Agricultural Assistance to Vulnerable, Food-Insecure Female-Headed Households in Kyrgyzstan

Abstract

Agriculture can be an important engine of growth and poverty reduction. But the general trends in agricultural production in Kyrgyzstan over the last couple of decades have been negative. Numerous reasons for this unfavorable situation have been published. Natural causes, such as environmental degradation, distorted production in favor of export crops, economic crisis, and a poor education system. This paper is concerned with the question how vulnerable female-headed households in rural areas of Kyrgyzstan may improve their own food security situation and increase agricultural production. The study will propose possible measures to improve production of vegetables. The findings are based on a review of general policies and of the objectives of certain institutions.