| Sustainable Development |
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| 24.12.2008 |
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Over the past years, farming has become
increasingly reliant on pesticides, fertilizers, and hormones. While
this can contribute to rise in yield, it wreaks havoc on human health
and the natural environment.
The Enhancement of Living Standards (ELS)
project in Karakalpakstan and Namangan region in Uzbekistan which was
started in 2005 is a joint effort by the European Union and UNDP. The
project focuses on three interventions which are related to development
of regional and local strategies with an active participation of the
people in the community, in preparation and implementation of regional
and local development strategies. Secondly, the project works to
empower local communities by encouraging communities to implement
self-help schemes and undertake rehabilitation of social
infrastructures. The income generation and diversification component
works to improve the quality of the existing sources of revenue through
income generation and diversification, support to job creation,
financing for rural and urban micro-credit schemes and promotion and
development of agricultural co-operatives.  Over
the past years, farming has become increasingly reliant on pesticides,
fertilizers, and hormones. While this can contribute to rise in yield,
it wreaks havoc on human health and the natural environment. Since
Soviet times in Uzbekistan crop monocultures relied on heavy usage of
agricultural pesticides to control crop pests. The use of pesticides
has further aggravated pest problems by eliminating natural insects
that act to suppress pest population. Although pesticides were
extensively used in Uzbekistan during the 1950’s-70’s, today their use
has declined due to development of resistance and recognition of
pesticide pollution and high costs of pesticide that are not subsidized
any longer. The ELS has helped low-income
agricultural farmers in Karakalpakstan and Namangan region to achieve
greater economies of scale by starting new business schemes for
producing beneficial insects for biological control of pest and plant
protection. The ELS has worked on solutions where synergies between the
environment and development can be reached for more rapid achievement
of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). This is a vital priority in
integrating environmental considerations into project activities, and
for the achievement of MDG 7, ensuring environmental sustainability.
When properly applied biological control efforts can reduce pesticide
use and hence save money and the environment simultaneously. These
agents are inexpensive and effective in plant protection. The
cost-efficiency of the biological agents is a decisive factor in its
marketability, as most small farmers have very limited means. Decreased
use of chemicals among farmers will also force farmers to seek
alternative methods for pest control. Similar initiaves will be
undertaken within the framework of the ELS project in Fergana region.
After signing cooperation agreements with enterprises, financial funds
will be provided for purchasing equipment for setting up biolabs,
technical assistance will also be provided in order to achieve
sustainability and build capacity of these projects. |
Новости и события Sustainable Development