Agricultural Value Chains (AVC) - Uzbekistan FY 2017 - Quarter 2 - Report

The project's Development Objective is to support the Regional Development Cooperation Strategy (RDCS) by creating employment opportunities, improving incomes, and increasing fruit yield and quality. The AVC Activity is organized into four Components, each targeting economic actors along select fruit and vegetable value chains. Component 1 focuses on improving the quality and volume of agricultural production, while Component 2 aims to improve post-harvest handling and production. Component 3 facilitates market linkages, and Component 4 links educational institutions with private sector demand. The project will work in 33 districts across 12 of the 13 provinces of Uzbekistan, with activities in at least one district of each province plus the city of Tashkent. The geographic focus includes edible horticulture, with a particular emphasis on stone fruits, pome fruits, and grapes, as well as vegetables and gourds. The project has made significant progress in its first quarter, with standard financial and administrative support provided to the technical teams. The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed between the Government of Uzbekistan and USAID in September 2016 has allowed the project to begin technical activities, and the re-registration of DAI as a Resident Representation in December 2016 has facilitated the project's registration process. The project's registration will enable it to import duty-free items listed in the registration documents, and the updated financial figures submitted to the Government of Uzbekistan in March 2017 have been accepted. The project's registration process is expected to be completed by the end of the quarter, allowing it to proceed with its activities. The AVC Activity has a strong focus on collaboration with other donor programs, and it is working to strengthen relationships between educational institutions and the private sector. The project also places a high priority on women in agriculture, recognizing the important role that women play in the country's agricultural sector. The project's monitoring and evaluation activities are ongoing, with a focus on tracking progress towards its Development Objective. The project's communications and outreach efforts are also underway, with a goal of raising awareness about the project's activities and achievements. In terms of environmental compliance, the project is committed to minimizing its environmental impact and is working to implement measures to mitigate any potential negative effects. The project's issue(s) section highlights the need for ongoing monitoring and evaluation to ensure that the project is meeting its objectives and making a positive impact on the country's agricultural sector. Overall, the AVC Activity in Uzbekistan is a significant initiative aimed at improving the competitiveness and food security of the country's agricultural sector. The project's focus on collaboration, women in agriculture, and environmental compliance makes it a model for sustainable development in the region.