Ambassador of the European Union to the Kyrgyz Republic, Marilyn Josefson said: “The Integrated Rural Development Programme is fully aligned with the European Union's commitment to support sustainable development, economic growth and the improvement of livelihoods for communities across Kyrgyzstan. I am honoured that the EU contributed to this project and enabled business cooperatives, tourist operators, NGOs, and local communities from across the oblast to advance their infrastructure, improve capacity and mainstream green and inclusive approaches in their work”.

Over the past five years, IRDP provided 23 grants (€4.6 mln.) for development of value chains in agriculture and tourism, assisting the public-private dialogue and supporting women and youth business development through local NGOs. In agriculture, the programme work resulted in 8 value chains in wheat, maize, honey, onions, bio cotton and vegetable production, processing of wool, and fruits by women cooperatives. 11 new cooperatives became functional, setting up 13 revolving funds; delivery of training to more than 2500 rural producers, about 300 seasonal jobs and between 15000 and 40000 short field jobs, which contributed to an increase of annual income in agriculture from about 2500 Euro to 8000 Euro per person. Within the value chains, project farmers earned in average about 70% more per ha compared to non-project farmers.

In the tourism sector, the programme helped building networks of local tourism service providers and founded a Destination Management Organisation. This Organisation unites 67 tourism service providers, develops new products and services, and conducts marketing via its website to attract more tourists to the region. Thanks to the Programme, about 3000 people (of which more than 2500 women and youth) participated in more than 150 different trainings on efficient management, serving guests, digital marketing, guiding and green tourism practices. Both, agriculture and tourism contributed to an increase of annual household income in the target region by more than 20%.

Dr. Gabriela Guellil, Ambassador of Germany to the Kyrgyz Republic indicated the joint work of  IRDP project team and partners  of the project on finding solutions for different challenges, among which were irrigation, establishment of cooperatives and revolving funds. “I am convinced that the German specialists and experts could not only share their knowledge and skills, but have also learned many things from you, our partners”, she said.

The Programme has also contributed substantially to improving inclusive local economic development planning. Working groups established in 44 aiyl aimaks elaborated economic development plans involving youth, women,

ethnic minorities persons from poor households and people with disabilities. As a result, 43 prioritized measures were implemented such as rehabilitation of irrigation systems and providing access to clean drinking water, improvement of waste management and veterinary services, support for women and youth start-ups, and renovation of the sanitary system in an orphanage in Chatkal where more than 500 school children are living.

In his closing speech, the Country Director of GIZ, Mr. Viktor Wetzel, thanked all participants for their contributions and wished each of them to continue working on what they have  learned, constantly improve their results and share their experience. “Thank you for celebrating these achievements with us today. I believe, the beautiful Jalal-Abad will be a prosperous and developed region, due to people like you!”, he said.

The closing event was attended by project partners and beneficiaries, as well as by  local officials and representatives of international organizations. They visited the exhibition, showcasing the achievements of IRDP, and discussed best practices and lessons learned during implementation of the activities, as well as future cooperation within the established partnerships.

The Integrated Rural Development Programme was implemented by GIZ and co-funded by the European Union and German Government. The programme worked from October 2018 until November 2023. It aimed at improving income opportunities of the rural population, especially among women, youth and vulnerable groups in the South of Kyrgyzstan with the focus on Jalal-Abad region. Via capacity building, small investments, support to local farmers, providers of tourism services, civil society and local self-governments, it contributed to participative and inclusive local economic development.