The funding, through the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), will support the Government's priorities in achieving food security and broadening access to high-quality nutrition by boosting Tajik youth, creating links to equitable and sustainable access to specialized knowledge, innovation, and a more favourable business environment.
"The South Korean Government has officially designated agriculture as a key area of cooperation to strengthen food security in Tajikistan. This initiative is particularly symbolic, as it aims to enhance agricultural productivity and inclusivity for vulnerable young farmers living in remote areas through the use of digital technologies," said KOICA Tajikistan Country Director Jeong Minyoung.
The funding will enable WFP to support around 200,000 people, including 20,000 youth participants, to promote skills and knowledge on digital technologies in agribusiness and rural development and create income-generating activities for vulnerable youth. WFP will also focus on asset creation, market access support and livelihoods-building programmes that incorporate digital solutions to foster nutrition-sensitive and ecological approaches aimed at building resilience to shocks and stressors and increasing smallholder farmer production and income.
"The development and institution of sustainable agriculture practices will ensure food security for present and future generations. WFP is grateful for the Republic of Korea's support to help the country promote improved agriculture and food security in Tajikistan," said WFP Representative and Country Director in Tajikistan Adham Musallam.
According to the FAO/WFP Crop and Food Security Assessment Mission (CFSAM) to the Republic of Tajikistan, in 2023 over 1.5 million people were facing acute food insecurity, nearly 50,000 of whom were severely food insecure. This year has seen an improvement in the number of acutely food insecure people, with a decrease from 20 to 16 percent. WFP is closely monitoring the food security and market situation, and mobilizing funds to support food-insecure families across the country.
