Rural livelihoods in Tajikistan: What factors and policies in fl uence the income and well-being of rural families?

Zvi Lerman*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapterpeer-review

10 Scopus citations

Abstract

This chapter is an analysis of data derived from several studies of the economic effects of land reform on rural families in Tajikistan. The history of land allocation after the dissolution of the Soviet Union is briefly reviewed, and the implications for agricultural productivity and rural incomes are discussed. Enlarging family land holdings and improving productivity are the keys to raising rural family incomes, which is one of the most direct factors that mitigate vulnerability and poverty. Options for enlargement of family holdings and productivity improvement are outlined. Family incomes today are strongly dependent on a single source, with 50-70% deriving from agriculture. The risks associated with this income strategy can be reduced through diversification of income sources, which requires strengthening nonfarm occupations, wage employment, and entrepreneurial activities. Risks associated with income variability can also be reduced by diversifying farm production between crops and livestock, on the one hand, and between a mix of different crops (cereals, vegetables, fruits), on the other.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationRangeland Stewardship in Central Asia
Subtitle of host publicationBalancing Improved Livelihoods, Biodiversity Conservation and Land Protection
PublisherSpringer Netherlands
Pages165-187
Number of pages23
ISBN (Electronic)9789400753679
ISBN (Print)9789400753662
DOIs
StatePublished - 1 Jan 2012

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht 2012.

Keywords

  • Adaptive capacity
  • Azerbaijan
  • Consumption of own products
  • Dehkan farms
  • Diversification
  • Freedom to farm
  • Georgia
  • Horticulture
  • Land allocation
  • Land reform
  • Land tenure
  • Livelihoods
  • Livestock
  • Microfinance
  • Productivity
  • Remittances
  • Rural households
  • Rural incomes
  • Smallholders
  • Vulnerability

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