Since 2005, EU-UNDP-supported projects for the improvement of living standards have been implemented in 3 regions of Uzbekistan i.e. Karakalpakstan, Namangan and Fergana under the Enhancement of Living Standards programme. The ELS projects have used an integrated approach in which the components of community development and income generation serve as complementary pilot interventions in support of the preparation of regional development plans based on key development targets included in the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). The ELS (Phase II) in Namangan region operates in Namangan, Yangikurgan, Norin and Chust districts.

 

The successful implementation of the project in Namangan and Karakalpakstan during 2005 and 2006 has made it possible to expand the collaboration between the EU and UNDP further Fergana region during 20062-2007. After the successful implementation of the ELS Phase I in Namangan during 2005-2007, the EU decided to extend its support to the continuation of the programme Namangan (Phase II) and Andijan until 2009. The Government efforts in poverty reduction, are further supported by the European Union and UNDP, and continue to build on the ELS experience in the Fergana Valley.

It uses the MDGs as a starting point to identify problems and target setting, both when assisting the authorities to prepare development plans and address community problems. In this way it seeks to foster a dialogue with authorities and communities and at the same time, ensure coherence of field interventions with national planning and the WIS. It is flexible as it tries to be highly responsive to changes so that project interventions can remain relevant and appropriate to the local context.