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Credits UN Resident Coordinator in Tajikistan, Kavilmadam Ramaswami Parvathy
Published on November 18, 2024

UN and Joint SDG Fund Launch Transformative Food Systems Project in Tajikistan


In an effort to reshape the agricultural landscape of Tajikistan, the United Nations, with support from the Joint SDG Fund, has launched an ambitious food systems project aimed at enhancing local food production, strengthening agricultural resilience, and improving the livelihoods of farmers across the country. Kavilmadam Ramaswami Parvathy, the UN Resident Coordinator in Tajikistan, provided insights into this initiative, highlighting its goals to create a more sustainable agricultural framework and address food security challenges in the nation.

The project focuses on adding value to Tajikistan’s local produce, creating new economic opportunities, and overcoming the limitations posed by seasonal and water-related constraints. By encouraging continuous cultivation and improving value-added processes, the initiative seeks to empower smallholder farmers and provide them with greater financial stability. Parvathy underscored that the project prioritizes sustainable income generation, which is essential for building resilience among those reliant on agriculture as a primary source of income.

Promoting Nutrition and Health Through Policy

A defining aspect of the project is its focus on nutrition. Working in alignment with both state and national guidelines, the initiative aims to strengthen the connections between food production and consumption, ultimately shaping healthier dietary habits within the country. By embedding nutrition considerations into agricultural policy, the project seeks to establish sustainable frameworks that encourage better dietary practices and prioritize food security. This approach is intended to ensure that food systems are not only productive but also responsive to the nutritional needs of the population. 

This holistic focus reflects the commitment to building food systems that can withstand environmental and economic pressures while fostering a healthier future for Tajikistan’s citizens. As Parvathy explained, integrating nutrition into policy at both local and national levels is vital for achieving long-term food security and improving public health.

This initiative stands as a testament to the power of partnership, with the Joint SDG Fund supporting an innovative project that promises to improve livelihoods, support sustainable agricultural practices, and help create a healthier, more secure future for Tajikistan.

 

Note:

All joint programmes of the Joint SDG Fund are led by UN Resident Coordinators and implemented by the agencies, funds and programmes of the United Nations development system. With sincere appreciation for the contributions from the European Union and Governments of Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Monaco, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Korea, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and our private sector funding partners, for a transformative movement towards achieving the SDGs by 2030.

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