1,800 acacia trees to be planted in Osh province by WFP, Japanese partners - DM Solutions and IBS Association Cooperative

On 15 June 2021, the World Food Programme and DM Solutions, IBS Association Cooperative and the Osh Forestry Department will plant acacia trees in Kyzyl-Tuu village in Osh province to improve the soil quality and increase the environmental and economic sustainability of the region, while improving food security and nutrition of local population. As a sustainable agroforestry resource, acacia trees can provide many benefits to farmers, as they nourish the soil by fixing nitrogen levels and restoring fertility. The project is committed to planting 1,800 acacia trees by November 2021.

In the Kyrgyz Republic, the agricultural sector contributes significantly to the national GDP, export revenues and employment opportunities. At the same time, agricultural and forestry landscapes in the region face considerable degradation. Integrating acacia trees into agricultural landscapes by means of agroforestry systems can result in significant environmental and social benefits. Local populations as well as the national government are increasingly aware of their potential to reduce pressure on natural forest exploitation, rehabilitate degraded lands, improve soil quality, stabilize incomes and enable healthy diets.

In addition to tree planting activities, the partnership will source expertise from the Kyrgyz-Japan Friendship Foundation that will provide a series of training workshops on forestry management, acacia cultivation and beekeeping. Project participants will receive five hectares of forestry land from the Osh Forestry Department to cultivate hay for livestock, produce honey and for other agricultural uses. They will receive this land for five years under a no-fee leasing agreement with the possibility of extension. Acacia seedlings and construction materials for the fencing of this land will be provided by DM Solutions and the IBS Association Cooperative.

These strategies will create opportunities for income-generating activities and ensure the sustainability of project results for the residents of the region who largely depend on agricultural production for their livelihoods. Project participants will also be able to improve their households’ economic and social situations while being provided with food rations from WFP for the execution of project works and their participation in training workshops.

In terms of environmental protection, the results of the project will strengthen forests, soil development processes and climate change adaptation measures to address the issue of land degradation and create prevention measures against possible floods and landslides.

“WFP’s work in the Kyrgyz Republic focuses on the creation of sustainable income sources for the poor and vulnerable people and communities,” said Andrea Bagnoli, WFP Representative and Country Director in the Kyrgyz Republic. “This initiative will contribute to sustainable food security and nutrition among the poorest and most food insecure groups by developing their agricultural skills and providing them with tools to manage risks such as natural disasters and climate change thus improving their resilience”.