Tajikistan: Protecting the environment, creating economic opportunity

Often called the “roof of the world”, Tajikistan is a mountainous country in the heart of Central Asia. With over half of its geography situated more than 3,000 metres above sea level, only about one quarter of the country’s land is suitable for agriculture. Yet, agriculture is the backbone of Tajikistan’s economy, and farming is the main livelihood in rural areas, where about three quarters of the country’s people live.

Although livestock is a key part of the agriculture sector, livestock owners confront many difficult challenges. They are particularly challenged by the consequences of climate change on water availability, fodder crop yields and pasture productivity. It comes as no surprise that poverty is highest in rural farming communities where sustainable agriculture is increasingly challenging.