Enhancing Livelihoods in Central Asia and the Caucasus through Increased Production and Consumption of Nutritious Vegetables

Abstract

The eight countries of Central Asia and the Caucasus (Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan) began the transition to market economies after gaining independence in 1991. Agrarian reforms in each country aim to ensure food security, decrease in malnutrition, promote sustainable agriculture and capacity building and enhance livelihoods. During last five years countries in the region have made progress in reducing poverty and malnutrition. The total regional population in 2011 was approximately 79 million, an increase of 6.5% since 2006. In 2010 the total area under vegetable crops was 785,122 ha, a 15% increase compared with 2006. Total regional vegetable production has increased by 33.2%, reaching 17,468,679 t in 2010. However, vegetable yields on irrigated land remain below potential. Vegetable crops became more diversified during the 76last five years. Although the export of fresh and processed vegetables increased in some countries, all still depend on vegetable imports, which have doubled. International donors, such as the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) Program for Sustainable Agricultural Development for Central Asia and the Caucasus, support development projects for countries in the region. The Regional Network on Vegetable System Research and Development (CACVEG), a collaboration of AVRDC - The World Vegetable Center with national agricultural research and extension systems, was initiated in August 2006; the network continues to conduct regional variety trials and collaborative research to evaluate new germplasm, promote grafting in some vegetable crops and other production technologies, build capacity and host promotional events. New varieties are promoted throughout the region to increase production, diversify agriculture, encourage the consumption of healthy diets and increase farmers’ income.