DUSHANBE, June 21, 2012, Asia-Plus – Ms. Muhabbat Mahmadaliyeva, chairperson of the NGO Zan va Zamin (Woman and Land), has received a prestigious award from the United Nations Development Promamme (UNDP).

The Equator Prize is awarded to local community groups around the world in recognition of their outstanding contributions to sustainable development.

Muhabbat Mahmadaliyeva founded Zan va Zamin with other female activists to give a voice to the rural poor in Tajikistan and help them overcome the social and economic challenges.

The group has established ‘field schools’ where farmers learn both agricultural production and biodiversity conservation – over 1,000 tons of vegetables are produced annually.  Two community orchards contain over 10,000 trees, the majority of which are traditional varieties of apple, pear, grape, apricot, and peach.  Diversification of crops has prevented land degradation, reduced food shortages and strengthened food sovereignty, and improved local incomes.

Every year representatives of Zan va Zamin reportedly reach 3,000 homes with their invaluable work.