WASHINGTON, June 30, 2015 – The World Bank Board of Executive Directors approved today an additional financing of US$3.8 million for the Tajikistan Environmental Land Management and Rural Livelihoods Project. The original project, launched in October 2013, is supporting rural communities in six districts in the Khatlon region and the Region under Republic subordination of Tajikistan to sustainably manage natural resources and increase resilience to climate change risks.
The Tajikistan Environmental Land Management and Rural Livelihoods Project aims to benefit rural households by helping them carry out more effective and sustainable production and land management practices, and building their resilience to climate change and improve their livelihoods. This is done by providing grants to villages for climate adaptation measures and sustainable land management, engaging civil society organizations to work with communities on these issues and supporting analytical and knowledge sharing activities.
“Given the importance of agriculture for Tajikistan’s economic growth and development, it is critical that farmers are equipped with knowledge and resources to mitigate the impacts of climate change on their land, water supply, livestock and crops,” said Patricia Veevers-Carter, World Bank Country Manager for Tajikistan. “By supporting these activities, the project aims to ensure greater food security for households now and in the future.”
To date, the project has supported Pasture User Groups in Jirgatol and Tavildara districts to implement pasture and livestock management plans that are supporting improvements in livestock management, pasture production, and pasture rehabilitation. In addition, Water User Associations in Farkhor and Kulob districts are implementing on-farm management plans to address issues such as salinity, water logging, and soil erosion. Through the additional financing, the project will expand its geographic coverage and support to different climate vulnerable districts, supporting 5,350 additional households, bringing the total direct beneficiaries of the project to over 26,000 households or 159,000 people. It will further help expand farmers’ access to knowledge and skills on both sustainable land management and climate resilient practices.
The original project is being funded by a US$9.45 million grant from the Pilot Program for Climate Resilience of the Strategic Climate Fund (PPCR) and a US$5.4 million grant from the Global Environment Facility (GEF) Trust Fund. It is also supported by beneficiary contributions from local communities of around US$2.03 million. The Additional Financing provides grant resources of US$3.8 million from the International Development Association (US$1.8 million) and PPCR (US$2.0 million). It is implemented by the Committee for Environmental Protection of Tajikistan and will close in 2018.
The World Bank’s active portfolio in Tajikistan includes 21 projects with a net commitment of US$323.4 million (including regional projects) that aim to support economic growth through private sector development, while investing in better public services for people, such as education, health, municipal services and social protection. Since 1996, the World Bank has provided over US$1 billion in grants and highly concessional credits from the International Development Association and trust fund resources to Tajikistan.
The World Bank Group is committed to continue supporting Tajikistan as it strives to improve the lives of its people and meet the aspirations of its young and growing population.
