Project Goal
Adopting climate-smart policies promotes better adaptation and resilience, as well as sustainable agricultural practices. This will help not only restore productive natural resources, but also improve livelihoods, increase productivity and ensure food security. Climate change is expected to lead to increased water scarcity, pasture degradation and land degradation. Among the main recommendations for adapting to climate change are improving water management, promoting efficient irrigation technologies and promoting sustainable pasture management to increase their productivity.
In this regard, the Government of Tajikistan is implementing the Climate Adaptation and Mitigation Program for the Aral Sea Basin (CAMP4ASB AF), which is financed by the World Bank Group.
The CAMP4ASB Program supports and strengthens the implementation of a number of national policies and programs, especially those aimed at addressing the cross-cutting challenges of the water, agriculture and energy sectors identified by all participating countries. The programs were implemented in stages in a series of projects, taking into account the different needs of the participating countries.
The expansion of the program with AF resources aims to provide direct adaptation support to the most vulnerable rural population in Tajikistan through the provision of grants to support WUAs and SPPs. This will allow piloting and scaling up relevant technologies and practices to build resilience to and mitigate climate change.
Project implementation period: January, 2022 – May 2024
Project cost: 9 million USD (GCF Grant)
Implementing agency: Center for Implementation of Investment Projects, Committee for Environmental Protection under the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan
The project implemented in 8 pilot districts, such as Darvoz and Ishkoshim from GBAO, Lakhsh and Nurobod from the DRS, Vose and Dangara from the Khatlon region, Devashtich and Kanibadom from the Sughd region.
The overall development goal of the CAMP4ASB AF project is to increase regionally coordinated access to improved climate change knowledge services for key stakeholders, as well as to increase investment and capacity building that will collectively address the climate challenges common to these countries.
Within the framework of the CAMP4ASB project, significant work has been carried out on climate change adaptation and mitigation.
Financial and technical support
The project provided grants to Water User Associations (WUAs) and Pasture User Societies (PUSs), which allowed piloting and scaling up technologies and practices aimed at building resilience to climate change.
Training and capacity building
The project organized trainings on sustainable agriculture and adaptation to climate change. Water user associations and pasture user societies received technical assistance and training on the development and implementation of water and pasture management plans.
Improving water resources management
The project implemented measures to improve irrigation infrastructure, including the introduction of drip irrigation and land leveling. These measures have contributed to improved water resources management at the local level.
Rangeland and livestock management
The project focused on improving pasture productivity and restoring degraded areas, as well as introducing rotational grazing and improving access to remote pastures.
Gender Integration and Social Development
An important component of the project was to support women and ensure their active participation in agriculture. Activities aimed at gender equality and social inclusion have been carried out.
Monitoring
The project carried out comprehensive pasture and fodder assessments, prepared water and pasture management plans, and implemented monitoring and reporting systems.
Environmental Activities
The project included measures to prevent soil erosion and land degradation, as well as pest and disease control using biopesticides.
Infrastructure support
The project rehabilitated and modernized small irrigation systems, while also providing infrastructure for access to remote pastures, including the construction of roads and water use points.
These activities have significantly increased the resilience of rural communities to climate change, improved the management of natural resources and contributed to the socio-economic development of the regions.