Uzbekistan: Sustainable economic development in selected regions - aquaculture and fisheries component

Project Background

Uzbekistan has one of the fastest growing economies in Central Asia. However, this growth has not yet been fully transformed into a balanced and sustainable development that reaches all regions, sectors and social strata of the country. Poverty is still a problem, especially in rural areas.

Particular problems exist in the country's fisheries and aquaculture sector, especially in Karakalpakstan, where fishing in the Aral Sea was an important economic factor until the 1960s. The use of the waters of the Amur-Darya and Syr-Darya rivers for irrigation purposes led to the disappearance of large parts of the lake and the complete cessation of fishing activities on the Uzbek side. 

Between 1970 and 1980, new resources were developed through the creation of lakes and reservoirs and the introduction of aquaculture systems. However, fish production in these systems declined significantly with the end of the Soviet Union and has recovered only slowly since then.

Objectives

Objective of the overall project is to improve the conditions for a sustainable, comprehensive and ecologic growth in the project region. This includes activities on the macro- meso- and micro-level, including a development of value chains for selected products. One of these products is fish from aquaculture and inland capture fisheries, for which value chains shall be developed in Karakalpakstan, in particular for small and medium-sized enterprises. Support services for these enterprises shall be strengthened and the institutional framework for innovation, growth and employment be improved.

Activities and/or Results

• Carrying out of a sector study, covering natural potential, current production, market situation, institutional framework, ecologic conditions and other aspects.
• Improvement of fish reproduction and hatchery operation
• Design of productions models for fish farming, in particular of Chinese and common carp
• Strengthening of extension services
• Strengthening of veterinary and sanitary services
• Institutional strengthening of the fisheries association
• Selection and delivery of equipment