EBRD Project to Strengthen Economic Opportunities and Gender Equality in Agriculture Launched in Bishkek
On March 25, a kick-off meeting was held in Bishkek, marking the official launch of the EBRD project "Strengthening Economic Opportunities and Gender Equality in Agriculture and Water Resources Management in Kyrgyzstan." MCA "BT Innovations" serves as one of the consortium partners for this initiative (alongside GWCC - INTERIVAL and TES-Centre). The project will primarily be implemented in selected districts of the Osh, Jalal-Abad, and Naryn regions, where the EBRD is currently assisting Kyrgyzstan in rehabilitating irrigation infrastructure. The main government partner of the project is the Water Resources Service (WRS) under the Ministry of Water Resources, Agriculture, and Food Processing Industry of the Kyrgyz Republic.
About the Project: Improving irrigation infrastructure opens new perspectives for the agricultural sector. Our common goal is to expand the economic opportunities of farmers in the project areas. Within the project framework, we will pay special attention to improving women's access to resources, skills, and the equitable distribution of water services. Enhancing the capacity of regional and district water management departments to implement equal opportunity and gender equality practices in water use and resource management is the second vital goal of the project.
Our Key Tasks for 2026–2028:
Farmer Training and Support: 400 local farmers (including 200 women) will receive training in climate-smart agriculture and the fundamentals of agribusiness. A crucial part of the training programs includes the development of cooperatives (including women's cooperatives), value chains, and assisting farmers in gaining access to financing and markets.
Institutional Development: MCA "BT Innovations," together with its partners, will support the WRS and regional/district water management departments in implementing the Gender Equality Action Plan (GEAP). Work will be conducted to create policies and standards that promote the development of women's entrepreneurship in the agricultural sector.
Extensive work lies ahead: from conducting baseline research this year to organizing field training sessions and regional seminars in 2027.
We are proud to contribute to the sustainable and inclusive development of agriculture in Kyrgyzstan!