Agriculture and livestock farming are among the key sectors responsible for providing food to humanity. At the same time, they exert a certain pressure on the environment due to their use of natural resources and their exposure to climate change, while also being among the sectors affected by its consequences. To maintain this balance, the French Development Agency (AFD) has identified transforming the agricultural sector into a sustainable and environmentally friendly sector as one of its key priorities.
Greenhouse gas emissions, water and land resource protection
In its projects, AFD focuses on addressing the most important environmental issues, which are closely interconnected. First and foremost, emphasis is placed on reducing greenhouse gas emissions from livestock farming and mitigating the effects of climate change. Without the introduction of modern green practices, emissions will continue to increase as production volumes grow.
At the same time, the Agency aims to protect freshwater resources and preserve soil fertility. In addition, the rational use of energy, biodiversity conservation, and more efficient use of natural resources remain among the organization’s key priorities.
Why are these environmental issues particularly important for Uzbekistan?
These environmental challenges are of particular strategic importance for Uzbekistan. Since the 1950s, the country’s average temperature has been rising twice as fast as the global average, while pastures and deserts account for 80% of its territory. Declining water resources and soil degradation are having a significant impact on livestock farming and the productivity of the agricultural sector as a whole.
For this reason, AFD, together with the Government of Uzbekistan, is implementing the Green Economy Support Program for 2022–2026.
Green reforms and comprehensive solutions for the future
The concessional loans and technical assistance provided by the Agency are aimed at promoting the efficient management of water resources, developing renewable energy, and introducing environmentally friendly technologies. As a result, a new economic model is being developed that helps conserve resources and reduce harmful emissions into the atmosphere.
This systematic approach will enable livestock farmers and agricultural producers in Uzbekistan to run profitable businesses that are more resilient to climate change while conserving water and land resources.
Source: prepared based on data from the official website of the French Development Agency.
