In Andijan the project will help the regional authorities to improve regional planning and test concrete actions to improve people’s access to services in two communities. In Namangan the project will help 50 communities to come together and rehabilitate basic infrastructure and provide access to microfinance.

The philosophy of the project is to tap on locally available resources to improve living standards in a way that people can fell, touch and see. Andijan and Namangan have a lot in common in terms of infrastructure requirements, sanitation, power, electricity, and telephone communications – all of which need to be upgraded. In both regions, agriculture is an important source of economic growth. Small businesses, and rural enterprise, family-run tourism facilities and national handcrafts production and marketing, provide alternative sources of income. Banking on people’s resilience and ingenuity, the project is determined to make the best use of EU resources and UNDP support and deliver the results expected by the donors and the local communities.

The Fergana Valley consists of three regions Andijan, Fergana and Namangan with approximately 30% of the total population of Uzbekistan, totalling to 7 million. The Fergana Valley is a very fertile region with significant industrial and agricultural potential, such as agricultural machinery, oil and oil refining, chemicals and fertilizers. The ELS programme now is able to cover the three regions in the Valley and will draw together and impart initiatives, community projects, and strategies that will be as models of best practices and, experiences where invaluable lessons will be learned.