The Livestock and Pasture Development Project (LMDP) in Kyrgyzstan worked to improve livestock productivity and strengthen the climate resilience of rural pasture communities in managing local pastures, livestock health, and the development of income-generating activities.
Rural communities in Kyrgyzstan, many of whom depend on pastures for their livelihoods, make up a large share of the country’s population. Pastureland is not only vital to the economy but also deeply tied to Kyrgyzstan’s social and cultural identity, with herd animals rooted in its historic nomadic traditions. However, nearly 40% of agricultural land is severely degraded or exposed to erosion, reflecting challenges in pasture management and contributing to declining livestock productivity. On top of this, Kyrgyzstan’s geography and topography make it highly disaster-prone, with climate change further intensifying the pressures on pastureland.
The Livestock and Pasture Development Project (LMDP) was implemented in the three southwestern regions of Kyrgyzstan, Osh, Jalal-Abad and Batken, and supported community-based pasture associations to enhance governance, ensure more sustainable land use, and build resilience to climate change by supporting community-based associations. The project consists of two main components. The first focuses on inclusive and sustainable pasture management, providing pasture-related institutions with training, technical assistance, and financial support to strengthen governance. The second targets improved animal health and monitoring, including the introduction of a veterinary education program, information campaigns, and training in both animal health and early warning systems. In addition, the project supplies modern equipment and capacity building for veterinarians.
What methods will be employed?
C4ED was contracted to conduct an impact assessment with the goal of measuring changes in beneficiaries’ livelihoods as a direct result of project investments in three southern regions. The assessment followed a mixed-methods approach, using both qualitative and quantitative data, and provided IFAD with lessons learned to improve programming as well as an estimate of the overall portfolio impact through aggregation analysis. It also aimed to inform implementing institutions at the regional, national, and international levels on community-based natural resource management (CBNRM) and livestock sector development.