A new joint initiative between the Government of Tajikistan and several United Nations agencies aims to transform the country's food system to improve public nutrition.  The program, titled “Transforming Food Systems for Improved Nutrition,” was officially launched in Dushanbe on July 15.

With a total budget of US$2 million, the project targets more than 2.8 million people across the country.  It seeks to implement sustainable and innovative solutions in food and nutrition through coordinated efforts.  The program is being spearheaded by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), UNICEF, the World Health Organization (WHO), and the World Food Programme (WFP), in partnership with the Tajik government.

The initiative focuses on the capital, pilot districts, and various other regions, promoting a culture of healthy eating.

According to Mrs. Kavilmadam Ramaswami Parvathy, the UN Resident Coordinator for Tajikistan, this initiative will serve as a vital platform to align actions across different sectors and institutions.  She emphasized that transforming the food system is a key national priority for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

The project is being carried out in cooperation with relevant ministries, international donors, and Tajikistan’s Food Security Committee.

“By transforming food systems through innovation, inclusivity, and sustainability, we can nurture a healthier generation,” said Mahmoud Shirinjonzoda, First Deputy Chairman of the Food Security Committee.

Photo: fao.org

The program is structured around four main components: 1) the implementation of national nutrition standards; 2) development of sustainable agriculture; 3) promotion of healthy local products; and 4) the establishment of a certification system for eco-friendly goods.

A critical aspect of the initiative is empowering women and youth in agribusiness, reducing the consumption of unhealthy food, and upgrading school nutrition programs.

The budget is allocated as follows:

• US$650,000 for implementing nutrition standards, including seminars, updating guidelines for schools and hospitals, and introducing new regulations;
• US$300,000 for promoting healthy eating culture through public campaigns, educational modules, and community events in Dushanbe, Bokhtar, Baljuvon and some other regions;
• US$850,000 for sustainable agriculture and eco-friendly production, focusing on training, school gardens, support for women and youth, and product certification systems;
• US$200,000 for monitoring and strategic planning, including the development of nutrition evaluation systems and data-driven policy-making.

The program also aims to strengthen public systems to ensure food access for vulnerable populations, develop new policies and methodologies, and promote local products as a sustainable alternative to imports.