The UNDP’s project “Livelihood Promotion in Tajik-Afghan Cross-border Areas” (LITACA) phase III is a four-year initiative, financed by the Government of Japan through Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and implemented by UNDP Tajikistan and Afghanistan. LITACA III is aimed to support start-ups by providing equipment and supporting marketing, labelling, design, and export. The beneficiaries are small and medium farmers, agro-processors, and handicraft workshops, both individuals, cooperatives, and traders (wholesalers, retailers, small- and medium-sized enterprises) in Afghanistan and Tajikistan. The focus is on vulnerable women, unemployed youth, and people with disabilities through its “No One Left Behind” initiative.

The One Village One Product (OVOP) approach is in the heart of the project and used for strengthening capacity of local producers. The One Village One Product (OVOP) movement is a unique approach to local development which was first introduced and adopted by Japan, Oita Prefecture in 1979. Later this concept was adapted for implementation in the Republic of Tajikistan under the project “Livelihoods Improvement in Tajik-Afghan Cross-Border Areas” (LITACA). The OVOP movement involves selling a particular product or products that best represent the locale, thereby generating income in the villages and improving the local economy. The OVOP movement encourages the mobilization of local human, material, and cultural resources to create value-added products / services for domestic and external markets. The Initiative aims to mobilize the rural community for bettering their lives by empowering themselves to establish and run their joint businesses by exploiting the natural resources that are accessible in their communities and ensuring high-quality products.

UNDP is actively working to strengthen the digitalization and innovation process in cooperation with Executive body of the state authorities of Panj district

As part of this initiative, the “Livelihood Promotion in Tajik-Afghan Cross-border Areas” (LITACA) provided equipment for the establishment of a digital service point proposed and requested by Marvori Shamsiddin. Marvori's main goal in establishing the service point is to improve digital infrastructure and related services such as photography, copying, video recording and editing, and digitalization of documents and information materials. She plans to expand in the following years with good service and stable income, and gradually increase the number of services provided.

At the beginning of the project, from September to December 2024, Marvori Shamsiddin, as a determined and courageous woman, actively participated in all trainings conducted by the staff of PO "Subkh" and supported by the LITACA project, and mastered the basics of business. She also received useful technical advice from the project staff on proper division of labor, market research, methods of increasing competitiveness, organization and promotion, financial documentation, sources of income, taxation and other relevant topics.

“The service point in the district was the second one that local residents received modern logistical equipment under UNDP project,” said an official from the district's youth department. Previously, such a service had helped address digitalization issues for residents of Nuri Vahdat Jamoat and the district, and also helped support beneficiaries.

“We hope that the digital service point, now open, will become a place where residents of the most remote villages and districts can access digital services, which will help reduce transportation costs and save time,” said Director of PO “Subkh” Mr  Rahimjon Ibrohimzoda.

The One Village One Product (OVOP) approach is unique approach to community development

 Nabiev Orzu, an active young farmer from Shamsiddin Shohin district, is engaged in horticulture and crop farming. His dream is to obtain agricultural equipment, mechanize fruit growing processes and increase yields of the special apple varieties characteristic of Shamsiddin Shohin district, in particular, tasty Semerenko apples. As noted in the project meetings, the One Village One Product (OVOP) approach is a key requirement of the project. It aims to strengthen the capacity of local producers and develop each village through its unique products. The unique apples should reach border markets and contribute to food security.

Based on Nabiev Orzu's application, he was provided with several types of the agricultural equipment, including a power tiller with wheels, a trailer and a mower. The equipment he received will enable him to provide a steady income, supply quality products to the market, and strengthen the family economy. As a result, he will be able to provide seasonal employment to others and contribute to the food security of the region.

Better quality animal feed as a factor of livestock development and productivity

Agriculture is an important sector in the culture of the mountainous areas of Tajikistan. More than 90% of livestock is in the private sector, and in recent years, livestock farmers in Dusti district have faced problems in growing and preparing quality fodder for livestock. In this context, the lack of modern equipment for collecting and processing fodder is making the work of livestock farmers.

“Today, thanks to the support of the United Nations Development Program project, including agricultural producers have been given the opportunity to receive agricultural equipment to prepare better quality fodder for livestock,” said farmer Abdurahim Boboev, a beneficiary of the “Livelihood Promotion in Tajik-Afghan Cross-border Areas” (LITACA) project funded by the Government of Japan through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). “Nevertheless, I consider myself lucky because at this moment access to agricultural equipment for farmers is limited and I was able to get assistance in the form of a power tiller and hay based on the proposed business plan.”

“Due to limited access and high price of quality feed for livestock, especially during spring and winter periods, the demand for feed increases. In addition, there are other challenges such as access to seeds, fertilizers and other inputs that often create obstacles for farmers to obtain high yields,” said Abdurahim Boboev. “In the past few years we have been doing all agricultural work manually, but the project support has made our work easier and this has increased livestock productivity and contributed to food security in the family and the district.”

Tajik women's contribution to family food security becomes more significant

«I am 30 years old, a successful businesswoman, mother of four children and wife to an excellent husband,” says Abdulloeva Farzona, a Tajik businesswoman from Kulyab city. “I married early, at 18, being almost a child, I had limited education, I knew nothing about running a household, cooking or taking care of children. At some point I lost myself, not having the necessary skills for life. But it was at this point that my mother-in-law supported me a lot and she was the one who taught me the basics of running a household and family life. I should mention that she taught me cooking and was the reason for my development in that. I still value this experience, which has helped me in the business I am doing now”.

The service sector and food provision is the main source of food security and income in my family along with agriculture. “This type of business can contribute to the development of the service sector and provision of confectionery in Kulyab city, which can be a major source of income for our family and also help improve our welfare if we sell confectionery,” she said. She was hesitant about the proposal at first, as she had no business experience, but was confident that with the support of the “Livelihood Promotion in Tajik-Afghan Cross-border Areas” (LITACA) project, she could manage.

Farzona's family's cooking and confectionery production helps ensure food security and income for her family. In early 2025, Farzona received equipment like a stove, microwave, mixer, blender and refrigerator from UNDP, which she uses to develop her pastry shop. Her family earns an income of about 2,000 TJS per month from this business, which helps develop the business and ensure food security.

Production of dairy products and their provision to the population of Kabadiyan district

The production of milk and dairy products is one of the profitable and efficient activities during the warm season as well as in the face of climate change, which has an impact on agriculture. The impact of climate change is already manifesting itself in the form of rising temperatures, extreme weather events and melting glaciers, which is causing serious damage to agriculture. During this hot period, Gafurova Bibioisha provides residents and guests of the district with delicious ice cream. To produce and process dairy products, she applied for ice cream making equipment under the “Livelihood Promotion in Tajik-Afghan Cross-border Areas” (LITACA) project. As a result of the evaluation of Gafurova Bibioysha's business plan, the project supported her by providing ice cream making equipment.

“Considering the production of domestic products and the development of production in the country, as well as business in the district, it brings a good profit to the economy of our family. I believe that the opportunity provided by UNDP will benefit all residents and visitors of the district in consuming quality dairy products,” said Bibioisha Gafurova, who received project support from Kabadiyan district.

“I realize the importance of my work because knowing the intricacies of this business is a major factor in providing quality equipment and the necessary training. I am grateful to UNDP for this opportunity,” said Gafurova Bibiojosha. “Creating sustainable production depends on knowledge and entrepreneurial skills, and it is always necessary to get useful advice from experts in order to reduce the risks associated with dairy production and processing, and thus meet the demand for quality products.”

 Jaihun district pomegranates supports the One Village One Product (OVOP) approach

Mirzozuhai Majidov, one of the active and responsible young people of Jaihun district, has become a well-known horticulturist and agrarian in Istiqlol Jamoat. Therefore, when the project “Livelihood Promotion in Tajik-Afghan Cross-border Areas” (LITACA) started its activities in the district, he actively participated in determining meetings and decided to take advantage of the project opportunities. He liked the One Village One Product (OVOP) approach the most, as the aim of this initiative is to mobilize rural communities to improve their living standards by strengthening them in establishing and promoting joint businesses, utilizing the natural resources available in their communities, and offering high quality products.  

Mirzozuhai decided to collaborate with the project to increase pomegranate yield and productivity of this unique fruit in Jaihun district and to achieve visible results with the support of UNDP staff and PO “Subkh”. Pomegranate is a unique product of the district that has a high chance of entering the border market and contributing to food security.

In accordance with the requirements and business plan, Mirzozuhai Majidov received several agricultural equipment, such as a power tiller with a full set of accessories and a generator, provided by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) under the “Livelihood Promotion in Tajik-Afghan Cross-border Areas” (LITACA) project.  He says: “I used to grow vegetables on this plot of land, but made little profit from the sale. Then, on the recommendation of agricultural experts, I converted this plot into a pomegranate orchard and planted more than 100 pomegranate seedlings. Now I provide flour and food for my family by selling the harvest from 5 or 6 pomegranate trees.”

Through the production and sale of pomegranates from Jayhun, Majidov plans to better represent his region, bring income to rural communities and his family, improve the local economy and mobilize local human, material and cultural resources to create value-added products/services for domestic and foreign markets.

Importance of UNDP project grants for residents of border areas

Sharifov Jumakhon from Hamadoni district had one goal: to become an entrepreneur in the field of providing prepared food to community residents and users of border markets, and to develop a personal business selling food, contributing to food security. However, achieving this goal was not easy, and Jumakhon worked as a cook at a café in the center for over two years, earning a monthly salary but saving nothing to start his own business.

Jumadkhon immediately realized that such grants with their conditions and opportunities would help him realize his dream and plan to create a cooking café.  “Right now, access to grants and soft loans is very difficult. Jumakhon says there are not enough opportunities for small producers to get investment support to increase food production. – The UNDP project supported me with a small grant based on a business plan. The project staff also constantly gave me useful advice on how to organize and develop my business.

“My neighbors are also mostly on labor migration or working seasonally in other countries. Now they cannot start their business due to lack of funds and entrepreneurial skills. Such grants to support small and medium-sized businesses and families who want to set up stable businesses are needed. The funds generated from the income can increase local food production, improve household food security and support the region's economy,” says Jumakhon.

  My favorite profession

Firuza Alieva has always had a passion for sewing and, in addition to this, she does other sewing work for the household. Firuza's sewing machine was an old model and it could not satisfy all the demands of customers. Therefore, she could not expand her business and increase her income. As a result, customers, depending on the fashion requirements, started going to other sewing shops to sew modern clothes. This made Firuza's life difficult and prevented her from organizing her business properly. On the other hand, lack of knowledge and skills in entrepreneurship and lack of information about market requirements limited her opportunities. During this difficult period, the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) launched a new project in the border areas of Tajikistan and Afghanistan – “Livelihood Promotion in Tajik-Afghan Cross-border Areas” (LITACA). Firuza actively participated in these trainings and learned how to properly conduct entrepreneurial activities, organize a small business and develop a business plan to obtain a grant. As a result, she received useful advice from experts on how to implement her project.

Firuza's main goal in obtaining the new equipment was to expand her business, earn a steady income through service delivery and provide for her family. She also plans to set aside a small amount each month as savings for the sustainability of her business. She now serves 2 to 5 clients per day, earning between 70 and 200 somoni per day. Her net profit per month is between 2,000 and 2,500 somoni. She also sells ready-made clothes in border markets, which contributes to economic growth.

In the future, she plans to set up a small sewing workshop in the center of the community with 8-10 girls from neighbouring villages, with a guarantee of good wages. She relies on the knowledge gained from the trainings and hopes for support from development partners.

The UNDP’s project “Livelihood Promotion in Tajik-Afghan Cross-border Areas” (LITACA) phase III is a four-year initiative, financed by the Government of Japan through Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and implemented by UNDP Tajikistan and Afghanistan. LITACA III is aimed to support start-ups by providing equipment and supporting marketing, labelling, design, and export. The beneficiaries are small and medium farmers, agro-processors, and handicraft workshops, both individuals, cooperatives, and traders (wholesalers, retailers, small- and medium-sized enterprises) in Afghanistan and Tajikistan. The focus is on vulnerable women, unemployed youth, and people with disabilities through its “No One Left Behind” initiative.

The One Village One Product (OVOP) approach is in the heart of the project and used for strengthening capacity of local producers. The One Village One Product (OVOP) movement is a unique approach to local development which was first introduced and adopted by Japan, Oita Prefecture in 1979. Later this concept was adapted for implementation in the Republic of Tajikistan under the project “Livelihoods Improvement in Tajik-Afghan Cross-Border Areas” (LITACA). The OVOP movement involves selling a particular product or products that best represent the locale, thereby generating income in the villages and improving the local economy. The OVOP movement encourages the mobilization of local human, material, and cultural resources to create value-added products / services for domestic and external markets. The Initiative aims to mobilize the rural community for bettering their lives by empowering themselves to establish and run their joint businesses by exploiting the natural resources that are accessible in their communities and ensuring high-quality products.

UNDP is actively working to strengthen the digitalization and innovation process in cooperation with Executive body of the state authorities of Panj district

As part of this initiative, the “Livelihood Promotion in Tajik-Afghan Cross-border Areas” (LITACA) provided equipment for the establishment of a digital service point proposed and requested by Marvori Shamsiddin. Marvori's main goal in establishing the service point is to improve digital infrastructure and related services such as photography, copying, video recording and editing, and digitalization of documents and information materials. She plans to expand in the following years with good service and stable income, and gradually increase the number of services provided.

At the beginning of the project, from September to December 2024, Marvori Shamsiddin, as a determined and courageous woman, actively participated in all trainings conducted by the staff of PO "Subkh" and supported by the LITACA project, and mastered the basics of business. She also received useful technical advice from the project staff on proper division of labor, market research, methods of increasing competitiveness, organization and promotion, financial documentation, sources of income, taxation and other relevant topics.

“The service point in the district was the second one that local residents received modern logistical equipment under UNDP project,” said an official from the district's youth department. Previously, such a service had helped address digitalization issues for residents of Nuri Vahdat Jamoat and the district, and also helped support beneficiaries.

“We hope that the digital service point, now open, will become a place where residents of the most remote villages and districts can access digital services, which will help reduce transportation costs and save time,” said Director of PO “Subkh” Mr  Rahimjon Ibrohimzoda.

The One Village One Product (OVOP) approach is unique approach to community development

 Nabiev Orzu, an active young farmer from Shamsiddin Shohin district, is engaged in horticulture and crop farming. His dream is to obtain agricultural equipment, mechanize fruit growing processes and increase yields of the special apple varieties characteristic of Shamsiddin Shohin district, in particular, tasty Semerenko apples. As noted in the project meetings, the One Village One Product (OVOP) approach is a key requirement of the project. It aims to strengthen the capacity of local producers and develop each village through its unique products. The unique apples should reach border markets and contribute to food security.

Based on Nabiev Orzu's application, he was provided with several types of the agricultural equipment, including a power tiller with wheels, a trailer and a mower. The equipment he received will enable him to provide a steady income, supply quality products to the market, and strengthen the family economy. As a result, he will be able to provide seasonal employment to others and contribute to the food security of the region.

Better quality animal feed as a factor of livestock development and productivity

Agriculture is an important sector in the culture of the mountainous areas of Tajikistan. More than 90% of livestock is in the private sector, and in recent years, livestock farmers in Dusti district have faced problems in growing and preparing quality fodder for livestock. In this context, the lack of modern equipment for collecting and processing fodder is making the work of livestock farmers.

“Today, thanks to the support of the United Nations Development Program project, including agricultural producers have been given the opportunity to receive agricultural equipment to prepare better quality fodder for livestock,” said farmer Abdurahim Boboev, a beneficiary of the “Livelihood Promotion in Tajik-Afghan Cross-border Areas” (LITACA) project funded by the Government of Japan through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). “Nevertheless, I consider myself lucky because at this moment access to agricultural equipment for farmers is limited and I was able to get assistance in the form of a power tiller and hay based on the proposed business plan.”

“Due to limited access and high price of quality feed for livestock, especially during spring and winter periods, the demand for feed increases. In addition, there are other challenges such as access to seeds, fertilizers and other inputs that often create obstacles for farmers to obtain high yields,” said Abdurahim Boboev. “In the past few years we have been doing all agricultural work manually, but the project support has made our work easier and this has increased livestock productivity and contributed to food security in the family and the district.”

Tajik women's contribution to family food security becomes more significant

«I am 30 years old, a successful businesswoman, mother of four children and wife to an excellent husband,” says Abdulloeva Farzona, a Tajik businesswoman from Kulyab city. “I married early, at 18, being almost a child, I had limited education, I knew nothing about running a household, cooking or taking care of children. At some point I lost myself, not having the necessary skills for life. But it was at this point that my mother-in-law supported me a lot and she was the one who taught me the basics of running a household and family life. I should mention that she taught me cooking and was the reason for my development in that. I still value this experience, which has helped me in the business I am doing now”.

The service sector and food provision is the main source of food security and income in my family along with agriculture. “This type of business can contribute to the development of the service sector and provision of confectionery in Kulyab city, which can be a major source of income for our family and also help improve our welfare if we sell confectionery,” she said. She was hesitant about the proposal at first, as she had no business experience, but was confident that with the support of the “Livelihood Promotion in Tajik-Afghan Cross-border Areas” (LITACA) project, she could manage.

Farzona's family's cooking and confectionery production helps ensure food security and income for her family. In early 2025, Farzona received equipment like a stove, microwave, mixer, blender and refrigerator from UNDP, which she uses to develop her pastry shop. Her family earns an income of about 2,000 TJS per month from this business, which helps develop the business and ensure food security.

Production of dairy products and their provision to the population of Kabadiyan district

The production of milk and dairy products is one of the profitable and efficient activities during the warm season as well as in the face of climate change, which has an impact on agriculture. The impact of climate change is already manifesting itself in the form of rising temperatures, extreme weather events and melting glaciers, which is causing serious damage to agriculture. During this hot period, Gafurova Bibioisha provides residents and guests of the district with delicious ice cream. To produce and process dairy products, she applied for ice cream making equipment under the “Livelihood Promotion in Tajik-Afghan Cross-border Areas” (LITACA) project. As a result of the evaluation of Gafurova Bibioysha's business plan, the project supported her by providing ice cream making equipment.

“Considering the production of domestic products and the development of production in the country, as well as business in the district, it brings a good profit to the economy of our family. I believe that the opportunity provided by UNDP will benefit all residents and visitors of the district in consuming quality dairy products,” said Bibioisha Gafurova, who received project support from Kabadiyan district.

“I realize the importance of my work because knowing the intricacies of this business is a major factor in providing quality equipment and the necessary training. I am grateful to UNDP for this opportunity,” said Gafurova Bibiojosha. “Creating sustainable production depends on knowledge and entrepreneurial skills, and it is always necessary to get useful advice from experts in order to reduce the risks associated with dairy production and processing, and thus meet the demand for quality products.”

 Jaihun district pomegranates supports the One Village One Product (OVOP) approach

Mirzozuhai Majidov, one of the active and responsible young people of Jaihun district, has become a well-known horticulturist and agrarian in Istiqlol Jamoat. Therefore, when the project “Livelihood Promotion in Tajik-Afghan Cross-border Areas” (LITACA) started its activities in the district, he actively participated in determining meetings and decided to take advantage of the project opportunities. He liked the One Village One Product (OVOP) approach the most, as the aim of this initiative is to mobilize rural communities to improve their living standards by strengthening them in establishing and promoting joint businesses, utilizing the natural resources available in their communities, and offering high quality products.  

Mirzozuhai decided to collaborate with the project to increase pomegranate yield and productivity of this unique fruit in Jaihun district and to achieve visible results with the support of UNDP staff and PO “Subkh”. Pomegranate is a unique product of the district that has a high chance of entering the border market and contributing to food security.

In accordance with the requirements and business plan, Mirzozuhai Majidov received several agricultural equipment, such as a power tiller with a full set of accessories and a generator, provided by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) under the “Livelihood Promotion in Tajik-Afghan Cross-border Areas” (LITACA) project.  He says: “I used to grow vegetables on this plot of land, but made little profit from the sale. Then, on the recommendation of agricultural experts, I converted this plot into a pomegranate orchard and planted more than 100 pomegranate seedlings. Now I provide flour and food for my family by selling the harvest from 5 or 6 pomegranate trees.”

Through the production and sale of pomegranates from Jayhun, Majidov plans to better represent his region, bring income to rural communities and his family, improve the local economy and mobilize local human, material and cultural resources to create value-added products/services for domestic and foreign markets.

Importance of UNDP project grants for residents of border areas

Sharifov Jumakhon from Hamadoni district had one goal: to become an entrepreneur in the field of providing prepared food to community residents and users of border markets, and to develop a personal business selling food, contributing to food security. However, achieving this goal was not easy, and Jumakhon worked as a cook at a café in the center for over two years, earning a monthly salary but saving nothing to start his own business.

Jumadkhon immediately realized that such grants with their conditions and opportunities would help him realize his dream and plan to create a cooking café.  “Right now, access to grants and soft loans is very difficult. Jumakhon says there are not enough opportunities for small producers to get investment support to increase food production. – The UNDP project supported me with a small grant based on a business plan. The project staff also constantly gave me useful advice on how to organize and develop my business.

“My neighbors are also mostly on labor migration or working seasonally in other countries. Now they cannot start their business due to lack of funds and entrepreneurial skills. Such grants to support small and medium-sized businesses and families who want to set up stable businesses are needed. The funds generated from the income can increase local food production, improve household food security and support the region's economy,” says Jumakhon.

  My favorite profession

Firuza Alieva has always had a passion for sewing and, in addition to this, she does other sewing work for the household. Firuza's sewing machine was an old model and it could not satisfy all the demands of customers. Therefore, she could not expand her business and increase her income. As a result, customers, depending on the fashion requirements, started going to other sewing shops to sew modern clothes. This made Firuza's life difficult and prevented her from organizing her business properly. On the other hand, lack of knowledge and skills in entrepreneurship and lack of information about market requirements limited her opportunities. During this difficult period, the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) launched a new project in the border areas of Tajikistan and Afghanistan – “Livelihood Promotion in Tajik-Afghan Cross-border Areas” (LITACA). Firuza actively participated in these trainings and learned how to properly conduct entrepreneurial activities, organize a small business and develop a business plan to obtain a grant. As a result, she received useful advice from experts on how to implement her project.

Firuza's main goal in obtaining the new equipment was to expand her business, earn a steady income through service delivery and provide for her family. She also plans to set aside a small amount each month as savings for the sustainability of her business. She now serves 2 to 5 clients per day, earning between 70 and 200 somoni per day. Her net profit per month is between 2,000 and 2,500 somoni. She also sells ready-made clothes in border markets, which contributes to economic growth.

In the future, she plans to set up a small sewing workshop in the center of the community with 8-10 girls from neighbouring villages, with a guarantee of good wages. She relies on the knowledge gained from the trainings and hopes for support from development partners.