at project sites.
The programme reaffirmed the vital role of smallholder farmers — particularly women — in building food security, climate resilience, and sustainable agrifood systems in Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan.
