Note: This document may not always reflect the actual appropriations determined by Congress. Final budget allocations for USAID's programs are not determined until after passage of an appropriations bill and preparation of the Operating Year Budget (OYB).
TAJIKISTAN
FY 1998 Assistance to the NIS Request . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $15,400,000 Introduction
Tajikistan is the poorest of the five Central Asian Republics and the only one of the five in which underlying ethnic, regional, economic and ideological strains have led to open warfare and major population displacements. A cease-fire has continued to be in partial effect since late 1993, while UN-moderated peace talks appear to be making incremental progress in establishing a political consensus. The UN Mission of Observers in Tajikistan (UNMOT) monitors the cease-fire agreement, while Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) Russian-led troops, at the request of the local government, guard the southern Tajikistan boundary and monitor the ceasefire. Donor efforts are making a difference in Tajikistan's situation. For example, the economy, in free fall since independence, achieved a measure of economic stability last year. U.S. interests are based on providing humanitarian aid, helping to establish a framework for sustainable economic growth, promoting regional stability in Central Asia and promoting an independent, democratic and market-oriented Tajikistan that is friendly to the U.S. and constructively engaged in international political and economic relationships.The Development Challenge
An average per capita GDP of approximately $400 places Tajikistan among the world's least developed countries. Even during the Soviet era, Tajikistan was the poorest of the Soviet republics with a per capita GDP of $1,100. Its economy was based almost entirely on aluminum exports and a cotton monoculture. Social services were maintained with subsidies from Moscow. The collapse of the Soviet Union, followed by the outbreak of civil war in May 1992, thus hit Tajikistan especially hard.The civil war left at least 50,000 dead, displaced 700,000 within the country and resulted in an outflow of at least 75,000 refugees to Afghanistan. Many returning refugees were faced with rebuilding their homes, and the harsh economic consequences of civil war continue to extract a heavy toll. Thousands of homes and hundreds of schools and medical units were destroyed. The war also left 55,000 orphans, 25,000 widows and a legacy of hatred and suspicion that makes reconstruction difficult.
Political consensus and national reconciliation have yet to be achieved, despite cease fire agreements and continuing rounds of UN-mediated peace talks involving government and opposition groups. In January 1996, two groups of government supporters outside the capital rebelled in an effort to force personnel changes. The government quickly agreed to some changes in return for disarming the rebels. Nonetheless, the political situation remains fragile. Rule of law plays a role in regulating property and commercial rights, but considerable work still needs to be done to put into place the kind of legal and commercial environment needed to support entrepreneurs, minimize corruption, ensure transparency, and build and sustain a market economy.
The breakdown in economic links with other former Soviet republics hampers the flow of badly needed raw materials, consumer goods and food items. Gas supplies from Uzbekistan have been affected because of Tajikistan's inability to earn foreign exchange to pay its debts. The World Bank, which classifies Tajikistan as a less-indebted low-income country, has joined the IMF to provide assistance for economic reform. Youth unemployment is a major problem. Workers who do have jobs often go for months without being paid.
Productivity in the two major economic sectors, agriculture and industry, has dropped precipitously, and per capita industrial and agricultural production has been reduced at least by half. Prices forfood, non-food items and services increased sharply through 1995, with inflation reaching 2,000% that year. More recently, inflation rates have been lowered and in 1996 were estimated at around 50%, representing a remarkable turn-around. In May 1995, the government introduced a new currency to replace the Russian ruble, the last of the Central Asian republics to do so. The subsequent liberalization of prices and trade, implemented at the urging of the IMF and World Bank, have promoted stability and provided a favorable environment for developing a market economy.
The crisis has been especially severe in the social sectors. For example, the immunization program introduced and maintained during Soviet times has largely collapsed. The departure of many thousands of Russian-speaking professionals following independence left a gap in the health sector and other sectors that has yet to be filled. Infant mortality rates are high (47 per thousand live births). School enrollments have declined. Most families do not have dependable access to either heating or potable water. There is a widespread shortage of pharmaceutical and other medical supplies and many hospitals and clinics are either closed or barely functioning due to a lack of medical supplies, equipment and salaries. Malaria, eradicated during the Soviet era, has reappeared in southern Tajikistan. In the face of these significant social constraints, the government has attempted to start a social program aimed at alleviating poverty and providing basic social protection.
The government has attempted to deal with the crisis, most notably with the release of its "Five Year Economic Plan" in August 1995 that commits the country to "radical changes in economic policy" and states that the goal is to create a "socially oriented market economy." Tajikistan has reduced consumer and produce subsidies (from about ten percent of GDP in 1995 to one percent of GDP in 1996), liberalized the foreign exchange regime, and eliminated export duties and licensing requirements. Although privatization efforts remain erratic in both industry and agriculture, the elimination of price controls and the state order system represent important steps forward. Official figures indicate low levels of state-controlled imports, but private traders are increasingly active in filling the gaps left by a diminishing government presence. Indeed, a relatively weak central government sometimes provides opportunities for innovation and new approaches at a local level.
Given the lack of political consensus and the ongoing economic and humanitarian crisis, Tajikistan is likely to need foreign assistance for some time to come to meet some of the relief needs. At the same time, there is some hope that development programs can now finally move away from short-term humanitarian relief and lay the foundations for post-conflict stabilization and more long-term sustainable development. USAID supports this transition and, despite limited resources, intends to play a positive role in helping shape the reconstruction of Tajikistan. Programs thus far have entailed large-scale support for both international organizations and U.S. PVOs in carrying out relief and development programs. Modest technical assistance and in-country training related to economic restructuring, democratization, and health and family planning have also been provided, to expose Tajiks to alternative approaches and to mechanisms for introducing democratic processes and market-based economic reform.
Other Donors
The United States was a lead donor in dealing with the immediate aftermath of civil war and responding to the humanitarian crisis which followed. Other countries, including Russia, Iran, Turkey and various EU countries have also been involved. The United Nations has had a significant presence, though with the end of the immediate crisis, UNHCR has reduced its presence and transferred responsibility for more long-term development programs to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). Other groups, including WFP, WHO and UNICEF, are also involved. Both the IMF and the World Bank concluded agreements with the government in 1996 for economic restructuring programs and stabilization. The Prime Minister signed a World Bank Agricultural Rehabilitation and Social Protection Credit of $50 million and the IMF has a $22 million stand-by agreement with Tajikistan. The Red Cross (including both the IFRC and the ICRC) have growing relief programs, supported in part by the U.S. A number of private voluntary organizations (PVOs) from both the U.S. and elsewhere are active in Tajikistan, and on-ground coordination among the various donors and PVOs is regarded as excellent. Total U.S. assistance from all U.S. Government sources in 1996, including food aid, is estimated at $33.3 million.FY 1998 Program
USAID's strategy in Tajikistan will continue to concentrate on humanitarian assistance and political, economic and social reform. An important share of the funds will be channeled through U.S. PVOs, with a view toward building local organizational capacity and strengthening the ability of Tajiks to build and sustain their own economic recovery. The U.S. also plans to support programs in key areas such as economic restructuring and privatization, health, and development and strengthening of indigenous NGOs. The U.S. will seek to use scarce USAID resources to leverage other donor funding and help shape the broader donor effort. For example, both the World Bank and the UNDP have already concluded new initiatives which should increase funding for various PVOs working in the country.Strategic Goal: Economic Restructuring
Tajikistan's first Consultative Group meetings, held in October 1996 in Tokyo and hosted by the World Bank, underscore the fact that opportunities exist to promote real economic change in Tajikistan. Despite adverse circumstances, Tajikistan made important progress in a number of areas over the last several months, especially in terms of reducing the inflation rate and encouraging greater macroeconomic stability. A serious privatization effort is also anticipated.
Already, USAID-funded training has helped lay the groundwork for this type of change. Also, modest technical assistance, including in the privatization area, has been provided as a precursor to a much larger World Bank-supported effort. Limited technical assistance for financial sector development and work on a legal and regulatory regime aimed at promoting investment, encouraging foreign trade, minimizing corruption, and encouraging private sector growth is also possible, as is legal and regulatory work related to energy sector development. The Central Asian-American Enterprise Fund (CAAEF) provides loan capital to potential Tajik entrepreneurs. USAID-funded American PVOs are also supporting a number of innovative pilot efforts in several areas, including agricultural development and microenterprise development. In FY 1997 and again in 1998, USAID will work closely with other donors to help bring about more lasting economic change through a combination of this type of training, technical assistance, and other support.
Limited assistance is also included in the Tajikistan program in support of the Central Asian regional energy initiative.
Strategic Objective: Accelerated development and growth of private enterprise
Strategic Objective: A more economically sustainable and environmentally sound energy sector (CAR Regional) Strategic Goal: Democratic Transition
Modest efforts will continue that help promote reconciliation and introduce new democratic concepts, expand information flows, and ensure that local citizens play a greater role in the economic and political life of the country. USAID-funded training already has played a role in promoting these goals, as have such groups as Internews, the American Legal Consortium (ALC), and Counterpart Consortium. Probable initiatives that will take place in 1997 and continue into 1998 include encouraging civic participation through NGOs and promoting the legal and financialavailability of independent media channels. Also, a modest parliamentary support effort is being contemplated, along with other activities in conflict resolution.
Strategic Objective: Increased, better-informed citizens' participation in political and economic decision making Strategic Goal: Social Stabilization
Programming efforts will continue to focus on the ongoing economic and social crisis, with a view toward building local capacity and offering new approaches to development which can eventually be extended on a national level. USAID-funded American PVOs will remain as a significant programming vehicle for at least the next two years, but some resources may also be channeled through international agencies. An increased emphasis will be placed on developing Tajik partner groups and ensuring sustainable approaches to development.Building on current PVO activities underway in Tajikistan, funding will be provided for further activities and expansion into other areas of the country. Much of the early PVO emphasis was on rebuilding houses, providing food to vulnerable groups, and making medical services available to needy returning populations. Future programs will directly address more long-term, sustainable development concerns, in part by strengthening partnerships with local communities and putting programs in place which can continue once donor assistance ends. This could include programs in housing, health, agriculture, and microenterprise development. Programs of this type have clear links to both economic restructuring and social transition goals.
USAID is already working with U.S. PVOs in Tajikistan and regionally to assist private farmers in the Leninsky region and Gorno-Badakhshan in exercising their new land use rights, acquiring seed and fertilizer inputs, training through short courses in farm management and technical subjects, developing private farmers' associations, constituency building to influence government policies toward private agriculture, exchanges with U.S. farm associations, visits to farmers' organizations in third countries within Central Asia, and technical assistance in marketing reforms (demonopolization to breakup the state system and design of competitive market structures). USAID is contributing to the beginning of private agriculture by providing models that can be replicated nationally. USAID is also working with American PVOs to support micro and small enterprise lending. As a result of the civil war, many households are headed by women who both need and welcome the opportunity to access capital and participate in market-oriented economic activity. In this area, as in other areas, programs of these types have links with the full range of strategic objectives being pursued in Tajikistan, including social transition, democratization, economic restructuring, and crisis impact.
In all five Central Asian Republics, attention will be focussed on the negotiation and preparation of draft laws, decrees, and long-term agreements concerning regional water use and sharing.
Strategic Objective: Reduced human suffering and crisis impact
Strategic Objective: Improved sustainability of social benefits and services
Strategic Objective: Reduced environmental risks to public health (CAR Regional) Cross-cutting and Special Initiatives
In the past, USAID has funded a modest range of specialized efforts, including the initiation of a medical partnership between hospitals in Dushanbe and Boulder, Colorado and reproductive health activities. Given the fluid nature of events in Tajikistan, it makes sense to retain flexibility and consider funding for a range of activities in order to be responsive and take advantage of possible opportunities as they develop in order to have development impact.A Memorandum of Understanding was signed in August 1995 initiating the USAID-funded medical partnership between Boulder Community Hospital in Colorado and City Clinical Hospital Number 2 in Dushanbe. The fact that Boulder and Dushanbe are "sister cities" helps strengthen the relationship. Also, a full program of training and technical assistance in reproductive health began in October 1994. As a result, modern family planning guidelines have been established. There are two fully staffed and equipped service delivery/clinical training sites, one in Khojent and one in Dushanbe.
USAID-funded advisors developed capacity in modern epidemiological methods with computerization of infectious disease surveillance to the oblast level. USAID-funded technical assistance was also critical in the identification and reporting of malaria cases, in turn attracting the attention of the World Health Organization in its efforts to control malaria in southern Tajikistan.
In the past, the NIS Exchanges and Training program provided U.S. short-term training for Tajikistan. Almost three hundred Tajik counterparts participated in such training programs in the U.S. during the 1994-1996 period. Under a new, follow-on training effort, some 37 Tajiks should participate in U.S.-based training programs in 1996, with many more benefitting from a variety of in-country and third-country training efforts. Already, the training program has been beneficial in exposing Tajik officials and private citizens to new ideas, which form an important resource for economic restructuring once political consensus is reached and national reconciliation leads to the restoration of stability in Tajikistan. This effort benefits Tajiks at all levels by training qualified public officials who are able to establish laws and regulations that are transparent and foster the growth of markets and democratic government. New entrepreneurs will benefit as they establish links with potential future U.S. commercial partners.
In-country training programs are based in part on a USAID-funded Resource Center in Dushanbe, where returning participants can utilize e-mail and fax facilities to keep in touch with U.S. trainers and contacts, and have access to duplicating equipment to reproduce reports and other materials. During the coming year, this in-country effort will be strengthened and expanded through a series of seminars, workshops and conferences, principally conducted by technical experts located in Central Asia. The government of Tajikistan has been highly appreciative of these training efforts, which are coordinated with programs offered by other donors such as the World Bank, UNDP and EU-TACIS.
TAJIKISTAN
FY 1998 PROGRAM SUMMARY*
Strategic Objectives
Economic Restructuring Democratic Transition
Social Stabilization Cross-cutting / Special Initiatives Total Privatization -- -- -- -- -- Fiscal Reform -- -- -- -- -- Private Enterprise 6,000,000 -- -- -- 6,000,000 Financial Reform -- -- -- -- -- Energy 500,000 -- -- -- 500,000 Citizens' Participation -- 1,000,000 -- -- 1,000,000 Legal Systems -- -- -- -- -- Local Government -- -- -- -- -- Crises -- -- 400,000 -- 400,000 Social Benefits -- -- 1,000,000 -- 1,000,000 Environmental Health -- -- 1,000,000 -- 1,000,000 Cross-cutting / Special Initiatives -- -- -- 5,500,000 5,500,000 TOTAL 6,500,000 1,000,000 2,400,000 5,500,000 15,400,000 *FREEDOM Support Act (FSA) Funds
USAID Mission Director: Patricia K. Buckles
ACTIVITY DATA SHEET
PROGRAM: TAJIKISTAN
TITLE: Private Enterprise, 110-S001.3
STATUS: Continuing
PROPOSED OBLIGATION AND FUNDING SOURCE: FY 1998: $6,000,000 FREEDOM Support Act
INITIAL OBLIGATION: FY 1995; ESTIMATED COMPLETION DATE: FY 2000
Purpose: Improved, more sustainable business operations
Background: During 1996, Tajikistan made substantial progress in stabilizing its overall macroeconomic situation. This was recognized at the country's first Consultative Group meetings in Tokyo in October 1996, which commended the country for its successful efforts to lower inflation and introduce liberalization measures in a number of sectors. Building on these early successes, additional training and technical assistance to promote economic restructuring and private sector development is envisaged.
USAID Role and Achievements to Date: So far, USAID has engaged with Tajik counterparts on economic reform and private sector development measures, mainly through NET training courses and modest, targeted technical assistance. Most recently, a USAID-funded privatization advisor has played a crucial role in setting the stage for a large World-Bank funded privatization effort scheduled to begin shortly. In-country training programs related to banking, economic restructuring, and privatization have also been effective in orientating Tajik policymakers to possible reform measures. Similarly, a tour of Tajik policymakers to observe the Kazakstan privatization program in 1996 helped set the stage for further progress on privatization in Tajikistan. Building on these initial activities, USAID believes it is appropriate to also move toward technical assistance to help plan and implement specific reform measures. This targeted technical assistance effort is due to take place in 1997 and continue into 1998.
Description: Modest technical assistance is planned in one or more of a number of possible areas, including banking, privatization, and the legal and regulatory environment needed to promote private sector growth. Similarly, a new regional oil, gas and electricity initiative may offer opportunity to engage on legal and regulatory issues related to investments in the energy sector. These technical assistance efforts would be supplemented by a variety of training "packages" involving in-country, third country, and U.S.-based training.
Host Country and Other Donors: USAID will continue to work closely with the various governmental entities involved in private sector development and economic restructuring issues. The World Bank and IMF are at this point directly engaged in this effort. USAID coordinates closely with these two institutions on their activities and in some instances, such as in the recent placement of a privatization advisor in Dushanbe, directly supports their programs. Activities are also coordinated with those of other donors such as EU-TACIS and UNDP which are interested in economic reform issues.
Beneficiaries: Entrepreneurs and those involved in private sector development stand to benefit from this initiative. More broadly, the citizens of Tajikistan would benefit from economic reform that leads to sustainable economic growth.
Principal Contractors, Grantees, or Agencies: To be determined. Mission plans to buy into existing assistance mechanisms or to competitively procure services depending on which will provide the best benefit to the U.S. Government, cost and other factors considered.
Major Results Indicators*:
*Indicators and targets will be finalized during the next planning cycle.
ACTIVITY DATA SHEET
PROGRAM: TAJIKISTAN
TITLE: Energy, 110-S001.5 (CAR Regional)
STATUS: Continuing
PROPOSED OBLIGATION AND FUNDING SOURCE: FY 1998: $500,000 FREEDOM Support Act
INITIAL OBLIGATION: FY 1996; ESTIMATED COMPLETION DATE: FY 1999
Purpose: A more economically sound and environmentally sustainable energy system.
Background: Central Asia is rich in all major energy resources including oil, gas, coal and hydropower. The U.S. has a strong interest in the political and economic stability of this resource rich and strategically located region. The challenge is to develop a policy framework conducive to private investment and a market economy that will promote efficient, safe and environmentally sound resource recovery including the development of new transportation routes, thereby, assisting the region in realizing its potential as a significant contributor to world petroleum supply. Furthermore, energy has the potential to serve as the engine for future economic growth for the entire region.
USAID Role and Achievements to Date: USAID has provided advice in the preparation of an international oil and gas consortium for the Aral Sea Basin and has aided the Kazakstan state entity charged with development of Kazakstan's interests in the Caspian Sea, Kazakcaspishelf. In Kazakstan, consultants have also assisted in drafting rules and regulations for licensing and environmental safeguards, and preparation of a pipeline tariff methodology, critical in removing policy impediments for investment in and development of oil and gas. Monthly round tables between industry and the U.S. Government within a consultative framework developed jointly by the U.S. Embassy and USAID/Central Asia have been of great value.
USAID's continued work in the power sector of Kazakstan and Kyrgyzstan has contributed to policy reforms leading to the sale of over 50% of the Kazakstani electric power system to private investors including a U.S. corporation, and establishment of the first NIS independent regulatory commission in Kyrgyzstan. In Kyrgyzstan, assistance has been critical in passing energy and electricity laws, conditions for the World Bank and Asian Development Bank's $90 million loan for Kyrgyzstan power and district heating rehabilitation and modernization.
Description: USAID assistance is within the context of a U.S./Central Asian Republic Regional Energy Initiative focusing on (a) improving the legal and regulatory framework for oil and gas exploration, production and transportation; (b) identifying future markets for natural gas and defining investment opportunities for expanded and more efficient use of natural gas; and © further restructuring and regulatory reform in electric power and strengthening of regional electricity cooperation.
Building on work which has already begun in Kazakstan, oil and gas sector policy assistance is expected to begin in early 1997 in Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. This assistance will develop a legal and regulatory framework promoting market competition, transparency, and accountability. Ongoing power sector work in the region is designed to further strengthen national and regional power markets, and facilitate intra-regional trade in electricity by introducing internationally acceptable commercial contracts and pricing practices. This is based on USAID's success in developing a regional power grid in the Baltic countries. This assistance will integrate the Central Asian power markets into larger and more viable markets for investment in new hydro and gas-fired generation, as well as transmission projects within and outside the region - - which may include markets in China and Pakistan.
Host Country and Other Donors: USAID works with counterpart ministries in the governments of Kazakstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, and to a limited extent in Tajikistan. The other bilateral and multilateral agencies include the World Bank, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, the Asian Development Bank, and EU/TACIS.
Beneficiaries: This assistance will benefit local industrial and residential consumers in ensuring reliable and efficient energy resources and in expanding the diversity of their energy supply.
Principal Contractors, Grantees, or Agencies: Hagler-Bailly is the principal implementor, but assistance is also being provided by Burns and Roe, the U.S. Energy Association, and the U.S. Department of Energy.
Major Results Indicators: Baseline TargetNumber of independent regulatory agencies established. 0 (1994) 3 (1999)
Private investment in power systems increased. 0 (1994) 2 (1999)
Legal and regulatory framework established for oil and gas exploration and development. 0 (1994) 2 (1999)
ACTIVITY DATA SHEET
PROGRAM: TAJIKISTAN
TITLE: Increased, better informed citizens' participation 110-S002.1
STATUS: Continuing
PROPOSED OBLIGATION AND FUNDING SOURCE: FY 1998: $1,000,000 FREEDOM Support Act
INITIAL OBLIGATION: FY 1995; ESTIMATED COMPLETION DATE: FY 2000
Purpose: Increased citizens' participation in political and economic decision-making
Background: Efforts to bring about political consensus in Tajikistan have proven to be both long and arduous. Nonetheless, opportunities do exist to promote reconciliation, enhance information flows, and increase the participation of Tajik citizens in the economic and political life of the country. Indeed, the aftermath of civil war and the economic decline have in a number of instances left vacuums that can be filled in part by local community groups working together to achieve common goals. Similarly, the presence of a large number of US and other foreign private voluntary organizations (PVOs) provide a graphic and often impressive demonstration of the importance of non-government organizations (NGOs), including local NGOs, in any society.
USAID Role and Achievements to Date: USAID has engaged with Tajik counterparts on civil society issues through a combination of U.S. training, in-country training, and modest technical assistance. Results have been encouraging. For example, a legal information center was established in Dushanbe and local NGOs have participated in a number of conferences and training sessions aimed at enhancing their role and effectiveness in Tajikistan. Also, following a seminar on independent media law, the government is putting forward a new media law that should promote independent media in Tajikistan. Already, at least one independent television station is operating in the country.
Description: The modest NGO and media support activities of the past will likely continue in FY1997 and again in FY1998. In many instances, examples and "lessons learned" from other countries in Central Asia will be brought to bear on the Tajikistan experience. If a political breakthrough is achieved and the ongoing peace talks involving the various Tajik political factions are successfully concluded, additional opportunities for work in the democratization/civil society arena may also emerge.
Host Country and Other Donors: USAID will work with both private citizens and government counterparts to undertake this effort. Other donors, including the EU and the various UN agencies, are also involved in a variety of activities that promote greater local participation, especially in the NGO sector. Donors meet regularly to discuss areas of common concern, and this coordination should continue in future.
Beneficiaries: All citizens of Tajikistan would benefit from activities that promote democracy, encourage a civil society, and expand the role that private individuals are able to play in the economic and political life of the country.
Principal Contractors, Grantees, or Agencies: Counterpart Consortium and Eurasia Foundation are engaged in promoting democratization in Tajikistan, among other groups. Additional groups may be funded later. Where appropriate, Mission would buy into existing assistance mechanisms or to competitively procure services depending on which will provide the best benefit to the U.S. Government, cost and other factors considered.
Major Results Indicators*: *Indicators and targets will be finalized during the nest planning cycle.
ACTIVITY DATA SHEET
PROGRAM: TAJIKISTAN
TITLE: Reduced human suffering and crisis impact 110-S003.1
STATUS: Continuing
PROPOSED OBLIGATION AND FUNDING SOURCE: FY 1998: $400,000 FREEDOM Support Act
INITIAL OBLIGATION: FY 1993; ESTIMATED COMPLETION DATE: FY 2000
Purpose: Reduced human suffering and crisis impact.
Background: Humanitarian relief programs funded by UNHCR, USAID and others have been largely successful in dealing with the aftermath of the 1992 civil war, which resulted in many deaths, the departure of tens of thousands of local citizens, and the destruction of many thousands of homes, schools, health centers, and other facilities. Much of the damage was concentrated in the Katlon area immediately south of the capital, Dushanbe. Although political consensus has not yet been achieved and the situation remains very fragile, most Tajiks who fled during the civil war have now been able to return home. Recognizing this, the UNHCR has reduced its presence and transferred responsibility for more long-term development programs to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
A 1996 evaluation indicated that USAID resources have helped the U.S. Private Voluntary Organizations (PVOs) leverage resources from other donors. It also noted that U.S. PVOs were an effective means for delivering humanitarian assistance in the period immediately following the civil war. The PVOs working in Tajikistan have now made the transition from providing purely humanitarian assistance to development type programs, thus improving the likelihood for achieving sustainability in the social sector. As a result, USAID made a strategic choice to request proposals for the 1996 program which address larger development concerns in the areas of health, agriculture, and income generation in a cost effective manner.
USAID Role and Achievements to Date: USAID-supported work has been carried out through contributions to international organizations and American PVOs. Emergency funds provided major support for feeding programs, including food-for-work activities and the provision of food for especially vulnerable groups such as women and school children. Other types of humanitarian assistance were also provided. For example, approximately 500,000 people were provided with food, 40,000 people gained access to potable water in various project sites, 260,000 people had better access to basic health services and 62,000 people were provided with shelter. As USAID shifts towards more sustainable development projects, programs have been able to expand to include health, water, income generation, employment and agricultural development. Funding has also been provided for a small hydro generating plant in the isolated Gorno-Badakshan area of Tajikistan.
Description: USAID-funded American PVOs will remain a significant programming vehicle, but some resources may also be channeled through international agencies. Building on current PVO activities underway in Tajikistan, funding will be provided for further activities and continued expansion into other areas of the country. USAID plans to have future programs increasingly focus on more long term, sustainable development concerns, in part by strengthening partnerships with local communities and putting in place programs which can continue once donor assistance ends. This could include programs in housing, health, agriculture, and microenterprise development. Programs such as these will also provide important links to USAID social transition and market transition goals. If completely successful, this strategic objective will then be eliminated and replaced by activities directly linked to USAID objectives in the economic restructuring and social transition arena.
Host Country and Other Donors: Donor coordination in Tajikistan is excellent and is regarded as among the most effective in the former Soviet Union. Various donor groups meet weekly to discuss programs and exchange information on important security issues affecting Tajikistan. Occasional sector-specific meetings are also held. Lead organizations include the United Nations (UNDP, UNICEF, WHO, etc.), bilateral donors including various European organizations, and a variety of American and international PVOs. Both the World Bank and the UNDP are supporting new initiatives that rely largely on local and foreign NGOs to manage and deliver badly needed goods and services to many areas of Tajikistan.
Beneficiaries: Direct beneficiaries include those who have benefitted from food, medical services, housing, and water provided by the various USAID-funded groups. In particular, tens of thousands of refugees and internally displaced persons have been helped as a result of the USAID program. Vulnerable groups, including women and children, have especially benefitted.
Principal Contractors, Grantees, or Agencies: American PVOs play a significant role in providing USAID-funded humanitarian assistance to Tajikistan. Groups that have received USAID funds thus far include Save the Children, Relief International, International Rescue Committee, CARE, Mercy Corps and the Aga Khan Foundation. Funds have also been provided to a number of international organizations, including the International Federation for the Red Cross, IOM, UNHCR, UNICEF, and UNDP.
Major Results Indicators*:
*Indicators and targets will be finalized during the next planning cycle.
ACTIVITY DATA SHEET
PROGRAM: TAJIKISTAN
TITLE: Improve the sustainability of social benefits and services 110-S003.2
STATUS: New
PROPOSED OBLIGATION AND FUNDING SOURCE: FY 1998: $1,000,000 FREEDOM Support Act
INITIAL OBLIGATION: FY 1998; ESTIMATED COMPLETION DATE: FY 2001
Purpose: Improved sustainability of social benefits and services.
Background: The U.S. was among the most generous donors in responding to hardship resulting from the 1992 civil war and in the humanitarian crisis which followed. The relief programs funded by USAID and other donors were effective in dealing with the immediate aftermath of the civil war and in facilitating a safe return of most refugees. Current USAID-supported work, carried out through contributions to international organizations and American PVOs, is moving away from crisis management to address more long-term development issues. USAID's own support for such programs has also moved progressively in this direction.
USAID Role and Achievements to Date: USAID-supported work has been carried out through contributions to international organizations and American PVOs. USAID expects to build on the work of USAID-funded American PVOs currently underway in Tajikistan in the social sector.
Description: Building on the achievements associated with emergency humanitarian assistance--and assuming movement on the part of the Government of Tajikistan in the market transition area--USAID plans to concurrently address long-term, sustainable development concerns in the social sector. This could include programs in housing, health, agriculture, and microenterprise development. Such programs would also be closely linked to market transition goals. Given the Tajik context, mechanisms which address social sector issues by strengthening partnerships with local communities and ensuring programs which can continue once donor assistance ends are favored.
Host Country and Other Donors: Indigenous non-government organizations (NGOs) and various Government of Tajikistan ministries will be considered. Close coordination and collaboration will be maintained with the international donor community including the United Nations (UNDP, UNICEF, WHO, etc.), World Bank, bilateral donors, and a variety of American and international PVOs.
Beneficiaries: Ultimately, all citizens of Tajikistan benefit, especially those in that segment of the population classified as vulnerable (e.g., elderly pensioners, women, children).
Principal Contractors, Grantees, or Agencies: To be determined. Mission plans to "buy in" to existing assistance mechanisms or to competitively procure services depending on which will provide the best benefit to the US, cost and other factors considered.
Major Results Indicators:*
*Indicators and targets will be finalized during the next planning cycle.
ACTIVITY DATA SHEET
PROGRAM: TAJIKISTAN
TITLE: Environmental Health, 110-S003.3 (CAR Regional)
STATUS: Continuing
PROPOSED OBLIGATION AND FUNDING SOURCE: FY 1998: $1,000,000 FREEDOM Support Act
INITIAL OBLIGATION: FY 1993; ESTIMATED COMPLETION DATE: FY 1998
Purpose: Reduced environmental risks to public health.
Background: Following the period of Soviet central planning, a legacy of problems related to industrial pollution and environmental degradation remained. A prime illustration of such environmental degradation is the Aral Sea disaster zone, where several million people have been deprived of access to safe water and have experienced abnormally high rates of morbidity, non-specific diarrheas, and viral hepatitis. While much of USAID's early environmental efforts were focused on humanitarian assistance to the impacted Central Asian population, the challenge now is to focus on reform measures that will reduce levels of urban and industrial pollution in the region and to establish the policy and institutional framework to manage precious natural resources, including water.
USAID Role and Achievements to Date: USAID's Aral Sea program has provided safe drinking water for 1.1 million persons, improved the health/sanitation practices of 1.5 million persons, and already promoted significant policy changes needed for more efficient water use. The turnover to local officials of water treatment/transmission equipment combined with related training in Kazakstan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan are graphic demonstrations that USAID is one of the few donors delivering concrete results in the Aral Sea disaster zone.
In an effort to prevent the poor planning and resource utilization that lead up to issues like the Aral Sea disaster, all five republics have participated in seminars for regional water cooperation; are conducting analyses required for the introduction of water pricing; and have established short-term regional water sharing agreements. In Kazakstan, draft legislation is being prepared for establishing water user associations, a new national environmental law, and a pilot air pollution emissions program. While the first phase in developing a national environmental action plan in Kazakstan is now underway, legislation is now being prepared for establishing air pollution standards in Uzbekistan.
Description: USAID assistance appears critical for the Central Asians to maintain the needed focus on policy reform, including the introduction of rational water pricing schemes and regional agreements on water sharing and quality control among all the affected states in the Aral Sea basin. Additional emphasis is also being placed on the passage of reform legislation which would establish water user associations, waste management guidelines/requirements, and a pollution fines system. Strong coordination with other donors is essential as the Agency begins to phase down its own direct involvement. This coordination offers important opportunities for USAID to use its own field experience to leverage substantial resources and help shape the programs and policy agendas offered by other donors.
Host Country and Other Donors: The World Bank, United Nations Development Program, and EU-TACIS have been involved in these efforts. Major host country counterparts include the Interstate Council for the Aral Sea - Sustainable Development Commission, heads of state water agencies from each of the various republics, and various other ministries of each republic. In addition, there has been substantial collaboration with a wide range of other officials at the local and national levels.
Beneficiaries: This assistance seeks to benefit all Central Asia citizens by reducing serious environmental hazards which they encounter in their daily life.
Principal Contractors, Grantees, or Agencies: These organizations include CH2M-Hill Consortium, Harvard Institute for International Development, World Environmental Center, Moscow State University and ISAR Cooperative Agreement.
Major Results Indicators: Baseline Target*National water pricing strategies support policy changes at the local and national levels 0 (1994) TBD
Critical watersheds subject to effective management and control policies/international treaties 0 (1994) TBD
Agricultural water management investments leveraged by other donors (bilateral and multilateral) $0 (1995) TBD
*Target data will be developed during the next planning period.
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