USAID Launches $19 Million Agriculture-Led Economic Growth Program
USAID Launches $19 Million Market Driven Rural Development Activity in Tajikistan
On May 11th, 2023, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) launched a new five-year, $19 million Market Driven Rural Development (MDRD) Activity in Dushanbe, Tajikistan. The program aims to accelerate Tajikistan’s agriculture sector growth and promote inclusive access to economic opportunities in rural communities across the nation.
Through MDRD, USAID will support increased competitiveness and resilience of Tajikistan’s agriculture sector by linking individual farmers and other agribusinesses along the value chain and promoting close cooperation. The project will focus on strengthening the value chains for stone fruits, vegetables, specialty crops, and dairy products by building the capacity of value chain actors and increasing investment in these targeted value chains.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, US Ambassador to Tajikistan Manuel Micaller said, “This project aligns with the goals of the Government of Tajikistan’s new Agri food systems and sustainable development program and will contribute to the transformation of Tajikistan’s economic base from agrarian to agro-industrial.” MDRD aims to improve the economic well-being of farmers, youth, and women involved in agriculture markets in Tajikistan while supporting the adoption of climate-smart agriculture.
Sylvia J. Megret, President and CEO of ACDI/VOCA, added, “Together, we bridge diverse stakeholders in joint development efforts, sharing technical resources and on-the-ground presence to achieve the objectives of our partners and donors. Our new project in Tajikistan promotes locally driven market solutions to ensure durable outcomes for economic prosperity and social inclusion.”
USAID is the world’s premier international development agency and a leading actor driving development results. For more information about the project and USAID’s work in Tajikistan, visit the USAID Tajikistan website and the U.S. Embassy Dushanbe’s Facebook page.
