In a major step towards advancing Tajikistan’s agricultural development, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has successfully concluded a Technical Cooperation Programme Facility project aimed at strengthening cooperatives and rural institutions in the country. This initiative is a key component of the broader national Agrarian Reform Programme and is designed to improve the enabling environment for cooperatives, while also enhancing the institutional capacity of national authorities and rural organizations.
At the grassroots level, the project directly supported four agricultural cooperatives. In practical terms, FAO provided these cooperatives with essential office equipment and transferred vital agricultural machinery to one of them—Nuri Shahriston Farmers’ Cooperative. The provided equipment includes two two-wheel tractors, a potato harvester, and other supporting tools. This machinery is expected to boost productivity not only within the cooperatives but also in the surrounding rural communities, thereby enhancing the cooperative’s value to its members.
FAO’s efforts aim to ensure that cooperatives in Tajikistan are well-equipped to serve the needs of smallholder farmers. By focusing on institutional strengthening and technical support, the project seeks to contribute meaningfully to Tajikistan’s agricultural growth and food security. Furthermore, the initiative aligns with the goals of the national Agricultural Reform Programme, which has played a significant role in the creation and support of rural cooperatives like Nuri Shahriston.
One of the landmark achievements of the project was the organization of the First National Cooperatives Forum in March 2024. Hosted in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, the forum brought together cooperative representatives and key stakeholders to share their experiences, discuss common challenges, and explore development opportunities. It also facilitated knowledge exchange with cooperatives from other countries through virtual participation. The forum concluded with a joint statement that emphasized the need for a more conducive policy and legal environment for cooperatives to thrive.
A critical component of the project was its support for legislative reform. Working closely with the Ministry of Agriculture, FAO carried out a detailed review of the current Law on Cooperatives in Tajikistan. The analysis included consultations with cooperative members and relevant stakeholders. Based on the findings, a set of proposed amendments was developed and submitted for government approval. These legal updates are expected to foster a more efficient and sustainable cooperative sector.
The project also prioritized technical training and capacity building. Members of the supported cooperatives participated in training sessions focused on sustainable horticulture and potato production. An accounting system was introduced and training in financial management was provided to help cooperatives improve transparency and efficiency. Tailored development strategies were created for each cooperative, featuring action plans and cost-benefit analyses. These efforts were supplemented with training on marketing and financial planning to support better decision-making and long-term planning.
The global recognition of 2025 as the International Year of Cooperatives further highlights the significance of this initiative. Under the theme “Cooperatives Build a Better World,” the year underscores the vital role that cooperatives play in promoting inclusive and sustainable development. Especially in the agrifood sector, cooperatives are seen as key players in addressing hunger, reducing inequality, and strengthening local governance and partnerships. Tajikistan’s ongoing progress in this area reflects a broader global movement to empower cooperatives as drivers of rural transformation.
