EU working for higher standard of living in rural Kyrgyzstan
In fact, Integrated Rural Development is one of three focal sectors of the European Union development cooperation with Kyrgyzstan, along with Education and Rule of Law. During the year 2016, projects financed by the European Union have helped many rural communities in Kyrgyzstan to achieve a higher standard of living.
One project that has reached very concrete results in 2016 is “Rural voices – poverty alleviation through community-driven business initiatives” which takes place in Jalal-Abad region, implemented by Rural Advisory Services Jalalabad and DanChurchAid. The European Union is contributing EUR 536,609.27 to this project.
Within this project, 48 demo plots have been established in 2016. These are used to train local farmers in modern agricultural technology such as drip irrigation, vegetable cultivation in “parniks”, gardening/tree nursery, seed potato production and rainwater harvesting technologies. 12 demo plots are still to be constructed.
7 model greenhouses and 38 family greenhouses have also been constructed in 2016. 1 more model greenhouse and 2 more family greenhouses will be constructed. Over 4 km of irrigation channel have been renovated within the project in 2016.
Moreover 612 farmers have started working in 54 groups to generate income, and have already started making money through sales of vegetables and water melons.
A similar project which has also made good results in 2016 is the project "Comprehensive community actions to respond to emerging community needs". The overall objective of this project is to reduce the impact of poverty and improve the living conditions of marginalised rural communities of Leilek district. The EU is contributing EUR 449,927.00 to this project, implemented by Osh Rural Advisory Service, Public Fund Development of Cities and Regions and Association of water users "Kulundu-Razzakov". The project takes place in Leilek rayon, Batken Oblast.
20 solar eco-greenhouses were built and put into operation by 20 women-led farming households during 2016. 20 more are to be constructed within the project. Also 20 solar mini poultry farms with a size of 20 m2 were built for local farmers with 20 more to be constructed. The project has reconstructed the village medical centre in Kara-Suu, giving better access to health services for the villagers
A 40-meter pedestrian bridge over the river Kozu-Baglan in Chounchu village has been constructed. This makes life easier for the villagers as they can access health services, education and also buy and sell food products easier.
512 villagers have been trained in how to promote and contribute to village-level development. This way the project will give the villagers the tools improve their own situation after the end of the project.
"For the EU, projects such as these addressing the most critical issues of the rural population to improve their livelihood are indeed rural development. Such actions are very demanded by the rural population, provide tangible results, ensuring sustainability and ownership by the rural communities" says Islan Osmonaliev, Project Manager responsible for the Integrated Rural Development focal sector at the Delegation of the European Union to the Kyrgyz Republic.
Both these projects continue to work during 2017, helping rural people to gain an income and develop their own communities. The European Union remains a reliable partner of the Kyrgyz Republic.