FAO supports women's initiative in Batken region to cultivate rose hips on degraded land
Batken region – Nestled in the picturesque slopes of the Pamir-Alay mountains, Batken Region in southwestern Kyrgyzstan faces significant challenges due to its harsh continental climate, arid conditions, and remote location, far from the capital and key economic hubs. These challenges are particularly acute for women, whose opportunities to participate in decision-making and adapt to climate change remain limited.
In 2023, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), in collaboration with UN Women and the Rosa Otunbayeva Initiative Foundation, launched a project with financial support from the UN Secretary-General’s Peacebuilding Fund to address these challenges. Titled "Women’s Civil Society Organizations in Kyrgyzstan Reduce Climate-Related Risks at Regional and National Levels, Contributing to Sustainable Peace," the initiative aims to strengthen women-led civil society organizations, enhance their engagement with local and regional authorities, and promote women’s participation in strategic decision-making on climate adaptation and peacebuilding.
The project extends across seven municipalities in Batken and Leilek districts, focusing on empowering women and fostering resilience. One of the project's most successful initiatives is taking place in the village of Kara-Suu, Leilek District, where women have proposed an innovative solution—transforming low-yield, drought-stricken, and erosion-prone land into productive rose hip plantations. This climate-smart agricultural approach not only enhances food security but also mitigates the impacts of climate change and reduces disaster risks.
FAO has supplied more than 2 200 high-quality rose hip seedlings along with fencing materials. The plants are irrigated through a drip irrigation system, an essential solution in a water-scarce environment. Rich in vitamin C and essential nutrients, the rose hips will provide an additional source of income for 15 families in the village.
"Our village has no open fields or large agricultural plots, so we grow everything in our home gardens," said Mamahaba Ormosheva, a project participant and leader of the women's initiative group. "Thanks to this project, we can now cultivate land that was once deemed unusable. Moreover, it has strengthened our community – we communicate more, support one another, and collaborate. But most importantly, it has created a vital income opportunity for women who previously stayed at home."
Beyond improving local incomes, the project strengthens social bonds, contributing to peacebuilding and sustainable regional development. Looking ahead, villagers plan to expand their rose hip plantations, further boosting economic potential and enhancing quality of life in the face of a changing climate.
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