The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved $17.5 million in grant aid to improve women's agricultural skills and food security in Tajikistan.

"The Sustainable Livelihoods and Empowerment of Rural Women project aims to increase the productivity of female-headed farms and improve conditions for processing and storing agricultural products," the ADB said in a press release.

The project is also expected to strengthen support for vulnerable women in six districts of Bokhtar, Farkhor, Kulob, Panj, Shahritus and Vose in Khatlon region, the most populous region of the country and the largest producer of agricultural products.

"ADB invests in women as engines of change," said Evgeny Zhukov, ADB Director General for Central and West Asia. "This project provides comprehensive support to vulnerable women by enhancing their agricultural skills and role in value chains, improving their employment and ultimately food security."

The report notes that Tajikistan's agriculture-based economy is heavily dependent on women's labor. However, they do not have access to climate-sustainable and efficient farming methods, as the country is extremely vulnerable to the effects of climate change, such as drought and heat stress.

Women often suffer the most from food shortages by skipping meals entirely or eating less nutritious or smaller amounts of food.

Within the framework of the project, women farmers will receive various agricultural resources, such as drying plants, greenhouses and water-saving irrigation technologies. They will also receive training in financial management and production technologies, including natural solutions and integrated pest control. The main focus will be on the cultivation of fruits, vegetables and beekeeping, which show the highest income potential.

The project will also support small crop processing and storage centers to improve the quality of products, which will lead to an increase in their value in local and export markets. Within the framework of the project, digital platforms for training and trade in agricultural products will be created.

The project is also expected to address the problems of vulnerable women who have been victims of domestic and other forms of violence. Under the leadership of the Committee on Women and Family Affairs and the administration of Khatlon region, a shelter will be created with support services for victims of gender-based violence, such as counseling, referral system, training and entrepreneurial opportunities.

The project will be implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture, the Committee for Women and Family Affairs and the administration of the Khatlon region.

ADB is Tajikistan's largest financial donor, which has supported a wide range of sectors for 26 years - from strategic road and energy infrastructure to healthcare, education, agriculture, urban development, public sector management and finance.

Over the years, Tajikistan has received over $2.6 billion from the ADB, including grants worth more than $2 billion. Since 2018, Tajikistan has been receiving financial assistance from the ADB exclusively free of charge.