Food systems transformation for improved nutrition, inclusive growth and sustainability in Tajikistan

The main implementing UN Agencies are the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the World Food Programme (WFP) and the World Health Organization (WHO).  At the Joint Steering Committee all partners including representatives of  the Ministry of Health and Social Protection, Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Economic Development and Trade,  Ministry of Education and Science, Ministry of Industry  and new technologies, State Committee on Investments and State Property Management, Scaling up Nutrition (SUN) secretariat, International Finance Institutions, development partners and Embassies came together to discuss the priorities of food systems in the Republic of Tajikistan.

At the meeting, partners agreed on a unified food-systems approach to guide the programme’s implementation. They reviewed and endorsed a comprehensive draft work plan detailing its key outputs and priority interventions, and formulated recommendations to accelerate  implementation and drive tangible progress toward improved nutrition outcomes.

“Transforming food systems is one of the critical accelerators for advancing the SDGs. Since 2021 the UN is partnering with the Government of Republic of Tajikistan in advancing the food systems priorities. I am delighted that our collaboration will be continued within this joint programme and will support the Government’s cross-sectoral approach and introduce innovative solutions for food systems transformation and improved nutrition,” said Ms. Parvathy Ramaswami, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Tajikistan, during her opening remarks. 

The joint programme “Transforming food systems for better nutrition” is expected to reach more than 2 million people across the country. Its core objective is to strengthen institutional capacities and create an enabling policy environment, while simultaneously introducing innovative, locally driven solutions that transform the way food is produced, processed, and consumed.

“By transforming our food systems through innovation, inclusivity and sustainability, we will build a healthier and more resilient Tajikistan for future generations. This initiative marks a turning point in our national effort to ensure that every citizen, especially those in our most vulnerable communities, has access to nutritious, locally produced food that is rooted in our values and guided by a shared vision,” emphasized the First Deputy of the Committee for Food Security under the Government of Tajikistan, Mr. Shirinjonzoda Mahmud.

The joint programme will leverage existing national strategies, coordination mechanisms under the SUN Movement, and international best practices. 

The joint programme is financed by the Joint SDG Fund, a United Nations mechanism designed to accelerate progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and is implemented by FAO, UNICEF, WHO and WFP in Tajikistan. 

For more information please contact:   Ms. Bunafsha Azimova, FAO Communications Specialist, bunafsha.azimova@fao.org