Tajikistan Quick Facts

• Tajikistan has a population of 7.6 million

• 73% of the population lives in rural areas

• Agriculture contributes to 23% of GDP and employs 75% of the labor force

• 46% of Tajiks live below the poverty line

• 40-60% of the population lacks access to safe drinking water

• Chronic undernutrition, or stunting, affects about one in three children under age five

FEED THE FUTURE AT A GLANCE

Feed the Future, the U.S. Government’s global hunger and food security initiative, encompasses a $3.5 billion commitment to support country-driven approaches to address the root causes of poverty, hunger, and undernutrition. A whole-of-government initiative led by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), Feed the Future leverages the strengths of multilateral institutions, civil society, and the private sector. Globally, we aim to increase the incomes of 18 million vulnerable women, children, and family members.
Together, we will increase agricultural productivity, decrease poverty, drive economic growth, and reduce undernutrition to improve millions of lives.

COUNTRY CONTEXT

In Tajikistan, a recent postconflict, post-Soviet country with significant food security needs, almost half the population lives below the poverty line and many of the women and children are undernourished. There is tremendous opportunity for agriculture and nutrition gains through the government’s leadership and partnership with development partners, the private sector, and other stakeholders.

The population of Tajikistan is 73% rural, a majority of whom are engaged in agriculture. Agriculture accounts for 75% of total employment and 23% of total Gross Domestic Product (GDP). However, only about 7% of Tajikistan’s land surface is arable due to its mountainous topography, water shortages, and a poor irrigation system. With few options at home, an estimated one million Tajik citizens migrate abroad to work, and their remittances are the highest in the world as a percentage of GDP.

These challenges contribute to widespread undernutrition in Tajikistan. Diets are poorly balanced with little agricultural diversity, and limited access to clean drinking water and sanitation facilities compounds the effects of poor nutrition.