Switzerland and Aga Khan Foundation provide humanitarian aid to farmers of Naryn oblast of Kyrgyzstan

Local news, 22.05.2020

To respond to the socio-economic risks arising from the spread of the coronavirus in the region, fodder seeds and fertilizers as well as individual protection materials were provided to farmers and veterinarians in Naryn oblast of Kyrgyzstan.

Delivery of humanitarian aid © Aga Khan Foundation, 2020

This humanitarian aid was transferred as part of the project “Emergency support to the livestock sector in Naryn and At-Bashy districts of Naryn oblast” supported by the Government of Switzerland and the Aga Khan Foundation in the Kyrgyz Republic.

The project in cooperation with local authorities provides support to more than 300 vulnerable farmer households of Naryn and At-Bashy districts of Naryn oblast. The farmers received 40 tons of barley seeds, 8 tons of sainfoin seeds and 10 tons of the ammophos fertilizer to grow fodder crops on 260 hectares and to support self-sustainability of farmers during the crisis period.

Since livestock is a key source of income in Naryn region, veterinarians of these areas have also been provided with personal protective equipment to allow safe working conditions. The equipment included 100 pieces of medical respiratory masks, 700 pairs of gloves and 100 pieces of protective goggles. This assistance was delivered through the Veterinary and Phytosanitary Safety Directorate of At-Bashy and Naryn districts.

The COVID-19 pandemic has negatively affected the socio-economic situation of farmers and the key response was to provide timely support during sowing season. These measures will allow people in vulnerable situation to continue working, safe vaccination of their livestock and support food security situation in the region.

During the delivery of humanitarian aid all sanitary precautionary measures were ensured.

Local news, 14.07.2020

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic in Kyrgyzstan, the Swiss project “Strengthening Voice and Accountability” has allocated more than 6 million soms to 30 local self-governments of Naryn, Chui and Osh oblasts to help around 5000 families in need.

Delivery of humanitarian aid © Swiss project “Strengthening Voice and Accountability”, 2020

This project is funded by the Government of Switzerland through the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and implemented by Development Policy Institute.

The humanitarian aid has been provided in the form of food packages: flour, pasta, granulated sugar, buckwheat, condensed milk, tea, vegetable oil. Each family in need has received this food package worth about 1,200 soms. The list of vulnerable people mainly included low-income families with children with disabilities.

All products have been locally purchased through an open competition. To ensure transparency and accountability local commissions were created, which included representatives of aiyl okmotu and mayor offices, deputies of aiyl kenesh, members of joint monitoring and evaluation groups and active representatives of local communities.

The commissions have participated in receipt and distribution of assistance to persons in need of humanitarian aid according to the list taking into account previously received assistance from other sources.

In addition, the Swiss project has provided antiseptics for visitors and staff of aiyl okmotu and mayor offices.