Uzbekistan: Sustainable economic development in selected regions - aquaculture and fisheries (first phase)

Project Background

Uzbekistan has one of the fastest growing economies of 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. In particular in rural areas, poverty still is a problem.

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 a 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 since then.

Objectives

The aim of the overall project was to improve the conditions for sustainable, inclusive and ecological growth in the project region. This included activities at the macro, meso and micro levels, including a development of value chains for selected products. One of these products was fish from aquaculture and inland fisheries, for which value chains had to be developed in Karakalpakstan, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises. Support services for these enterprises had to be strengthened and the institutional framework for innovation, growth and employment was to be improved.

Activities and 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