Kyrgyzstan

The Context

The Kyrgyz Republic is a mountainous lower-middle-income country in Central Asia. It benefits from rich natural resources, including minerals, forests and arable land.

Kyrgyzstan has experienced significant political and social instability since its independence in 1991. Weak governance and entrenched corruption triggered political and social upheavals in 2005 and 2010.

Despite this instability, post-independence economic reforms cut poverty from 38.2 per cent in 2000 to 0.3 per cent in 2022. Two-thirds of the population live in rural areas, where poverty is more prevalent.

Over half the country is agricultural land, of which a large part is pastures. As a result, herding plays a key role in Kyrgyzstan’s economy, society and culture. Agriculture, forestry and fishing makes up 9.7 per cent of GDP.

Livestock is essential for food security and acts as a safety net. However, livestock communities’ livelihoods are fragile, with few assets and limited economic opportunities. Remittances and welfare are important income supplements.

Kyrgyzstan is particularly vulnerable to climate change, with drought, landslides, floods and river erosion becoming more frequent and intense. Reduced pasture productivity, heat stress and declining access to water could reduce livestock production and increase the spread of disease.

The Strategy

IFAD fosters sustainable agricultural growth, reduces rural poverty, improves livelihoods and enhances climate resilience. We do this by improving access to markets, strengthening natural resource management and increasing smallholder productivity. We focus on key sectors, such as livestock, and empower vulnerable groups, including women and youth.