“The soil here is already prone to erosion, but manmade practices such as cattle grazing, trench-digging for land demarcation, mono-cropping and deforestation have exacerbated the situation”, says Sady Odinashoev, manager of Caritas Switzerland’s Integrated Watershed Management (IWSM) project, which is fully funded by the Swiss Development Cooperation (SDC).
“When the gas pipeline to Uzbekistan was cut after the collapse of the Soviet Union, the locals started to cut wood for heating; now we are faced with the results of 26 years of deforestation.” One part of the project, which benefits around 30,000 people in the district, is the plantation of trees. “As with many Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) activities, progress seems to be slow, but the land here is still recoverable,” explains Odinashoev, who has been working with the project since its inception in 2011. “The problem is that everyone takes, but nobody gives back.”
Even though land erosion is ubiquitous all over the country, Caritas Switzerland focuses its activities on the district of Muminabad. “By concentrating on one area, we can build on our experience and gain the trust of the locals,” says Margaux Tharin, Programme Officer for the IWSM project – just as yet another phone call pierces through the silence of the hills. “This is probably a farmer asking me for advice,” says Odinashoev and takes the call. He has become the base of trust for the locals, who rely on his expertise for better land management.
Sunat Mirzoev is one of the people regularly seeking advice. The 60-year-old farmer is a prime example of how proper land management can improve lives. “I had to go to Russia twice a year to earn money as a truck driver,” the father of five says. “But after I had learnt how to better manage my land, it became fertile. I can now feed my whole family and we live in a safer environment.” Mirzoev planted the first fruit trees six years ago, and he now grows apricots, melons, cherries, mulberries and even quinoa. “My sons have also learnt these new practices and we will soon sell our produce on the local market,” he continues. “But what makes me most happy is that neither I nor my sons have to go back to work in Russia.”
Grazing
Apart from deforestation, cattle grazing on the steep slopes is significantly exacerbating the erosion, which often leads to flooding. The project encourages the farmers to switch to beekeeping instead of goat or cattle raising, which reduces the amount of cattle grazing and gives them another source of income.
This is exactly what Abdulahad, who lives with his wife and six children near the district capital of Muminabad, has done. He sacrificed 100 goats for the same number of beehives and now makes a comfortable living. “I sell my honey locally as well as to shops and individuals in Dushanbe,” he says proudly. “My son actually took my honey to some government officials and they have ordered more as they liked it so much.”
Compared to other projects, DRR activities are difficult to gauge within the first few years of launching them. “It takes several years to actually see a difference, but I am convinced that this project is worthwhile,” Andreas Hansen, team leader of the natural resources management at Caritas Switzerland explains during a walk through the eroding hills. “But what I have seen in the past 18 months is that the Pasture User Unions (PUUs), which we encouraged to be formed, are becoming increasingly powerful.” So far, 18 PUUs have been established; 13 of which have already obtained land certificates from the local governments, which gives them more rights to manage their own land.
Caritas Switzerland is currently working on four watersheds in the district and signs of improvement are certainly visible, no matter whether it is reforestation, the disappearance of trenches or terrace building. “I’m impressed with what I have seen during my two-day visit here. However, there is still a lot to be done and I’m happy that Switzerland continues to support this project to make the lives of the locals safer, healthier and more sustainable,” says Burgi Roos, head of the Swiss cooperation office in Dushanbe, after her visit to the region.
Facts & Figures
Tajikistan is one of the poorest of the former Soviet Central Asian republics
30,000 people benefit from the project
The project covers the watersheds of Obishur, Chukurak, Ghesh and Khojahaqiq
Duration of the project: September 2011 to May 2019
Total budget: CHF 4 million
