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Strengthening the Capacity of Agricultural Extension Services in Central Asia on Sustainable Intensification of Crop Production - TCP/SEC/3601

Year of publication 2020

Place of publication Rome, Italy ;

Pages 10

Publisher FAO ;

Product type Project

Edition 1

Synopsis (short abstract) Central Asia is in transition from a centrally administrated and planned economy to a private-sector driven and market economy. As a result of reforms, privatization and the transformation of farms, numerous private farms have been established, and former farm members have received their land share and established family farms. However, most rural farmers do not have an agricultural background, while extension systems do not exist or are very weak. In most Central Asian countries, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have been set up to provide extension services that were formerly provided by research institutes. In some countries, ministries of agriculture are attempting to take the lead role in developing extension systems. In Tajikistan, each village organization has recruited an agricultural specialist to provide extension services to farmers and rural populations. NGOs actively involved in the development of agriculture in countries of the region also closely cooperate with FAO and act as implementing partners in most projects. However, the technical knowledge and capacity of the NGO specialists need to be improved if they are to provide better services to farmers to enable the latter to improve crop production and increase yields. The aim of the project was to support public and private extension service providers (SPs) to improve technical capacities and enhance knowledge of modern crop management. The project would also facilitate countries to formulate a strategy for more effective agricultural extension.

Language English

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