Tajikistan launches UN-backed food reform to improve nutrition
New $2 million program aims to reshape food systems, boost local agriculture, and support 2.8 million people across the country
DUSHANBE, Tajikistan (MNTV) — Tajikistan has launched a major food system reform initiative aimed at tackling malnutrition, strengthening domestic agriculture, and reducing reliance on food imports. Backed by multiple United Nations agencies, the program is expected to impact more than 2.8 million people across urban and rural regions.
The initiative, titled “Changing the Food System to Improve Nutrition,” is a joint effort between the Tajik government and UN agencies including the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), UNICEF, the World Health Organization (WHO), and the World Food Programme (WFP).
The Times of Central Asia reported that the project carries a budget of $2 million and is being framed as a cornerstone of Tajikistan’s broader Sustainable Development Goals agenda.
UN Resident Coordinator Parvati Ramaswamy called the program a collaborative platform for donors, agencies, and international partners. Mahmoud Shirindjonzoda, First Deputy Chairman of the Food Security Committee, stressed that food system reform rooted in innovation and sustainability is critical to building a healthier generation.
The program is structured around four key pillars:
- National Nutrition Standards ($650,000): Development of new dietary guidelines, training seminars for health professionals and educators, and the introduction of updated nutritional protocols in schools and hospitals.
- Building a Culture of Nutrition ($300,000): Mass awareness campaigns, educational outreach, and regional initiatives designed to promote healthy dietary habits across different age groups and communities.
- Sustainable Agriculture and Green Products ($850,000): Training farmers, establishing school gardens, and supporting eco-friendly local products. The component includes targeted support for women and youth in agribusiness and introduces a new certification system for environmentally sustainable goods.
- Monitoring and Strategic Planning ($200,000): Creation of a national nutrition assessment system, alongside frameworks for data-driven policymaking and long-term food security planning.
A core goal of the reform is to enhance the state’s ability to provide nutritious food to vulnerable groups, particularly in remote and underserved areas. By integrating nutrition into both policy and practice, the program aims to bridge gaps between food access, health, and sustainability.
Another major focus is shifting consumer behavior and supply chains away from imported products. Promoting local, environmentally sustainable alternatives is seen as essential for building food sovereignty and protecting small-scale producers.
While Tajikistan faces ongoing challenges in public health and food security, officials say this new effort represents a significant step forward in linking agriculture, nutrition, and governance under a unified national strategy.
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