Nature conservation and rural development are two areas that can and should go hand in hand. This is precisely the approach being implemented in Panjakent, Sughd Region, under the Tajikistan Resilient Landscapes Restoration project (RESILAND Tajikistan) .
For three years, the project has been working in Panjakent and currently covers 12 of the 14 rural jamoats. During this period, a comprehensive range of activities has been implemented to restore forests and pastures, develop horticulture and livestock farming, improve water supply, introduce modern technologies, and create new opportunities for rural communities.
One of the most visible results has been the establishment of new forest plantations and orchards. This year, new forest plantations and orchards were established across 302 hectares. More than 191,600 fruit and shade tree seedlings were planted, including apple, apricot, plum, almond, poplar, and elm.
According to monitoring results, more than 84% of the seedlings have demonstrated good survival rates.
Particular attention is being paid to the introduction of modern water-saving technologies. In six Pasture User Unions (PUUs), intensive orchards covering 11 hectares have been established with drip irrigation systems. A total of 5,500 apple and sweet cherry seedlings have been planted.
Drip irrigation enables more efficient use of water resources, provides plants with the required amount of moisture, and creates favorable conditions for stable yields in the future. At the same time, the development of horticulture creates additional opportunities for increasing the incomes of rural residents.
To protect newly established forest plantations and orchards, more than 6 km of fencing has been installed in different areas of Panjakent. This helps protect young trees from external impacts and provides favorable conditions for their growth.
Rural development is impossible without appropriate agricultural machinery. Under the project, two MTZ-82.1 Belarus tractors, 18 mini-tractors, trailers, and other agricultural equipment have been provided to Panjakent.
The machinery is now being used for agricultural activities, pasture restoration and maintenance, forest management, and other essential works. This enables local communities to use available resources more efficiently and reduce their reliance on manual labor.
Another important area of support is livestock development. 30 Swedish-breed bulls and 24 Hissar rams have been provided to Common Interest Groups (CIGs).
This support is aimed at improving livestock breeds, increasing the production of livestock products, and creating additional opportunities to raise the incomes of rural families.
During monitoring visits, project specialists assess the condition of the livestock provided and verify its intended use. According to the results of the inspections, all livestock provided is in good condition and is being used for its intended purpose.
In several settlements, new water supply lines have been constructed and commissioned with project support.
Improved access to water is important not only for the economic activities of local communities. In areas where water supply has been restored, more favorable conditions are being created for vegetation growth, land restoration, and improvement of the condition of natural ecosystems.
The development of greenhouse farming is another practical result of the project. Today, 15 greenhouses are operating within the PUAs, where cucumbers, tomatoes, cabbage, watermelons, and other agricultural crops are grown.
Greenhouse production enables communities to supply fresh produce to local markets, create additional employment opportunities, and generate new sources of income for rural residents.
All facilities established and resources provided under the project are subject to regular monitoring by project specialists.
The condition of forest plantations and pastures, the use of agricultural machinery, the operation of water supply facilities, the condition of orchards, and the activities of local groups are regularly assessed.
This approach not only makes it possible to evaluate the results achieved, but also to identify emerging challenges in a timely manner, provide practical recommendations, and ensure the effective use of the opportunities created through the project.
Three years of RESILAND TJ implementation in Panjakent demonstrate that restoring natural resources can go hand in hand with creating new economic opportunities for rural communities.
Key results:
- 302 ha — new forest plantations and orchards;
- 191,600+ — seedlings planted;
- 84%+ — good seedling survival rate;
- 11 ha — intensive orchards with drip irrigation;
- 5,500 — apple and sweet cherry seedlings;
- 6+ km — protective fencing;
- 2 tractors and 18 mini-tractors — modern agricultural machinery;
- 30 bulls and 24 rams — livestock development support;
- 15 greenhouses — new opportunities for agricultural production.
These results provide a foundation for further landscape restoration, sustainable use of natural resources, agricultural development, and improved well-being of local communities.
RESILAND Tajikistan — restoring landscapes, developing rural areas, creating opportunities for the future.
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The Tajikistan Resilient Landscapes Restoration Project is part of the World Bank’s RESILAND CA+ program, aimed at strengthening landscape resilience across Central Asian countries. Similar national and regional activities are also being implemented in Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan.
The Regional Environmental Centre for Central Asia (CAREC) implements the regional component of the Tajikistan Resilient Landscape Restoration Project.
Additional Information:
Solijon Mirzoev — RESILAND Tajikistan Project Manager, Center for the Implementation of Investment Projects under the Committee for Environmental Protection of the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan.
Dilovarsho Dustzoda — Deputy Team Leader of the Project Implementation Group for “Sustainable Landscape Restoration in the Republic of Tajikistan: Regional Component”, CAREC