Our objective is to support Tajikistan, a former Soviet republic, in its transition process by contributing to its socio-economic development and helping to build institutions and systems that respond to the population’s needs. The objectives for intervention include Rule of Law, Rural Economy and Private Sector Development. Tajikistan, the poorest country in Central Asia, is widely considered to be economically and socially fragile in spite of its relative political stability and economic growth. Poverty is high, especially in isolated rural and mountainous areas, where about 70% of the population is considered to be poor (Human Development Index ranking: 125 of 185. Source: Human Development Report 2013). Agriculture is very important and around three-quarters of the population relies on it for their livelihoods. FOCUS ON RURAL ECONOMY
HELVETAS Swiss Intercooperation Tajikistan focuses on two working areas: Rural Economy and Governance and Peace. In the working area Rural Economy, we develop organic value chains in cotton, pulses and other crops, including vegetables and walnuts. The Organic Value Chain Development Project provides technical advice to organic farmers and facilitates their access to export markets in Russia and Europe. In the Local Market Development Project. HELVETAS Swiss Intercooperation facilitates the market linkages between farmer associations, processors and traders. So far, 18 vegetable and fruit value chains have been supported, which has increased family incomes and livelihoods. Both projects test agricultural extension systems that should, over time, become self-financed and therefore sustainable. Both projects collaborate with local authorities, as well as non-governmental and private sector organisations, which make possible the sustainable implementation of our projects in Rural Economy. FOCUS ON GOVERNANCE AND PEACE
The government of Tajikistan has undertaken effort in rule of law reforms and strengthening the judicial system. The international community works with Tajikistan’s authorities to put in place stronger governance and regulatory frameworks. Efforts focus on the establishment of an independent, effective and accessible judicial system that applies internationally recognized standards, and the adoption of national laws in conformity with international standards. Lawyers, judges and prosecutors receive trainings with the purpose of increasing legal knowledge and judicial competence. HELVETAS Swiss Intercooperation, in consortium with UNDP and financed by SDC, provides legal aid to help marginalised individuals, the majority women, who have legal problems, by providing consultation and representation in 13 legal aid centres country-wide. One group that especially benefits is rural women who are abandoned by their husbands due to the widespread labour migration of men towards Russia. A majority of the rural population does not know their basic rights. The Access to Justice Project conducts legal literacy campaigns through (social) media, informational meetings in local communities and schools and through the creation of a system of community paralegals that provide firsthand information to their community members. The project facilitates a platform for policy dialogue, including monthly Rule of Law meetings under the Development Coordination Council and engagement in working groups on drafting a Law on Legal Aid under the Ministry of Justice.
