consolidated annual progress report on activities
TRANSCRIPT
Consolidated Annual Progress Report on Activities Implemented under the Kyrgyzstan One Fund
Report of the Administrative Agent of the Kyrgyzstan One Fund
for the Period 1 January to 31 December 2010
Multi-Donor Trust Fund Office Bureau of Management
United Nations Development Programme http://mdtf.undp.org
31 May 2011
Kyrgyzstan One Fund
PARTICIPATING ORGANIZATIONS
Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)
International Labour Organization (ILO)
Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR)
United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF)
United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
United Nations Educational Scientific And Cultural Organization (UNESCO)
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)
United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO)
United Nations Office for Drugs and Crime (UNODC)
United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)
United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNWOMEN)
World Food Programme (WFP)
World Health Organisation (WHO)
CONTRIBUTING DONOR
Expanded DaO Funding Window
US$3,626,000
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Abbreviations and Acronyms
ANC Antenatal Care CDA Community Development Alliance CEMD Confidential Enquiries into Maternal Deaths CF Community Funds CMCs Consultation and Marketing Centres EPC Effective Perinatal Care EWF Expanded Delivering as One Funding Window for Achievement
of the Millennium Development Goals FAO Food and Agriculture Organization FFS Farmer Field Schools FFW Food for Work FGP Family Group Practitioners GEF Global Environment Facility ha Hectares ILO International Labour Organization LAACs Local Authorities Advisory Committees MDGs Millennium Development Goals MDTF Office Multi-Donor Trust Fund Office MoH Ministry of Health MOU Memorandum of Understanding MT Metric Tons NMCR Near Miss Case Reviews NR Natural Resource OHCHR Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights One Programme One UN Programme Participating Organisations United Nations (UN) Organisations PDA Peace and Development Analysis PDFV Peaceful Development in the Fergana Valley PDP Peace and Development Programme SAA Standard Administrative Arrangement SC Steering Committee SHG Self–help Groups SRS State Registration Service UNCT United Nations Country Team UNDAF United Nations Development Assistance Framework, 2005-2011 UNDG UN Development Group UNDP United Nations Development Programme UNESCO United Nations Educational Scientific And Cultural Organization UNEX MDTF Office’s reporting tool UNFPA United Nations Population Fund UNHCR United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees UNICEF United Nations Children’s Fund UNIDO United Nations Industrial Development Organisation UNODC United Nations Office for Drugs and Crime UNV United Nations Volunteer Programme UNWOMEN United Nations Development Fund for Women
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WFP World Food Programme WG Working Group of Experts WHO World Health Organisation WUA Water Users' Associations
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Definitions
Allocation Amount approved by the Kyrgyzstan One Fund Steering Committee for a project.
Approved Project or Joint Programme A project/joint programme that has been approved by the Kyrgyzstan One Fund Steering Committee for which a project or joint programme document has been subsequently signed. Direct Costs Costs that can be traced to or identified as part of the cost of a project in an economically feasible way.
Donor Deposit Cash deposit received by the MDTF Office for the Kyrgyzstan One Fund.
Indirect Cost1 A general cost that cannot be directly related to any particular programme or activity of the organization. These costs are recovered in accordance with each organization’s own financial regulations and rules.
Oblast Oblasts are a type of administrative division of Kyrgyzstan.
Participating Organizations Organizations that have signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the MDTF Office in its capacity as the Administrative Agent of the Kyrgyzstan One Fund.
Project Commitment The amount for which legally binding contracts have been signed, including multi-year commitments which may be disbursed in future years.
Project Disbursement The amount paid to a vendor or entity for goods received, work completed, and/or services rendered (does not include unliquidated obligations).
Project Financial Closure A project is considered financially closed when all financial obligations of an operationally completed project have been settled, and no further financial charges may be incurred.
Project Operational Closure A project is considered operationally closed when all activities for which a Participating Organization is responsible under the approved programmatic document have been completed.
Project Expenditure Amount of project disbursement plus unliquidated obligations related to payments due for the year (except for UN Organizations that have adopted the International Public Sector Accounting Standards [(IPSAS]).
1 UNDG Financial Policies Working Group
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Project Start date Date of transfer of first instalment from the MDTF Office to the Participating Organization.
Renewable Energy Renewable energy is energy generated from natural sources—such as sunlight, wind, rain, tides, and geothermal heat—which are renewable. Renewable energy is derived from natural processes that are replenished constantly. In its various forms, it derives directly from the sun, or from heat generated deep within the earth. Included in the definition are electricity and heat generated from solar, wind, ocean, hydropower, biomass, geothermal resources, as well as biofuels and hydrogen derived from renewable sources. Riparian Forest A riparian forest is an area of trees and shrubs located adjacent to streams, lakes, ponds, and wetlands. Riparian forests of sufficient width intercept sediment, nutrients, pesticides, and other materials in agricultural surface runoff and reduce nutrients and other pollutants in shallow subsurface water flow. Woody vegetation in riparian forests provide food and cover for wildlife, helps lower water temperatures by shading water body, and slows out-of-bank flood flows. Some species established or managed in riparian forests can be managed to provide timber, wood fiber, and horticultural products. Sustainable Energy Sustainable energy sources include all renewable sources, such as biofuels, solar power, wind power, wave power, geothermal power and tidal power. It usually also includes technologies that improve energy efficiency.
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Table of Contents
Executive Summary ................................................................................................................................................... 1
1 Introduction ......................................................................................................................................................... 5
1.1 Governance Arrangements......................................................................................................................... 6
1.1.1 Kyrgyzstan One Fund Steering Committee .................................................................................. 6
1.1.2 The Administrative Agent ............................................................................................................ 8
2 Project Implementation ....................................................................................................................................... 9
2.1 Project Implementation Status by Thematic Area ..................................................................................... 9
2.1.1 Thematic Area: Social Services .................................................................................................... 9
2.1.2 Thematic Area: Food Security ...................................................................................................... 9
2.1.3 Thematic Area: Agriculture ........................................................................................................ 10
2.1.4 Thematic Area: Energy ............................................................................................................... 10
2.1.5 Thematic Area: Environment ..................................................................................................... 10
2.1.6 Thematic Area: Risk Management ............................................................................................. 11
2.2 Project Challenges ................................................................................................................................... 11
3 One Fund Achievements by Thematic Area ..................................................................................................... 12
4.1 THEMATIC AREA: SOCIAL SERVICES ............................................................................................. 12
4.1.1 Project “Prevention and Reduction of Statelessness” – UNHCR – US$210,801 ....................... 13
4.1.2 Joint Programme “Ensuring Access to Affordable Health Services in the Affected Areas of the Country for Women of Reproductive Age and Newborns” - UNFPA, UNICEF and WHO - US$450,203 ........................................................ 14
3.2 THEMATIC AREA: FOOD SECURITY ............................................................................................... 17
4.2.1 Project “Food for Work (FFW)” – WFP – US$942,384 ............................................................ 18
4.3 THEMATIC AREA: AGRICULTURE ................................................................................................... 20
4.3.1 Project "Modernization of Small-scale Irrigated Agriculture to Enhance and Diversify Rural Livelihoods”– FAO – US$411,008 .................................................................. 21
4.3.2 Joint Programme “Agricultural Assistance to Vulnerable, Food Insecure Female-Headed Households” - FAO and UNWOMEN – US$319,194 ..................................... 22
4.3.3 Project “Improvement of Agricultural Production through Strengthening of Agricultural Extension Services and Increased Technical Inputs” – UNDP – US$301,368 ................................................................................................................................ 24
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4.4 THEMATIC AREA: ENERGY ............................................................................................................... 24
4.4.1 Joint Programme “Supply of Reliable Energy to Rural First Aid Stations” – UNDP, UNIDO, UNV and WHO – US$299,450 ...................................................................... 25
4.5 THEMATIC AREA 5: ENVIRONMENT ............................................................................................... 26
4.5.1 Joint Programme “Rehabilitation of Riparian Forests in Kyrgyzstan” – UNDP and UNV – US$317,790............................................................................................................. 27
4.6 THEMATIC AREA: RISK MANAGEMENT ........................................................................................ 29
4.6.1 Project “Provision of Access to Irrigation Water to the Population of the Cross-border Community of Akkorgon” – UNDP – US$119,097 ....................................................... 30
4.6.2 Joint Programme “Cross-border Natural Resources and Conflict” – UNDP and UNV – US$218,445 ................................................................................................................... 32
4 Financial Summary ........................................................................................................................................... 34
4.1 Sources, Uses, and Balance of Funds ...................................................................................................... 34 4.2 Donor Contributions ................................................................................................................................ 35 4.3 Transfer of Funds ..................................................................................................................................... 35
4.3.1 Transfers to Participating Organizations .................................................................................... 35
4.3.2 Transfers by Thematic Area ....................................................................................................... 36
4.4 Expenditure Reported by Participating Organizations ............................................................................. 36 4.5 Overall Expenditure and Financial Delivery Rates .................................................................................. 36 4.6 Total Expenditure Reported by Category ................................................................................................ 37 4.7 Cumulative Expenditure by Participating Organization with breakdown by Category ........................... 37
5 Transparency and Accountability ...................................................................................................................... 39
6 Conclusion ......................................................................................................................................................... 39
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List of Tables
Table 1.1 Standing Committee Approved Projects and Joint Programmes ............................................................... 7
Table 4.1 Vegetable Production by Female-Headed Households in 2010 ............................................................... 23
Table 5.1 Financial Overview for the period ending 31 December 2010, in US Dollars Thousands ...................... 34
Table 5.2 Total Donor Deposits, in US Dollars Thousands ..................................................................................... 35
Table 5.3.1 Net funded amount by Participating Organization, in US Dollars Thousands ..................................... 35
Table 5.3.2 Net funded amount by Thematic Area, in US Dollars Thousands........................................................ 36
Table 5.5 Financial Overview with breakdown by Thematic Area, in US Dollars Thousands ............................... 37
Table 5.6 Total Expenditure by Category, in US Dollars Thousands ...................................................................... 37
Table 5.7 Total Expenditure by Participating Organization, with breakdown by Category, as of 31 December 2010, in US Dollars Thousands ............................................................................................................................... 38
Annex 1. Kyrgyzstan One Fund Projects and Joint Programmes by Thematic Area ............................................. 41
List of Figures
Figure 1. Asylum-seekers and stateless persons participating in focus group discussions with UNHCR project “Prevention and Reduction of Statelessness” ......................................................................................................... 13
Figure 2. Joint programme “Ensuring Access to Affordable Health Services in the Affected Areas of the Country for Women of Reproductive Age and Newborns” by UNFPA, UNICEF, and WHO ............................................. 15
Figure 3. WFP’s “Food for Work” programme – Rehabilitation of an irrigation canal .......................................... 18
Figure 4. WFP’s “Food for Work” programme – Vegetable production in Naryn and Chuy provinces (nationwide programme) ............................................................................................................................................................. 19
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Executive Summary
1. Introduction The insecurities in Kyrgyzstan in the areas of water, energy and food are chronic and recurrent. These problems are significantly aggravated by the global economic crisis, reflected in stagnant economic growth and declining remittances. In addition, the spike in food and energy prices in 2007 and 2008, which has receded globally, remains an issue in Kyrgyzstan. Continuing high food prices are a real concern for a significant portion of food insecure people in the country (more than 1/3 of the population are either moderately or severely food insecure). The United Nations Country Team (UNCT) in Kyrgyzstan decided to provide the appropriate response through implementing sustainable short- and medium-term interventions to mitigate the impacts of multiple crises on vulnerable groups.
In a continual effort to improve aid effectiveness and timely support to the host government, the UN system in Kyrgyzstan has designed a One UN Programme (2010 – 2011), which is the framework for planning and response of the UN system to address the effects of energy and food insecurity and the global economic crisis on the most vulnerable in the country. Development of the One UN Programme has given the UN system the unique opportunity to increase its effectiveness within the country by adopting the “Delivering as One” guiding principles to expand and accelerate activities to address energy and food insecurity and the global economic crisis, and as a mechanism to attract additional funds. The One UN Programme (One Programme) builds on the commitments of the current United Nations Development Assistance Framework, 2005-2011 (UNDAF). Following UNCT discussions, the framework for One Programme was approved by the Regional Directors Team.
One Fund in Kyrgyzstan, established in December 2009, is a pooled funding mechanism specifically to support new or expanded initiatives formulated in response to emerging national needs and addressing the effects of energy and food insecurity and the global economic crisis. These developmental initiatives are to be implemented with urgency and must address defined humanitarian needs.
Under the leadership of the UN Resident Coordinator, the One Fund is intended to facilitate the realization of the One Programme’s outcomes, channelling unearmarked funds towards emerging priorities. Kyrgyzstan has the following six thematic areas: (1) Social Services; (2) Food Security; (3) Agriculture; (4) Energy; (5) Environment; and (6) Risk Management.
The Multi-Donor Trust Fund Office (MDTF Office) of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) serves as the Administrative Agent of the Kyrgyzstan One Fund. Between December 2009 and December 2010, the Administrative Agent concluded a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with a total of 13 United Nations (UN) Organizations (hereafter referred to as “Participating Organizations”) involved in the Kyrgyzstan One Fund.
The implementation of the Kyrgyzstan One Fund began rapidly, based on the capacity of the individual Participating Organizations involved, the use of proven approaches, and the principles of sustainability. The achievements of the Kyrgyzstan One Fund will significantly reduce the severity of emerging challenges on the most vulnerable, while establishing a basis for sustainable and inclusive development in the period of the country’s next Development Strategy (2012-2017) and United Nations Development Assistance Framework (2012-2017).
This First Consolidated Annual Progress Report on Activities Implemented under the One Fund in Kyrgyzstan covers the period from 1 January to 31 December 2010 and reports on the implementation of projects approved
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for funding. This report is prepared by the MDTF Office in fulfillment of the reporting requirements set out in the Standard Administrative Arrangement (SAA) concluded with the Donors. In line with the MOU, the Annual Progress Report is consolidated based on information and data contained in the individual progress reports and financial statements submitted by Participating Organizations to the MDTF Office. It is neither an evaluation of the One Fund in Kyrgyzstan nor the MDTF Office’s assessment of the performance of the Participating Organizations. However, the report does provide the One Fund in Kyrgyzstan Steering Committee with a comprehensive overview of achievements and challenges associated with projects funded through the One Fund in Kyrgyzstan, enabling it to make strategic decisions and take corrective measures, where applicable.
2. Report Structure
This report is presented in six sections. It is consolidated based on information and data contained in individual project and joint programme reports submitted by Participating Organizations, for which Kyrgyzstan One Fund funding was approved.
Section one provides an overview of the Kyrgyzstan One Fund’s background, strategic framework and the governance arrangements for Kyrgyzstan One Fund operations. Section two describes the implementation achievements by thematic areas and project challenges. Section three highlights project/programme-level achievements, compiled from individual annual progress reports submitted to the MDTF Office and organized by six thematic areas. Section four provides an overview of the financial performance of the Kyrgyzstan One Fund. The accountability and transparency framework is outlined in section five, and the conclusion to the report is presented in section six.
3. Implementation Achievements and Challenges The United Nations in Kyrgyzstan is committed to pooling strengths and Delivering as One by streamlining the United Nations system, eliminating unnecessary fragmentation, duplication and overhead costs, and through coherent joint delivery. Ten Participating Organizations’ projects and joint programmes were funded by Kyrgyzstan One Fund in 2010. They were designed to be sustainable and to have an impact within a two-year period. They fall under six thematic areas: (a) Social Services, (b) Food Security, (c) Agriculture, (d) Energy, (e) Environment, and (f) Risk Management. These thematic areas were chosen because they reflect the United Nations system core capacities, which have the greatest effect in improving the lives of vulnerable people.
Achievements were made by UNFPA, UNICEF and WHO to the objectives of the Social Services thematic area, by promoting effective perinatal and antenatal care. UNICEF implemented activities in six maternity wards, which showed a decrease in hemorrhages and resuscitation of newborns due to hypothermia and asphyxia. UNFPA set up birth preparation schools in three sites, and implemented activities in six family medicine centres, which showed a decrease in complications during pregnancy. WHO distributed 900 copies of evidenced-based clinical protocols on neonatology. With legislative reform and UNHCR assistance, 9,958 stateless persons received Kyrgyz citizenship in 2010, increasing access to health and social services, education, and state protection that come with proper national documentation. WFP implemented one project that aimed to contribute to the achievements of the objectives of the Food Security theme. WFP repaired 203 kilometers of irrigation canals, which supplied water to 20,633 hectares of crop land. Among many other achievements, over one million cubic metres of river banks were cleaned, and 85,200 trees were planted.
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FAO, UNWOMEN, and UNDP implemented one joint programme that aimed to contribute to the achievements of the objectives of the Agriculture thematic area. FAO surveyed the irrigation system in Jalal-Abad oblast, awarded the civil works contract, and completed the designs. With FAO support and aid, the irrigation system will be repaired and strengthened, thus improving the economic status of small farmers. With WFP food as an added incentive and safety net during the pre-harvest period, UNWOMEN formed 256 Self–help Groups (SHG), 98 per cent of whom were women. SHGs saved US$4,879 for micro-credit or joint activities. UNDP established 54 rural Consultation and Marketing Centres (CMCs) to transfer skills on better agricultural production. UNDP, UNIDO, UNV and WHO implemented one joint programme that contributed to the achievements of the objectives of the Energy theme. The joint programme equipped seven pilot first aid stations with seven micro-hydro power units, as well as valves and solar equipment. UNIDO purchased and installed solar energy panels, and UNV provided a volunteer for the project.
UNDP and UNV implemented one joint programme that contributed to the achievements of the objectives of the Environment thematic area. UNDP trained 115 members of the local government on strategic development planning, national forest policy, and participatory forest management. UNV improved the awareness of local villagers and students at three schools about the ecological sustainability of a healthy forest.
UNDP and UNV implemented one joint programme that made achievements to the objectives of the Environment thematic area. UNDP increased the dialogue, cooperation and conflict resolution skills of 48 cross-border community leaders (from Kyrgyz and Uzbek ethnic groups). In 2010, a water pipeline in Akkorgon was installed by UNDP, which provides access to irrigation water to more than 39,000 people, thereby diminishing water-related tensions and conflicts. To promote youth volunteerism, UNV organized three working meetings in Alabuka, Leylek and Batken districts with the involvement of 97 ethnically diverse youth (including 38 women). Youth were also recruited to assist in strengthening cross-border cooperation.
4. Financial Performance During the 2010 reporting period, the Kyrgyzstan One Fund received a total of US$3.6 million in donor contributions from the Expanded DAO Funding Window (EFW). Thirteen Participating Organizations have signed an MOU for the Kyrgyzstan One Fund since its inception in December 2009. As of 31 December 2010, the MDTF Office has transferred a total of US$3.6 million to ten Participating Organizations, based on the approval of the Steering Committee (SC).
The Kyrgyzstan One Fund Steering Committee held one meeting in 2010. At this meeting it reviewed and approved 10 project proposals. The projects are designed to have a quick impact in the lives of the most vulnerable. A two-tiered system was used for funding the projects and joint programmes. The projects were formulated by Participating Organizations in close collaboration with key government partners. Project implementation continued during 2010 with US$3.2 million in expenditure.
5. Accountability and Transparency In 2010, the MDTF Office officially launched the MDTF Office GATEWAY (http://mdtf.undp.org). It is a knowledge platform providing real-time data from the MDTF Office accounting system on financial information on donor contributions, programme budgets and transfers to Participating Organizations. It is designed to provide transparent, accountable fund-management services to the United Nations system to enhance its coherence, effectiveness and efficiency. The MDTF Office GATEWAY includes the One Fund in Kyrgyzstan website (http://mdtf.undp.org/factsheet/fund/KG100), which provides detailed information on One Fund’s operations.
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6. Conclusion The Kyrgyzstan One Fund is in its first year of operations. Funds amounting to approximately US$3.6 million were transferred to ten projects in 2010 that enabled them to achieve the planned results.
The implementation of the One UN Programme in 2010 was impacted by the major shift in politics after the popular revolution in April 2010 and by the violent events of June 2010 that led to humanitarian crisis in Kyrgyzstan’s southern regions of Osh and Jalalabad.
Immediately after events of April and June, the focus of the Interim Government, international and local communities was to ensure political stabilization of the country and provide immediate relief to affected populations. In the remaining portion of 2010, assistance shifted from provision of developmental programming to humanitarian and emergency response programming. This shift had initially delayed the implementation of the One UN Programme in 2010. The United Nations system, however, managed to get back on track and report a total delivery rate of 88 percent against funding received through the One Fund. This success was attributed to three factors:
• The strong leadership of the Interim Government in implementing the One UN Programme, and by honouring the former government’s commitment to the “Delivering as One” approach. The Interim Government was also actively involved in reviews of the One UN Programme progress implementation in 2010 and determining future programmatic directions.
• The strong leadership and commitment of the UNCT to the “Delivering as One” approach, as demonstrated by UNCT’s regular strategic reviews of progress in the implementation of the One UN Programme.
• The relevance of the One UN Programme that remains the right programmatic response in the current context of Kyrgyzstan. The One Programme is designed to address the impacts of socio-economic shocks on society and individuals, and supports the government to return to a path of recovery and sustainable development.
In 2011, the United Nations system with its partners plans to implement 23 joint projects within the One UN Programme. These projects form a solid, coherent and realistic set of interventions covering the poorest oblasts of the country and, most importantly, the most vulnerable populations. In order to implement them, the United Nations system has embarked on a focused resource mobilization strategy, accessing funds from thematic windows, Trust Funds and other sources of funds in the United Nations or elsewhere. So far, US$4,912,000 million was mobilised, out of which US$3,608,000 million will be available in the second quarter of 2011.
The achievements of the Kyrgyzstan One Fund will significantly reduce the severity of emerging challenges on the most vulnerable. The Kyrgyzstan One Fund has enabled Participating Organizations to deliver a wide range of theme-based programme activities. Ten projects were approved by the Steering Committee and began their implementation activities. Since a number of Participating Organizations have either formulated or are ready to formulate projects or joint programmes that address the six thematic area objectives, further replenishment of Kyrgyzstan One Fund resources is vital in advancing its objectives. The MDTF Office envisages, therefore, that the Annual Progress Report will give the Kyrgyzstan One Fund Steering Committee the basis to better assess resource requirements and to advocate and mobilise for additional funding.
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1 Introduction
The insecurities in Kyrgyzstan in the areas of water, energy and food are chronic and recurrent. These problems are significantly aggravated by the global economic crisis, reflected in stagnant economic growth and declining remittances. In addition, the spike in food and energy prices in 2007 and 2008, which has receded globally, remains an issue in Kyrgyzstan. Continuing high food prices are a real concern for a significant portion of food insecure people in the country (more than 1/3 of the population are either moderately or severely food insecure). The United Nations Country Team (UNCT) in Kyrgyzstan decided to provide the appropriate response through implementing sustainable short- and medium-term interventions to mitigate the impacts of multiple crises on vulnerable groups.
In a continual effort to improve aid effectiveness and timely support to the host government, the UN system in Kyrgyzstan has designed a One UN Programme (2010 – 2011), which is the framework for planning and response of the UN system to address the effects of energy and food insecurity and the global economic crisis on the most vulnerable in the country. Development of the One UN Programme has given the UN system the unique opportunity to increase its effectiveness within the country by adopting the “Delivering as One” guiding principles to expand and accelerate activities to address energy and food insecurity and the global economic crisis, and as a mechanism to attract additional funds. The One UN Programme (One Programme) builds on the commitments of the current United Nations Development Assistance Framework, 2005-2011 (UNDAF). Following UNCT discussions, the framework for One Programme was approved by the Regional Directors Team.
One Fund in Kyrgyzstan, established in December 2009, is a pooled funding mechanism specifically to support new or expanded initiatives formulated in response to emerging national needs and addressing the effects of energy and food insecurity and the global economic crisis. These developmental initiatives are to be implemented with urgency and must address defined humanitarian needs.
Under the leadership of the UN Resident Coordinator in collaboration and consultation with the Joint Steering Committee, the Kyrgyzstan One Fund is intended to facilitate the realization of One Programme outcomes, channelling funds towards emerging priorities. Kyrgyzstan has the following six thematic areas: (1) Social Services; (2) Food Security; (3) Agriculture; (4) Energy; (5) Environment; and (6) Risk Management.
The Multi-Donor Trust Fund Office (MDTF Office) of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) serves as the Administrative Agent of the Kyrgyzstan One Fund. Between December 2009 and December 2010, the MDTF Office concluded a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with a total of 13 United Nations (UN) Organizations (hereafter referred to as “Participating Organizations”) involved in the Kyrgyzstan One Fund.
This First Consolidated Annual Progress Report on Activities Implemented under the One Fund in Kyrgyzstan covers the period from 1 January to 31 December 2010 and reports on the implementation of projects approved for funding. This report is prepared by the MDTF Office in fulfillment of the reporting requirements set out in the Standard Administrative Arrangement (SAA) concluded with the Donors.
In line with the MOU, the Progress Report is consolidated based on information and data contained in the individual progress reports and financial statements submitted by Participating Organizations to the MDTF
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Office. It is neither an evaluation of the One Fund in Kyrgyzstan nor the MDTF Office’s assessment of the performance of the Participating Organizations. However, the report does provide the One Fund in Kyrgyzstan Steering Committee with a comprehensive overview of achievements and challenges associated with projects funded through the One Fund in Kyrgyzstan, enabling it to make strategic decisions and take corrective measures, where applicable.
The implementation of the Kyrgyzstan One Fund began rapidly, based on the capacity of the individual Participating Organizations involved, the use of proven approaches, and the principles of sustainability. The achievements of the Kyrgyzstan One Fund will significantly reduce the severity of emerging challenges on the most vulnerable, while establishing a basis for sustainable and inclusive development in the period of the country’s next Development Strategy (2012-2017) and United Nations Development Assistance Framework (2012-2017).
1.1 Governance Arrangements The overall management of the Kyrgyzstan One Fund is led and coordinated by the Steering Committee composed of representatives from each Participating Organization that has concluded an MOU with the Administrative Agent. The Steering Committee is co-chaired by the UN Resident Coordinator and First Vice Prime Minister of Kyrgyzstan. The Steering Committee may invite donors to be members of the Steering Committee. The Administrative Agent is an ex-officio member of the Steering Committee. The Steering Committee oversees and coordinates the operations of the Kyrgyzstan One Fund, providing strategic direction, approving projects and deciding on fund allocation.
The Steering Committee’s specific responsibilities include:
• Monitoring the overall progress of the Kyrgyzstan One Programme and results achieved by the implementing partners – governmental or non-governmental – as supported by the Participating Organizations.
• Reviewing and jointly approving criteria for resource allocation described in the section “Criteria for Allocation for the One Fund Resources”.
• Reviewing and jointly approving allocations of Kyrgyzstan One Fund resources to projects and joint programmes.
• Instructing the Administrative Agent to disburse the Kyrgyzstan One Fund resources to the Participating Organizations accordingly (a pass-through fund modality only).
• Approving and updating, as necessary, the Kyrgyzstan One Fund TOR as well as the TOR of the Steering Committee and rules and procedures.
• Reviewing and approving the consolidated narrative and financial reports prepared by the Administrative Agent (for a pass-through funding modality) for submission to the Steering Committee.
1.1.1 Kyrgyzstan One Fund Steering Committee
During 2010, the Kyrgyzstan One Fund Steering Committee held a meeting on 9 March 2010. At this meeting the Steering Committee reviewed and approved 10 project proposals. The projects are designed to have a quick impact in the lives of the most vulnerable. A two-tiered system was used for funding the projects and joint programmes. The projects were formulated by Participating Organizations in close collaboration with key
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government partners. The total amount of funding approved at the meeting was US$3.6 million. Ten projects approved in 2010 are shown in table1.1 below.
Table 1.1 Standing Committee Approved Projects and Joint Programmes
Theme Project Title
Participating Organization
Project Number
Funds Approved
($)
Funds Transferred
($) Start Date
Completion Date
Social Services
Prevention and reduction of statelessness UNHCR 74588 210,801 210,801 23-Mar-10 31-Dec-11
Ensuring access to affordable health services
UNFPA, UNICEF, WHO 74587 450,202 450,202 23-Mar-10 31-Mar-12
Sub-total: 661,003 661,003
Food Security
Food for Work WFP 74589 942,384 942, 384 22-Mar-10 31-Dec-11
Sub-total: 942, 384 942, 384
Agriculture
Agricultural assistance to female headed
households FAO,
UNWOMEN 74603 319,194 319,194 1-Apr-10 31-Mar-11
Improvement of agricultural production UNDP 74602 301,368 301,368 22-Mar-10 31-Dec-11
Modernization of small-scale irrigated agriculture FAO 74604 411,008 411,008 1-Jul-10 31-Dec-11
Sub-total: 1,031,570 1,031,570
Energy
Supply of reliable energy to rural first aid stations
UNDP/UNV, WHO, UNIDO 73756 299,450 299,450 4-May-10 1-Dec-11
Sub-total: 299,450 299,450
Environment
Rehabilitation of riparian forests in Kyrgyzstan UNDP, UNV 57591 317,790 317,790 23-Mar-10 1-Dec-11
Sub-total: 317,790 317,790
Risk Management
Provision of access to irrigation water UNDP 74592 119,097 119,097 23-Mar-10 31-Dec-10
Cross-border natural resources and conflict UNDP, UNV 74593 218,445 218,445 23-Mar-10 31-Dec-10
Sub-total: 337,542 337,542
Grand Total: 3,589,740 3,589,740
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In addition, the members of the Steering Committee agreed on the following actions:
• Expenditures for recruitment of international consultants are to be reduced;
• Costs for trainings in some projects seemed high, but justified. The Kyrgyzstan One Programme will spend no more than 30 per cent if its total cost on training events;
• A quick geographic review, without slowing down the implementation process of selected project locations will be conducted to assess possibilities of locating projects in the same geographic areas;
• At least 95 per cent of funding should to be spent in 2010;
• Allocate US$47,612 of remaining funds after the approval of Tier 2 projects towards the UNDP project "Improvement of agricultural production through strengthening of agricultural extension services and increased technical inputs" as additional funding;
• The United Nations and the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic agreed to explore further efforts to mobilise resources for the funding gap for Tier 2 projects.
1.1.2 The Administrative Agent
Participating Organizations have appointed the UNDP MDTF Office to serve as their Administrative Agent for the Kyrgyzstan One Fund. The Administrative Agent is responsible for a range of fund management services, including: (a) receipt, administration and management of donor contributions; (b) transfer of funds approved by the Kyrgyzstan One Fund Steering Committee to Participating Organizations; (c) reporting on the source and use of donor contributions received; (d) synthesis and consolidation of the individual annual narrative and financial progress reports submitted by each Participating Organization for submission to donors through the Steering Committee; and (e) ensuring transparency and accountability of Kyrgyzstan One Fund operations by making available a wide range of Kyrgyzstan One Fund operational information on the Kyrgyzstan One Fund web site of the MDTF Office GATEWAY at http://mdtf.undp.org/factsheet/fund/KG100.
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2 Project Implementation
Section 3.1 briefly describes Participating Organizations’ achievements in the global efforts to halt energy and food insecurity and the global economic crisis on the most vulnerable in the country. Section 2.2 describes the challenges that Participating Organizations faced in this reporting year.
2.1 Project Implementation Status by Thematic Area In order for the One Programme to be a coherent and comprehensive response, the projects and joint programmes must adhere to strict goals set by the Steering Committee. They are designed to be sustainable and at the same time to have an impact within a 24 month period. Finally, they aim to prevent the most vulnerable in society from extreme poverty, which would require urgent humanitarian assistance. The following ten projects made significant progress in 2010 in achieving these goals.
2.1.1 Thematic Area: Social Services
The UNHCR, UNFPA, UNICEF and WHO implemented one project and one joint programme that aimed to contribute to the achievements of the objectives of the Social Services thematic area under the Kyrgyzstan One Fund. The objective of the Social Services thematic area is for vulnerable groups in rural areas to gain better access to essential services by strengthening critical institutions, and supporting effective and timely service provision. Effective perinatal and antenatal care was promoted through increased coordination, joint training, and mass media campaigns by UNFPA, UNICEF and WHO support. UNICEF implemented activities in six target maternity wards, which showed a decrease in hemorrhages and resuscitation of newborns due to hypothermia and asphyxia. UNFPA implemented activities in six family medicine centres, which showed a decrease in complications during pregnancy, and set up birth preparation schools in three sites. UNFPA purchased training equipment, furniture, and supplies for birth preparation resource schools in Osh maternity wards and Batken family medicine centres. WHO printed and distributed 900 copies of clinical protocols on neonatology to implement evidence-based practice into maternity care.
UNHCR helped government agencies build capacity to process high numbers of citizenship applications by stateless persons. UNHCR also supported a network of local NGOs, which provided individual legal assistance for acquisition of nationality to 1,236 stateless persons. As a result of the legislative reform and UNHCR assistance 9,958 stateless persons received Kyrgyz citizenship at the end of the 2010 reporting period. By providing the most vulnerable communities with proper citizenship status, UNHCR increases access to social services, education, health services, and state protection that come with proper nationality documentation.
2.1.2 Thematic Area: Food Security
With Kyrgyzstan One Fund resources, the WFP implemented one project that aimed to contribute to the achievements of the objectives of the Food Security thematic area. The objective of the Food Security thematic area is to assist the Kyrgyz Government in its efforts to support the food and nutrition security of communities and to protect the livelihoods of those affected by shocks. WFP repaired 203 kilometers of irrigation canals, which supplied water to 20,633 ha of crop land. Among other achievements, over one million cubic metres of river banks were cleaned and 85,200 trees were planted. WFP gave food rations to 8,200 participants. About 300,000 people in communities throughout the Kyrgyz Republic benefited from the WFP project in 2010 through enhanced safety nets and asset creation.
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2.1.3 Thematic Area: Agriculture
The FAO, UNWOMEN and UNDP implemented one joint programme that aimed to contribute to the achievements of the objectives of the Agriculture thematic area under the Kyrgyzstan One Fund. The objective of the Agricultural thematic area is to ensure that vulnerable farming households have the opportunity to maintain assets and secure their livelihood. At the beginning of 2010, FAO surveyed the irrigation system “Pravaya vetka” in Jalal-Abad oblast, awarded the contract for the civil works, and completed the designs. With FAO support and aid, the irrigation system will be repaired and strengthened, thus improving the economic status of small farmers. UNWOMEN formed 256 Self–help Groups (SHG) from 1800 of the most vulnerable rural households, 98 per cent of whom were women. SHGs saved US$ 4,879 to be used for micro-crediting or joint activities. WFP supported the project with food assistance to participants as an added incentive and safety net during the pre-harvest period. FAO and UNWOMEN worked collaboratively to train vulnerable female-headed households in vegetable production and soil fertility management. Sixty training sessions were held in 30 villages with 1,785 participants.
UNDP helped communities establish 54 rural Consultation and Marketing Centres (CMCs) to serve as a sustainable channel for transferring knowledge and skills on better agricultural production. In total, UNDP reached more than 6000 direct beneficiaries. To increase agricultural production, 183 small businesses were created, 906 beneficiaries received micro-loans, and 3,011 jobs were created. A network of 22 revolving funds was established with the CMCs, which supplied seeds, mineral fertilizers, fuel and veterinary medicines.
2.1.4 Thematic Area: Energy
With Kyrgyzstan One Fund resources, the UNDP, UNIDO, UNV and WHO implemented one joint programme that aimed to contribute to the achievements of the objectives of the Energy thematic area. The objective of the Energy theme is to improve access to reliable and sustainable sources of energy. The target groups are critical institutions, such as first aid stations, and vulnerable rural communities. The UNDP, UNIDO, UNV and WHO joint programme equipped seven pilot first aid stations with seven micro-hydro power units, as well as valves and solar equipment. UNIDO purchased and installed solar energy panels, and UNV provided a volunteer for the project. In collaboration, UNDP, UNIDO and WHO trained 60 personnel in the maintenance and use of these newly-installed renewable energy sources. Local awareness was also raised through a mass media information campaign.
2.1.5 Thematic Area: Environment
UNDP and UNV implemented one joint programme that aimed to contribute to the achievements of the objectives of the Environment thematic area under the Kyrgyzstan One Fund. The objective of the Environment thematic area is to strengthen and improve the management, conservation, and sustainable use of environmental and water resources to address the impact of climate change on the country. In 2010, UNDP trained 115 members of the local government on strategic development planning, national forest policy, and participatory forest management. In addition, the UNDP component of the project organized the planting of 15 ha of new saplings (47,373 willow, poplar, sea buckthorn, and elm) using a pro-poor “cash for work” approach. About 50 unemployed persons from poor families were involved in planting activities. The UNV activities in the project focused on improving the awareness of local villagers and students at three schools about the ecological sustainability and benefits of a healthy forest. UNV conducted two local awareness campaigns, which included a contest called “Draw your forest”, and a study excursion to Balykchi Leskhoz nursery. The study excursion led to the establishment of a local school nursery and ecological club with support from UNV, UNDP, and the local forestry unit.
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2.1.6 Thematic Area: Risk Management
UNDP and UNV implemented one joint programme that aimed to contribute to the achievements of the objectives of the Environment thematic area with Kyrgyzstan One Fund support. The objective of the Risk Management theme is to reduce vulnerability to natural and man-made hazards, specifically by reducing the likelihood of violence in cross-border regions. The UNDP increased the dialogue, cooperation and conflict resolution skills of 48 cross-border community leaders (from Kyrgyz and Uzbek ethnic groups) through a discussion group about the water irrigation project and two study tours. In 2010, a water pipeline in Akkorgon was installed by the UNDP, which provides access to irrigation water to more than 39,000 people, thereby diminishing water-related tensions and conflicts. To promote youth volunteerism, UNV organized three working meetings in Alabuka, Leylek and Batken districts with the involvement of 97 ethnically diverse youth (including 38 women). Youth were also recruited to assist in strengthening cross-border cooperation.
2.2 Project Challenges In April 2010, a violent overthrow of the Bakiev administration was followed by a change in government. Political instability and government staff change-over posed a considerable challenge for Participating Organizations. Then in June 2010, violence, destruction, and looting in the south (Osh and Jalal-Abad), led to the death of over 400 people, the injury of 2,000, and the forced displacement of 375,000 people. All Participating Organizations had to adopt emergency procedures, set new priorities, and deal with an increased workload to avert humanitarian catastrophe. Most efforts where concentrated on stabilizing the south of the country and WFP responded with immediate emergency food assistance. UNDP and UNV had to change the location of their project site to the north, which was originally planned for the southern oblast of Jalal-Abad.
The political change and community violence worsened the security situation and restricted movement. As a result, many projects ran into delays and staff immobility during the 2010 reporting period. For example, UNDP’s agricultural project was frozen for several months, and UNFPA, UNICEF and WHO’s joint programme to rehabilitate six maternity hospitals ran into delays. All UNFPA, UNICEF and WHO programme trainings planned for the year had to take place in three months, which posed logistical challenges. Further, UNHCR commissioned an additional study to estimate the number of new de-facto stateless persons created by the outbreak of violence. All risks of this nature should be measured in advance and incorporated into project designs.
One activity (the repair of "Pravaya vetka" irrigation system) within the FAO, UNWOMEN and UNDP’s joint programme on development of agriculture, encountered problems and activities were delayed, which meant that the civil works could not be completed before winter had set in. The joint programme therefore had to be extended. Despite these constraints, the degree to which all project activities could be implemented by Participating Organizations exceeded expectations and specific achievements are being realized that surpassed the initial targets set.
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3 One Fund Achievements by Thematic Area
The following section presents a summary of key activities of all ten projects by ten Participating Organisations. This section contains the compilation of project achievements from the individual annual progress reports submitted to the MDTF Office, as the Administrative Agent. The results are organized by thematic areas. The six thematic areas are: Social Services, Food Security, Agriculture, Energy, Environment, and Risk Management. These thematic areas were chosen because they reflect the United Nations system core capacities, which have the greatest effect in improving the lives of vulnerable people.
4.1 THEMATIC AREA: SOCIAL SERVICES
Vulnerable and rural populations in Kyrgyzstan have difficulty accessing services. Access to health and education is often constrained by financial factors, such as the formal and informal costs of services and the cost of travel to institutions. A lack of qualified staff in both health and education in rural areas is another key constraint.
There is a low quality of antenatal care in Kyrgyzstan, which is related to a lack of antenatal services for pregnant women with different pathologies, especially in rural areas. The infrastructure of delivery facilities is in bad condition, with absent or non-working sewerage and water supply systems, poor roofing, inadequate heating, oxygen supply system, hand washing means, and an absence of essential drugs and medical supplies. A survey comparison of neonatal mortality between oblasts shows an upward trend in oblasts where effective perinatal strategies were initiated and a downward trend where effective strategies were not initiated. The Osh and Batken districts account for a large proportion of all births, infant deaths, poor access to good quality medical services, and poor access to clean water.
The Kyrgyz Republic lacks a proper mechanism to identify and count stateless persons. Surveys, which the government commissioned to UNHCR in 2007-2008, identified over 12,000 stateless persons in Osh, Batken, Jalal-Abad and Chui oblasts. The Passport and Visa Service estimated that by end of 2009, over 11,000 persons still did not exchanged their old USSR documents for new Kyrgyz ones. Overall more than 30,000 persons residing in the Kyrgyz Republic were deprived of access to social, education, and health services, state protection and all other rights that come with proper nationality documentation.
Strategic activities within this thematic area target vulnerable population groups living in rural areas that have acute needs in times of social crisis. Women of reproductive age are ensured access to affordable health services and support. Supplying stateless vulnerable populations with citizenship improves their access to social services, health status, and a good quality of life.
The objective of the Social Services thematic area is for vulnerable groups in rural areas to gain better access to essential services by (a) strengthening critical institutions, and (b) supporting effective and timely service provision.
UNHCR, UNFPA, UNICEF and WHO contributed to the achievements of the objectives of the Social Services thematic area under the Kyrgyzstan One Fund. UNHCR helped government agencies build capacity to process
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high numbers of citizenship applications from stateless pNGOs, which provided individual legal assistance for acquresult of the legislative reform and UNHCR assistance 9,95end of the 2010 reporting period. By providing the most vUNHCR increases access to social services, education, healnationality documentation.
Effective perinatal and antenatal care was promoted throumedia campaigns with UNFPA, UNICEF and WHO supposites and implemented activities in six family medicine centpregnancy. UNFPA purchased training equipment, furniturin Osh maternity wards and Batken family medicine centremonitoring and mentoring follow-up visits, 55 per cent ofCare and 64 per cent in newborn resuscitation and care incopies of clinical protocols on neonatology to implement ev
4.1.1 Project “Prevention and Reduction of Statelessne The UNHCR “Prevention and Reduction of Statelessnessmechanism to identify stateless persons, increase their awardocumentation of the Kyrgyz Republic. Objectives of the Uand instructions, identifying citizenship problems, consulti(including a National Action Plan to Prevent and Reduce Sprocessing citizenship applications. Achievements
Stateless persons are categorized as one of the most disadvantaged and vulnerable population groups. UNHCR started the year with an estimated figure of 40,000 stateless persons of which around 24,500 were identified through surveys, participatory assessments and governmental partners. Most stateless persons are socially, culturally and economically integrated into society and intend to remain in Kyrgyzstan and obtain their citizenship papers. The adoption of a new Citizenship Law in 2007 significantly improved the nationality legislation in Kyrgyzstan. Many former USSR residents failed to claim Kyrgyz citizenship within the deadline set by the previous Citizenship Laws. Therefore, the new 2007 Citizenship Law eliminated the deadline obstacle and made almost all people eligible for citizenship acquisition. The 2007 Citizenship Law also crKyrgyzstan.
As a result of the legislative reform and UNHCR assisRegistration Service and the Citizenship Commission, 9,958
ersons. UNHCR also supported a network of local isition of nationality to 1,236 stateless persons. As a 8 stateless persons received Kyrgyz citizenship at the ulnerable communities with proper citizenship status, th services, and state protection that come with proper
gh increased coordination, joint training, and mass rt. UNFPA set up birth preparation schools in three
res, which showed a decrease in complications during e, and supplies for birth preparation resource schools s. Due to a series of organized UNICEF trainings and medical workers were trained in Effective Perinatal Batken province. WHO printed and distributed 900 idence-based practice into maternity care.
ss” – UNHCR – US$210,801
” project implemented by UNHCR aims to develop a eness of their rights, and enable access to citizenship
NHCR project included drafting and adopting by-laws ng with the government to review citizenship policy tatelessness) and developing an effective system for
eated a legal framework to prevent statelessness in
tance, according to statistics provided by the State stateless persons received Kyrgyz citizenship by the
Figure 1. Asylum-seekers and stateless persons participating in focus group discussions with UNHCR project “Prevention and Reduction of Statelessness.”
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end of the 2010 reporting period. The Kyrgyz Government shows steady commitment to solving statelessness problems, providing an excellent opportunity for UNHCR to remain constructively engaged in targeted interventions.
In 2010, UNHCR organized 15 trainings for 240 staff of the State Registration Service (SRS), local authorities, and NGOs on statelessness issues to increase capacity. A number of public awareness activities (production and distribution of leaflets, posters, and press releases) were undertaken in 2010 to facilitate exchange of old USSR passports and make people aware of their legal rights. In addition, NGO partners, SRS, and UNHCR staff went on several field visits to unify administrative practice in Osh, Jalal-Abad and Batken provinces. UNHCR funded an inter-Ministerial Working Group of Experts (WG), who developed drafts of instructions to help governmental bodies identify stateless persons within the existing legal and administrative framework. The WG prepared comments on the Law on Citizenship of the Kyrgyz Republic to strengthen prevention of statelessness and unify administrative practice.
Local NGOs provided individual legal assistance for acquisition of nationality to 1,236 stateless persons in 2010, with UNHCR support. Additional technical and material assistance was provided to the Department of Passport, Visa and Registration Control of the SRS under the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic and the Citizenship Commission under the President, to increase capacity to process citizenship applications. Around 25 temporary staff was hired by the SRS to process cases of stateless persons.
In 2011, UNHCR will continue to advocate for the Kyrgyz Republic to ratify the 1954 and 1961 Statelessness Conventions. The project will continue to build the capacity of the State Registration Service to collect and process citizenship applications of stateless persons. This will be achieved through provision of funds to cover temporary additional staff costs, workshops and orientation for new staff, and technical assistance to the passport departments to process an increasing number of applications. In 2011, the UNHCR project will also engage with high-level government and parliamentary stakeholders to review and revise the work of the Expert Working Group and the National Action Plan to Prevent and Reduce Statelessness in the Kyrgyz Republic.
4.1.2 Joint Programme “Ensuring Access to Affordable Health Services in the Affected Areas of the Country for Women of Reproductive Age and Newborns” - UNFPA, UNICEF and WHO - US$450,203
The UNFPA, UNICEF and WHO “Ensuring Access to Affordable Health Services in the Affected Areas of the Country for Women of Reproductive Age and Newborns” joint programme aims to improve the quality of maternal and newborn care through the continuous improvement of health care services (maternal, perinatal, child) and the technical information base in six selected maternity hospitals. Maternity hospitals with the weakest capacity of medical workers, infrastructure, and compliance to standards but also with the highest rate of delivery will be targeted. Achievements
This Joint Programme targets six maternity hospitals where there are approximately 20,000 deliveries per year, representing 15 percent of all deliveries in the country The UNFPA, UNICEF and WHO provided assistance to the government to reduce maternal and neonatal deaths. There was a strong partnership of stakeholders in the health sector to support the Kyrgyz Government to develop and implement the joint programme. Participating Organizations supported the south region of Kyrgyzstan in achieving its national goals as outlined in the health reform and the sector wide approach for 2006-2011. They also assisted the country to achieve Millennium
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Development Goals (MDGs) and implement the Millennium Declaration. The UNFPA, UNICEF and WHO supported the Ministry of Health (MoH) to ensure effective functioning of the Health Partnership Group in the Joint Annual Health Review. The UNFPA also worked with the MoH at the provincial level to strengthen the capacity of health care providers on antenatal care. Participating Organizations incorporated planned activities into the Health Summit in October 2010.
Many assessments, evaluations and studies were done during the reporting period by UNICEF and WHO. UNICEF undertook a baseline assessment in May 2010 on perinatal service provision in seven maternity wards in the Batken Province. The assessment was used to identify issues pertaining to basic life-saving medical services. Three other baseline assessments were conducted in September and October 2010 that evaluated the knowledge and understanding of medical workers on Effective Perinatal Care (EPC). In October and November 2010, two baseline assessments evaluated the knowledge, understanding and practice of neonatal resuscitation of medical workers. In addition, a monitoring report on the implementation of skills learned during trainings was submitted in December 2010, which was summarized in a bulletin of achieved results.
WHO conducted assessment visits to observe Near Miss Case Review audit sessions in pilot maternities selected by the Ministry of Health of Kyrgyzstan. Near Miss Case Rbeing used to reduce high rates of maternal mortality. WHlocal team of professionals on the process of conducting NMmembers of a national working group and key stakeholdeimplementation. In addition, WHO visited each hospital’s gepost partum wards, and intensive care units.
With UNFPA, UNICEF and WHO support, effective pethrough increased coordination, joint training and mass medcent of health service providers acquired skills in antenatal to offer services in antenatal critical intervention in case of c
UNFPA increased the capacity of healthcare providers and tand antenatal care training. It focused on improving the quacase registration and management, and increasing service efby the Ministry of Health and created through a consultatioskills of family group practitioners (FGPs) and midwives to antenatal care standards for management of pregnancy and cused as an instrument for pregnancy screening, so that womand the capacity of FGPs increased to deal with severe comp
Figure 2. Joint Programme “Ensuring Access to Affordable Health Services in the Affected Areas of the Country for Women of Reproductive Age and
Newborns” by UNFPA, UNICEF and WHO.
eview (NMCR) is an audit system approach currently O also provided feedback and recommendations to a
CR audits. WHO field visits included meetings with rs, sharing recommendations and support for NMCR neral and delivery wards, pathological pregnancy and
rinatal and antenatal care was effectively promoted ia campaigns. Through UNFPA training, over 50 per
care. Health workers’ technical skills now allow them omplications during pregnancy and after birth.
he healthcare system by focusing on Safe Motherhood lity of primary healthcare services through pregnancy ficiency by introducing an antenatal package endorsed n system. The UNFPA also worked on improving the deal with severe complications during pregnancy with hild birth. The antenatal clinical (ANC) standard was en at higher risk of complications could be identified lications.
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UNFPA developed information materials to increase pregnant women’s education and preparation about an upcoming delivery. Birth preparation consists of information about pregnancy, birth planning, and possible complications that might occur. Birth preparation involves the pregnant woman, her family, community, and health staff. Birth preparation resource schools were established and completed in a total of three out of six sites. UNFPA purchased training equipment, furniture, and supplies for birth preparation resource schools in Osh maternity wards and Batken family medicine centres.
UNICEF implemented activities in the six target maternity wards, which showed a decrease in the negative consequences of delivery (hemorrhages) and in the number of newborns needing resuscitation due to hypothermia and asphyxia. The number of family-attended deliveries and delivery rooms doubled, eliminating the need for two women to give birth in the same room at the same time. Multi-disciplinary teams were established and midwives were more involved.
The involvement of local authorities increased. For example, in Batken UNICEF offered funding and proposed that the Batken Authorities install a water pump in the maternity ward. Today, the Batken maternity ward has four hours of running water each day, and it is expected that they will have running water 24 hours a day by the summer.
An eight-day theoretical and practical training was held by UNICEF on Effective Perinatal Care in Batken province with participation of 31 medical workers, 13 obstetricians, 10 midwives, 7 neonatologists and 5 neonatal nurses. The training program included one additional day for training on clinical protocols. This training was also held in Kara-Suu territorial hospital. UNICEF’s national trainers held a three-day seminar called the “Primary resuscitation of newborns” program in six health facilities and trained 150 medical workers. Due to a series of organized UNICEF trainings and monitoring and mentoring follow-up visits, 55 per cent of medical workers were trained in Effective Perinatal Care and 64 per cent in newborn resuscitation and care in Batken province. The procurement of supplies for the prevention of hypothermia among newborns was an essential part of this joint programme.
WHO developed Near Miss Cases Review audit guidelines, and 240 health professionals from 5 maternity departments and the National Centre of Mother and Child Health were trained in their use. WHO developed evidence-based national clinical guidelines and protocols on management of obstetrical hemorrhages and severe preeclampsia/eclampsia, the main causes of maternal mortality and near misses. The WHO guidelines also included antepartum care and management of normal labour and delivery. Nine hundred copies of clinical protocols on neonatology were printed and distributed. National experts continue to develop other clinical protocols for obstetrical emergencies (abruptio placentae and placenta previa) and complications of pregnancy to implement evidence-based practices into maternity care.
WHO conducted a review workshop on “Beyond the Numbers” in February 2011, which (a) discussed the current stage of implementation of Near Miss Case Reviews in pilot hospitals, (b) discussed the confidential enquiries into maternal deaths (CEMD) at national level, and (c) agreed on future steps for implementation. As a follow-up, the future steps for implementation were piloted in selected medical facilities and undertaken by an international expert team.
A WHO workshop entitled “Confidential Enquiry into Maternal Deaths (CEMD)” was organizational at the national level, which targeted leading specialists and stakeholders, local health care facilities’ heads, and people in charge of data collection. Confidential enquires into maternal deaths are intended primarily to assess the levels,
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causes of and contributors to maternal mortality and to learn lessons to address them. A key feature of the method is confidentiality, which is maintained at all levels keeping the women, health care providers and institutions anonymous at all times. People in charge of CEMD were hired and approved at the state and local levels. Sixty-seven field coordinators were introduced to the principles of CEMD methodology. WHO also recruited professional obstetrician/gynecologists, pathology-anatomical doctors, specialists on infectious diseases, family physician, intensive care doctors, and midwifes for membership in the National CEMD Committee.
In 2011, UNFPA and UNICEF will continue to support the implementation of the Effective Perinatal and Antenatal Care activities in the six targeted maternities and family medicine centres. The joint programme will increase the capacity of family group practitioners and reproductive health service specialists to provide high quality reproductive health services in antenatal care and in managing conditions during pregnancy. In 2011, in addition to the activities within the framework of perinatal care, UNICEF will be working on strengthening the capacity of management at the hospital level.
3.2 THEMATIC AREA: FOOD SECURITY
In the Kyrgyz Republic, the number of food insecure people is high and exceptional efforts are required to lessen the deteriorating food security situation. Multiple shocks in 2007 and 2008 were met by an immediate humanitarian response by the Kyrgyz Government and the international community. The shocks included extremely cold weather in 2007/08, three successive droughts, and the impact of the global economic crisis, which caused the price of food to increase dramatically while remittances dropped. Failed harvests and export bans levied by the main grain producers in late 2010 resulted in another wave of food price increases, which are still ongoing and felt most critically by the most vulnerable in the Kyrgyz Republic. The social and political upheaval of 2010, including border closures and trade restrictions further exacerbate the situation.
Dealing with the emerging food security challenge in the Kyrgyz Republic requires a multi-faceted sector strategy, which addresses immediate needs and the underlying cause of food insecurity. To alleviate localised and seasonal food insecurity, existing social safety nets should be strengthened to better meet the needs of food insecure persons, particularly in the case of additional shocks.
As food insecurity is closely correlated with poverty and lack of skills and education, programmes that strengthen and safeguard rural livelihoods through asset creation and raise the education and skills level of the rural poor are prioritised. A lack of awareness of nutritional requirements also contributes to a range of problems, including anaemia, stunting, and iodine deficiency in the country. Thus, it is critical to support nutrition interventions, such as implementing a national policy of flour fortification, educating food insecure households on proper nutrition, and distributing nutritional products.
The objective of the Food Security thematic area is to assist the Kyrgyz Government in its efforts to support the re-establishment of livelihoods, food and nutrition security, and protect the lives and livelihoods of food insecure communities affected by shocks.
WFP has implemented activities under the Food Security thematic area under the Kyrgyzstan One Fund. Among many other achievements, the WFP project repaired 203 kilometers of irrigation canals, which supplied water to 20,633 hectares (ha) of crop land. Furthermore, 1,050,000 cubic metres of river banks were cleaned, and 85,200
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trees were planted. WFP targeted 8,200 food insecure participants, who received food rations. About 300,000 people in communities throughout the Kyrgyz Republic benefited from the WFP project in 2010 through enhanced safety nets and asset creation.
4.2.1 Project “Food for Work (FFW)” – WFP – US$942,384 The WFP “Food for Work” (FFW) project aims to support the re-establishment of livelihoods and improve the food security of food insecure communities. The project aims to improve the capacity for food production among vulnerable farmers and to increase their resiliency to better cope with shocks through safety nets and asset creation. The project supports the government of the Kyrgyz Republic through coordinated interventions that are either initiated by local communities or were identified by government bodies or other stakeholders, and fall under four priority areas: (1) disaster risk reduction and mitigation; (2) improvement of rural infrastructure; (3) agricultural development; an (4) environmental protection. Achievements
Initial WFP assessments indicated that food insecure households not only have an insufficient diet, but that a very high proportion of household income is used to purchase food. Global food prices began increasing following a failed harvest of some of the main grain producers (notably the Russian Federation) last July and August 2010, and the situation was further aggravated by the economic repercussions of the political upheaval and violent events in the Kyrgyz Republic during April and June 2010.
In 2010, there were 7,680 active participants in the WFP project (4,070 men and 3,610 women) all from food insecure rural households living in remote areas with little or no access to paid work. These participants received 1,852 metric tons (MT) of food in rethe WFP Food for Work (FFW) project. More than 38,405 householdassistance (fortified wheat flour and vegetable oil), while entire commimprovement and disaster risk reduction measures. A minimum of 299,6Kyrgyz Republic have benefited from the project in 2010 through enhanc
The WFP project procured 1,374 MT of food products; of which 1,224MT of fortified vegetable oil. The remaining tonnage of 478 MT was btonnage distributed by the WFP for FFW projects by the end of February
Community involvement and development, which is often underestimsignificant value to the WFP project. In 2011, a large number of applicaWFP. The steadily increasing numbers of people willing to participatsuccess of the project. Institutional and behavioural changes obserinitiative-taking by chronically food insecure communities or those
Figure 3. WFP’s “Food for Work” programme - Rehabilitation of an
irrigation canal.
muneration for their contribution towards members benefited directly from food
unities are benefiting from infrastructure 75 people in communities throughout the ed safety nets and asset creation.
MT were fortified wheat flour and 150 ought through WFP donations. The total 2011 was 1,890 MT.
ated in aid programmes, has provided tions for FFW activities were received by e in activities is a good indicator of the ved include increasing enthusiasm and affected by shocks to improve their
livelihoods. The number of volunteers having expressed their interest in participating this year exceeds expected numbers They participate by identifying priority areas of intervention, helping with project design, drawing up work plans and identifying partners. When the WFP project started in June 2010, about 500 workers were busy with FFW activities. By October this number had jumped to more than 5,500 participants, by the end of December 2010 to 7,680, and by the end of February to more than 8,200 participants.
In spring 2011, a large-scale irrigation system rehabilitation project activity, strongly supported by the State Regional Directory for the Reconstruction and Revival of Osh and Jalal-Abad, was implemented by FAO in partnership with WFP. The project maintained a steady supply of water for 100,000 people living in villages along the irrigation canal, which supplied water to fields before the spring planting season. It also encouraged
different ethnic communities to work together towards a common goal, thus building peace and contributing towards the reconciliation process in this area, which was critically affected by the June 2010 violence.
Among other achievements, the WFP project repaired 203 kilometres of irrigation systems. A total of 20,633 ha (out of 21,926 ha planned) of crop land is now irrigated by these canals. Furthermore, 1,050,000 cubic meters of river banks were cleaned and 85,200 trees were planted. Houses and socio-cultural buildings were protected from mudflow, mudflow channels and gabions were repaired, mudflow protection dams strengthened, and the number of slopes and land protected from landslides reached project targets.
Figure 4. WFP’s “Food for Work” programme - Vegetable production in Naryn and Chuy provinces
(nationwide programme).
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The WFP project provided temporary employment for the most vulnerable rural residents and compensated them for their time and effort with in-kind food rations. For the most severely food-insecure households, who are targeted as active participants, food rations significantly contributed towards improving their caloric intake. At the same time, FFW improved food production and food security among subsistence farmers in poor rural communities through the rehabilitation of community and agricultural assets, as well as creating or reinforcing disaster mitigation mechanisms to enhance their resiliency to shocks.
Remuneration in high-quality fortified foods contributes towards improving food security in the immediate term, while some of the main causes of food insecurity at the community level are addressed by the improvements achieved through WFP projects.
Projects implemented during 2010 laid the foundation for the design and planning of FFW projects in 2011. WFP plans to broaden FFW project activities to re-establishing livelihoods, food and nutrition security of both households and entire communities. Partnerships that proved to be successful in 2010 will be extended through the implementation of new projects covering more geographical areas. The most active communities and those able to show commitment and responsibility have been noted for further project planning. The preparation of the list of specific projects selected for FFW in 2011 is expected to be completed by the end of the first quarter. WFP plans to implement projects with a strong peace-building and reconciliation components throughout 2011.
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4.3 THEMATIC AREA: AGRICULTURE A decline in inputs, drought and a lack of skilled personnel has contributed to a 40 to 60 per cent decrease in agricultural productivity. Many farmers suffer from a lack of access to agricultural machinery and cannot afford the interest on agricultural micro-credit. Livestock has been hit hard by a number of diseases such as brucellosis, foot and mouth and anthrax. This year heavy rains led to significant losses of fruit crops in the south of the country. Two-thirds of the population work in agriculture; therefore, any problems in this sector affect the whole country.
The agricultural thematic strategy directly targets some of the most vulnerable and food insecure households in the neediest areas by linking input provision of staple food crops and medium term rehabilitation efforts. High quality wheat, potato, and vegetable seeds will be supplied, and support given to improve pasture and animal health. In addition, the strategy aims to build the capacity of the Ministry of Agriculture and civil society organizations involved in agricultural relief, rehabilitation and development activities. The strategy involves direct community participation, which will strengthen decision-making and ensure sustainable rural development.
The objective of the Agricultural thematic area is to ensure that vulnerable farming households have the opportunity to maintain assets and secure their livelihood. This objective will be achieved by (a) providing relief and rehabilitation in the agricultural sector to ensure food security; (b) enhancing planning and coordination of agricultural responses to assist the most vulnerable populations; (c) building the capacity of the Ministry of Agriculture in collaboration with civil society organisations involved in agricultural relief, rehabilitation and development activities; and (d) increasing fodder, crop and vegetable production.
FAO, UNWOMEN, and UNDP contributed to the Agricultural thematic area under the Kyrgyzstan One Fund. FAO and UNWOMEN worked collaboratively to train vulnerable female-headed households in vegetable production and soil fertility management. Sixty training sessions were held in 30 villages with 1785 participants. UNWOMEN formed 256 Self–help Groups (SHG) from 1800 of the most vulnerable rural households, 98 per cent of whom are women. SHGs saved US$4879 to be used for micro crediting or joint activities. Furthermore, FAO distributed 1800 assorted high quality onion, carrot, cucumber and pumpkin seeds to 1800 participants who have suitable land for vegetable cultivation. Agricultural product distribution to vulnerable female-headed households continues with FAO and UNWOMEN assistance. WFP provided the participants with food rations as an added incentive and to assist them through the pre-harvest period.
At the beginning of 2010, FAO surveyed the irrigation system “Pravaya vetka” of the Nooken rayon of Jalal-Abad oblast and relevant data, such as general geographical description, hydrological and hydro-geological, and climatic conditions was gathered. In 2010, the contract for the civil works was awarded, and the designs were completed. By repairing and strengthening the irrigation system, the economic status of small farmers living in the Nooken rayon of Jalal-Abad oblast region will improve.
The UNDP helped communities to establish 54 rural Consultation and Marketing Centres (CMCs) to serve as a sustainable channel for transferring knowledge and skills on better agricultural production. In total UNDP reached more than 6000 direct beneficiaries.To increase agricultural production, 183 small businesses were created, 906 beneficiaries received micro-loans and 700 jobs were created. A network of 22 revolving funds was established with the CMCs, which supplied seeds, mineral fertilizers, fuel and veterinary medicines.
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4.3.1 Project "Modernization of Small-scale Irrigated Agriculture to Enhance and Diversify Rural Livelihoods”– FAO – US$411,008
The FAO "Modernization of Small-scale Irrigated Agriculture to Enhance and Diversify Rural Livelihoods" project aims to eradicate extreme poverty and hunger by improving the economic status of small farmers of the targeted irrigation system "Pravaya vetka" of the Nooken rayon of Jalal-Abad oblast of the Kyrgyz Republic. Achievements
In July 2010, FAO staff developed and prepared the work plan for project implementation. Training on how to evaluate irrigation schemes was conducted involving engineers from all over the country. As a result, a number of interventions were identified to improve performance.
Farmers interested in establishing farmer field schools (FFS) on water management, agriculture, micro-financing, processing and marketing were identified, and future farmer-trainers groups were created. At the end of August 2010, the first workshop was held entitled: "Organization of farmer field schools and managing soil and water resources in Kyrgyzstan water users' associations." The purpose of this training was the introduction of FAO methodology, how to grow basic crops, water management, the practical establishment of FFS and their interaction with water users' associations (WUAs), and training-of-trainers for FFS. During the workshop, the decision was made to establish 24 FFS within an irrigated area of 14,500 ha. Participants agreed that FFS training-of-trainers is good methodology and will help them obtain high quality yields. The evaluation of the workshop by participants indicated that the farmer field schools were a success.
The irrigation system “Pravaya vetka” of the Nooken rayon of Jalal-Abad oblast was selected and the necessary baseline data was gathered (general geographical description, hydrological and hydro-geological data, and climatic conditions). Staff went on a field trip in August 2010 to survey the state of the irrigation system “Pravaya vetka”. Off-farm and on-farm canals of 2 to 4 levels took place. As a result of this field trip, a preliminary list of potential interventions was drafted.
A training entitled “Procedure of the rapid assessment and modernization of irrigation systems on the MASSCOTE” was completed in September 2010 with the participation of 28 engineers-employees of the 8 WUAs existing within the irrigation scheme. In the course of the MASSCOTE training, theoretical and practical activities were carried out. This allowed the collection of data, the identification of key stakeholders and ways to improve performance. Through group work and discussion, a plan to modernize the irrigation system “Pravaya vetka” of the Nooken rayon was drawn up. A number of interventions were identified including repair or construction of small control structures (gates and turnouts), water measurement devices (Replog and Cipoletti weirs and rated sections) and repair of critical sections of canal lining.
In the second half of September 2010, after advertising for the procurement of project design and construction, a company was selected based on FAO procurement procedures. The FAO project design was completed for the selected structures. Once the designs were complete, the tender for construction works was advertised. The bids were received by a procurement committee in FAO’s Subregional Office for Central Asia and a decision was made by the end of December. However, the preparation of the actual contract requires a series of documents that were still under preparation at the end of December 2010.
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During the same period, in accordance with the project work plan, technical specifications for radio and telecommunications equipment were studied. As a result, 32 portable wireless telephone terminals were purchased for engineers servicing the irrigation system and users were trained in telephone terminal maintenance. In the course of design exploration and construction work, the FAO project provided modern technologies, weirs-type water metres, and other types of hydraulic installations and designs, and computer equipment with the latest design software for measuring water facilities.
In 2010, the contract for the civil works was awarded, which will be implemented in 2011. In 2011, the project will hire a resident engineer to supervise and guarantee the quality of the civil works. The civil works have a limited window for completion as they can only be started once temperatures rise above zero, and before the start of the planting season (when the canals will be needed). It is foreseen that most of the civil works on the secondary and tertiary canals will be completed by April 2011. However, the civil works on the main canal will only be partially completed and the majority of the construction will have to wait until the end of the irrigation season.
4.3.2 Joint Programme “Agricultural Assistance to Vulnerable, Food Insecure Female-Headed Households” - FAO and UNWOMEN – US$319,194
The FAO and UNWOMEN “Agricultural Assistance to Vulnerable, Food Insecure Female-Headed Households” joint programme aims to improve food security of vulnerable groups by: (a) organizing vulnerable families into Self-help Groups (SHGs) to enhance the economic self-reliance and improve their livelihoods (UNWOMEN); (b) provide an assortment of vegetable seeds, hybrid cucumber seeds, and mini-plastic tunnel greenhouses to increase vegetable production of small farming households (FAO); and (c) establish Community Funds (CFs) at the village level (UNWOMEN). Achievements
In April 2010, an orientation workshop was held to agree on approaches with main programme partners – FAO, UNWOMEN and WFP. During May and June 2010, 30 village animators of four target oblasts were trained on social mobilization concepts and group formation. The four oblasts were Osh, Jalal-Abad, Batken and Issyk-Kul. The first training in vegetable production and soil fertility management for vulnerable female-headed households was conducted on July 2010. Sixty training sessions were held in total with 1785 participants. These trainings targeted 30 villages. The second round of training was conducted in December for 1800 participants on early hybrid cucumber production in mini-plastic tunnel greenhouses. The topics included the types of greenhouses, methods for early cucumber production in mini-plastic tunnel greenhouses, agro-technical specifications and cucumber varieties. Methods for weed eradication, pests control, diseases and harvesting, and storage of cucumber seeds were also covered.
As a result of social mobilization, 256 self-help groups (SHGs) were formed covering the 1800 most vulnerable rural households from 29 villages in 5 districts (rayons) of Osh, Djalal-Abad, Batken and Issyk-Kul provinces. Women comprise 98 per cent of group members. Criteria for SHG membership followed the WFP vulnerability guidelines for the selection of beneficiaries from the “Food for Work” Joint Programme. SHGs saved US$4879 to be used for internal crediting or joint activities. Twenty-nine village profiles were developed.
Seed and fertilizer was bought from local suppliers in Kyrgyzstan, in accordance with FAO’s rules and regulations, to stimulate the local economy. A total of 1800 assorted high-quality onion, carrot, cucumber and
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pumpkin seeds were bought and distributed to 1800 programme beneficiaries who have access to land suitable for vegetable cultivation. The seeds will ensure household consumption needs for three to six months. Around 70 per cent of beneficiaries were from Osh and Jalal-Abad regions. The total volume of fertilizer delivered was 124 metric tons of ammonium nitrate and 60 metric tons of super phosphate. Fertilizer can enhance plant nutrition and increase the productivity of irrigated land.
In June and July 2010, village profiles were completed, and a local NGOs distributed seeds among SHGs. In September, fertilizer was distributed. In addition, the Community Development Alliance (CDA) succeeded in soliciting WFP’s “Food for Work” Joint Programme for provision of food assistance to members of SHGs. A total of 1800 UNWOMEN programme beneficiaries received flour and oil after active participation in the training courses. The flour and oil was incentive for households to complete all agricultural activities using distributed seed, and return part of the income earned to Community Funds at the village level.
In the fall of 2010, 574 households of three southern oblasts earned income from planted carrot. The total income from carrot was estimated at about US$57,720. In fall 2010, some SHGs planted onion for spring season. A total of 27,000 cucumber hybrid seeds were procured and distributed to 1800 beneficiaries who have land suitable for vegetable cultivation. In addition, 1800 mini-plastic tunnel greenhouse accessories were bought and distributed.
A total of 574 women-headed households in three regions cultivated 28.7 ha of carrot - equivalent to more than 56 tons of carrot - which was used for home consumption and sold in market. Net profit of carrot production per household was around US$100 - about US$2000 per hectare. Table 4.1 shows the total vegetable production by female-headed households in 2010 by region.
Table 4.1 Vegetable Production by Female-Headed Households in 2010
Region Number of HH, total
Number of HH, cultivated carrot
Area, ha
Yield, t/ha
Total vegetable
production
Price, US$/kg
Total Income, US$
Issyk-Kul 420
Batken 380 150 7.5 16 120 0.17 20,400
Jalal-Abad 500 320 16 10 160 0.17 27,200
Osh 500 102 5.1 9 46 0.22 10,120
Total: 1800 572 57,720
In all 29 target villages, 32 Community Funds (CFs) were established and registered at the municipality level in a form of “Jamaat.” Furthermore, 91 per cent of heads of CFs were women. The contributions to CFs totalled US$35,633. During June and July 2010, trainers and CDA experts presented trainings for established CFs. Ninety-six participants were trained on sustainability and development of CFs. It was estimated that SHGs would
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contribute the equivalent of 40 per cent of joint programme costs in the form of seeds, fertilizers, mini-tunnel plastic greenhouses. However, SHGs in Jalal-Abad oblast increased contributions from 40 to 100 per cent.
In 2011, the harvest of hybrid cucumber seeds planted in February 2010 is expected. Further, in 2011 the joint programme aims to recruit an additional 400 vulnerable families into SHGs, where 98 per cent are women. These SHGs enhance economic self-reliance and improve women’s livelihoods.
4.3.3 Project “Improvement of Agricultural Production through Strengthening of Agricultural Extension Services and Increased Technical Inputs” – UNDP – US$301,368
The UNDP “Improvement of Agricultural Production through Strengthening of Agricultural Extension Services and Increased Technical Inputs” project aims to strengthen capacity of communities and local authorities to increase food security and alleviate poverty through better agricultural production practices, thus empowering rural communities in remote and low-growth areas through improvement of seed-growing capacity and animal husbandry practices. Achievements
The UNDP project included initial participatory rural assessments of local agricultural practices, training and consultations. This project targets five provinces (Osh, Jalal-Abad, Naryn, Talas and Issyk-Kul), 24 districts, 51 village municipalities, and 54 villages. In total UNDP reached more than 6000 direct beneficiaries. The UNDP contributed to strengthening agricultural extension services in the target rural communities through intensive delivery of a capacity development intervention. A total of 2110 participants were trained and 5452 consulted.
The UNDP helped communities establish 54 rural Consultation and Marketing Centres (CMCs), which serve to transfer knowledge and skills on better agricultural production. To increase agricultural production, 183 small businesses were created, 906 beneficiaries received micro-loans and 700 jobs were created. A network of revolving funds was established with the CMCs, which supplied seeds, mineral fertilizer, fuel and veterinary medicines.
The UNDP increased the welfare of the most vulnerable people in targeted communities by improving farming practices, strengthening agricultural extension services and increasing technical inputs. The UNDP engaged 28 local communities in 5 provinces, and helped to create 22 seed funds, 15 artificial insemination points and 8 veterinary service points. As a result of the UNDP project, eight local communities were involved in breeding fine-fleece sheep, and two in breeding yaks. Four seed funds used their winter crop material during the fall of 2010. All activities planned for the assigned period were completed and funds allocated for project implementation were fully delivered.
4.4 THEMATIC AREA: ENERGY
Kyrgyzstan is experiencing energy challenges ranging from inadequate supply of electricity, to infrastructure unable to handle an increasing demand. This situation is acute in rural areas, where the majority of the population live below the poverty line. Official data for 2008 shows that electric power generation dropped by 18.5 per cent in the Kyrgyz Republic during the first eleven months, forcing rural communities to rely on firewood and other local fuel sources for heating and cooking. Reliance on wood fuels exacerbates problems of deforestation and land degradation, causes indoor air pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions. The National Energy Programme of Kyrgyzstan (through 2010) and the Strategy for the Fuel and Energy Complex Development (through 2025) call
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for a rapid expansion of renewable technology. Greater use of renewable energy will also improve living standards in Kyrgyzstan’s poorest communities.
The key strategy of the Energy thematic area is to help critical institutions (such as first aid stations) become more energy efficient and heat resilient in the face of electricity shortages in winter. This strategy is achieved by introducing renewable energy technologies, such as micro-hydro power, bio gas and solar energy, and by promoting better insulation and fuel efficiency.
The objective of the Energy thematic area is to improve the access to reliable and sustainable sources of energy. The target groups are critical institutions and vulnerable rural communities. This objective will be accomplished by (a) ensuring reliable energy access for rural healthcare facilities; and (b) spreading public awareness and understanding of alternative and renewable energy sources.
UNDP, UNIDO, UNV and WHO are responsible for implementation of the Energy thematic area under the Kyrgyzstan One Fund. Seven pilot first aid stations were made operational by the joint programme with the goal of equipping them with renewable sources of energy. To meet this end, in 2010, Participating Organizations installed seven micro-hydro power units, valves and solar equipment in the pilot first aid stations. To increase knowledge of maintenance and use of these newly installed renewable energy sources, 60 personnel were trained. Local awareness was also raised through a mass media information campaign.
4.4.1 Joint Programme “Supply of Reliable Energy to Rural First Aid Stations” – UNDP, UNIDO, UNV and WHO – US$299,450 The UNDP, UNIDO, UNV and WHO “Supply of Reliable Energy to Rural First Aid Stations” joint programme aims to increase the supply of reliable energy to rural first aid stations in each province (a total of seven) by fitting them with mini-hydro units and solar energy panels to ensure greater access to electricity, necessary for vital treatment for many people, most importantly pregnant women. Achievements
This joint programme was implemented as a component of UNDP/Global Environment Facility “Small Hydro Power Development” joint programme, using UNDP’s management structures. In preparation for the joint programme’s implementation, UNDP evaluated and selected seven pilot first aid stations, and developed the joint programme’s work plan. UNDP also conducted research on the impact of providing first aid stations with electricity to minimize gender-related problems.
UNIDO purchased and installed solar energy panels, and UNV provided a volunteer for the joint programme. The joint programme was launched with an inception workshop with participation of all the main stakeholders and Participating Organizations. In collaboration, UNDP, UNIDO and WHO conducted capacity building training for the local community. Other training activities were ongoing, and included workshops on: (a) the promotion of renewable energy sources in rural first aid stations for village administrators and main stakeholders; (b) the use of renewable energy sources for first aid stations for 30 participants; and (c) microfinance for renewable energy equipment for 30 participants. Members of local communities were also trained in presentation techniques to modernise and revamp the training process.
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In addition, an awareness-raising information campaign was launched, which included the creation and distribution of 500 copies of a published manual on the use of renewable energy sources in first aid stations (250 copies in Kyrgyz language and 250 in Russian). Other relevant articles were published in mass media outlets and on the Internet portal CARNet (www.carnet.hr).
The first aid stations themselves were prepared for full sustainable operation - seven micro-hydro power units were installed, and valves and solar equipments were put in place. Implementation designs were developed for the renewable energy equipment to be used for each rural first aid station.
The joint programme relied on local self-government as a main implementing partner, and community members contributed to programme planning, implementation and monitoring. Success was gauged by the participation of local administrative units and communities, which assures the sustainability of programme achievements. One of the local NGOs is fully involved in the organization of public works on construction of the micro-hydro power units.
The Ministry of Health and Ministry of Social Protection consulted with the joint programme to target a site in Nijnia Serafimovka village for a first aid station. The UNDP Disaster Risks Management Programme contributed by reducing community vulnerability to natural hazards, and developing the capacity of local decentralized civil defence groups to strengthen community preparedness, response and recovery due to potential natural hazards.
The joint programme’s main achievements included safeguarding and protecting local environmental resources. Participating Organizations provided technical assistance on the promotion of renewable energy equipment for rural first aid stations. In addition, public awareness increased through an information campaign on renewable and sustainable energy.
In 2011, the joint programme will continue to operationalize first aid stations. Pipes, cables and other equipment will be purchased and renewable energy equipment will be installed. Future plans also include local capacity building and organizing workshops on the sustainable operation and maintaining of equipment. Future workshop topics will include disaster risk management and environmental protection.
4.5 THEMATIC AREA 5: ENVIRONMENT
The maintenance of environmental and water resources is essential for ensuring basic human welfare and improving the livelihoods of the most remote and vulnerable communities in the country. Without proper management of resources, land degradation will limit productivity and in some areas increase the risk of natural disasters. Upland environments are particularly vulnerable to damage caused by mismanagement of natural resources, glacial melting and extreme weather events caused by global climate change. Upland, mountainous areas form the majority of the Kyrgyz landscape, and therefore their preservation is crucial for the safety, economy, and health of the whole country.
Riparian forests in Kyrgyzstan are marginal zones of trees, accompanied by shrubs and other vegetation, adjacent to little streams, rivers and high mountain lakes, which are on average 50 metres wide. Since the collapse of the Soviet Union, the local population depended more on riparian forest resources for daily living. The root causes of degradation and deforestation of riparian forests are over-grazing by domestic animals, over-harvesting of fuel-wood and timber by local households, conversion of forests into cropland, hayfields or holiday facilities, and excavation of sand and gravel from riverbeds. If riparian forests are not managed properly, agricultural production will be reduced and the livelihoods of rural communities will be negatively impacted.
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The strategy of the Environment thematic area is to address the deterioration of land quality and promote the sustainable stewardship of water resources and clean drinking water. A participatory integrated watershed management project will reduce the under-use of mountainous pastureland. Drainage and irrigation systems on agricultural land will be repaired and/or constructed to combat desertification. Trees will be planted to provide access for the poor to environmentally friendly natural resources, improve agricultural conditions, and reduce the risk of mudslides, landslides or flooding. Strategic environmental activities will mitigate the effects of climate change by improving sustainability and reducing resource loss.
The objective of the Environment thematic area is to strengthen and improve the management, conservation, and sustainable use of environmental and water resources to address the impact of climate change on the country. This objective will be accomplished by (a) enhancing the efficiency of agricultural and household production, processing and marketing to increase income and employment; (b) promoting the sustainable stewardship of water resources and clean drinking water; and (c) promoting social and economic growth.
The UNDP and UNV have implemented activities under the Environmental thematic area under the Kyrgyzstan One Fund. In 2010, UNDP trained 115 members of the local government on strategic development planning, national forest policy, and a participatory forest management. In addition, the UNDP component of the joint programme organized the planting of 15 ha of new saplings (47,373 willow, poplar, sea buckthorn, and elm) using a pro-poor “cash for work” approach. About 50 unemployed persons from poor families were involved in planting activities. UNV joint programme activities focused on improving the awareness of local villagers and students at three schools about the ecological sustainability and benefits of a healthy forest. Two local awareness campaigns were conducted, which included a contest called “Draw your forest,” and a study excursion to Balykchi Leskhoz nursery, which led to the establishment of a local school nursery and ecological club with support of the forestry management unit.
4.5.1 Joint Programme “Rehabilitation of Riparian Forests in Kyrgyzstan” – UNDP and UNV – US$317,790
The UNDP and UNV “Rehabilitation of Riparian Forests in Kyrgyzstan” joint programme aims at a sustainable multi-sectoral forest management strategy applicable for Central Asian countries; and specifically aims at (a) strengthening institutional capacity for land-friendly riparian forest management in the Chui riverbed, in Issyk-Kul oblast (UNDP); (b) demonstrating and modelling sustainable forestry to decrease land degradation and to improve livelihoods (UNDP); and (c) increasing the awareness of local villagers and school students of the ecological sustainability of their forests (UNV). Achievements
In 2010, to launch the joint programme, the UNDP and UNV selected the pilot territory (Issyk-Kul province, Kok Moinok rural district) and an annual work plan was drafted, debated and agreed on with partners. The joint programme’s first activity was to conduct an inception workshop with all the main project stakeholders and partners. The two main implementing local partners are the Kok Moinok local parliament and government, and the Balykchi and Issyk-Kul forestry management units. A study on the socio-economic situation and income generating opportunities was undertaken, and the findings were presented to local communities. In addition, a natural resource inventory was started to facilitate effective natural resource (NR) management. Maps and a
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database of local natural resources are in the process of development that will be united into the “Local Natural Resources Management Plan.”
During the reporting period, the UNDP strengthened systemic and institutional capacity for land-friendly riparian forest management along the Chui riverbed, in Kok-Moinok area of the Issyk-Kul province in the Kyrgyz Republic. The partnership between the joint programme’s Participating Organizations, local government, and the local forestry unit promoted sustainable resource management. A draft Integrated Development Plan of Kok Moinok Rural district was written collaboratively, which aimed to improve systemic frames for sustainable riparian forest management. The draft Integrated Development Plan was sent to the local parliament for endorsement.
In 2010, an awareness raising informational campaign has been held, which included:
• An information workshop on riparian forests ecosystems and the consequences of deforestation in Akolon village for village administration, local parliament deputies, and main stakeholders;
• An information workshop on “Forest ecosystem multifunctional value in local and regional development” in Balykchi city for regional, district and municipal administrations, civil society, and the private sector;
• One TV broadcast about the joint programme on the ZAMANA morning programme; and
• One public relations action to care about riparian forests was held with participation of popular Kyrgyz film actors.
The UNDP improved the institutional and environmental capacity of 115 members of local government. The training sessions with local government members included a strategic development planning session (35 participants), a national forest policy discussion group (40 participants), and a participatory forest management workshop (40 participants).
To promote the upcoming International Year of Forests, the UNDP ordered special jackets for members of planting brigades, which were imprinted with the International Year of Forests logo. Calendars and bags with the same logo were printed and distributed to local partners.
The office skills of UNDP staff improved, and the working conditions of the local government body improved in 2010. Computer equipment (two computers with printers, fax, TV, DVD) was procured and transferred to Kok Moinok rural administration, and special office software “Electronny Aiyl Okmotu” (electronic local self-government) was installed.
UNDP’s sustainable forestry approach in 2010 demonstrated and contributed to mitigating land degradation as well as improving livelihoods. One tractor with a carriage and two ploughs were bought for reforestation activities, to cultivate villagers’ gardens and to harvest hay. The UNDP identified four plots of land (52 ha), which were suitable for tree plantation and also established two nurseries of 1.5 ha each to grow planting material in Balykchi and Issyk-Kulsky Leskhozes. The project also bought five mobile water pumps with solar panels, which were distributed to beneficiaries. In addition, 15 ha of new saplings (47,373 willow, poplar, sea buckthorn, and elm) were planted, applying a pro-poor “cash for work” approach. About 50 unemployed persons from poor families were involved in planting activities. The land with the new tree plantations was fenced off (1,500 metres of fencing).
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The Balykchi and Issyk-Kul Leskhozes of the State Agency on Environment Protection and Forestry under the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic were involved as main expert institutions, and provided consultancy in selecting the areas for reforestation, tree species, and developing planting schemes. Their involvement meant that the project had introduced and promoted a Collaborative Forest Management approach. Local NGOs and community-based organizations were also involved in joint programme activities, and acted as community mobilizers. One of the local NGOs was fully involved in organizing reforestation activities.
UNV activities in 2010 focused on improving the awareness of local villagers and school students about the ecological sustainability and benefits of a healthy riparian forest. Two volunteers were engaged by the UNV to conduct workshops and two local awareness campaigns. Three schools received presentation equipment (computers, beamers and screens) and teachers were trained in their use as well as evidenced-based presentation techniques. To raise awareness among school children, a contest called “Draw your forest” was held in three local schools and the winners received prizes. Further, a field study excursion to Balykchi Leskhoz nursery was conducted by the Chief Forest Ranger of the Leskhoz. This led to the establishment of a school nursery and ecological club with support of the local forestry management unit.
In addition, the UNDP installed hot water and solar equipment for lighting in the remotest village school of Kok Moinok-2. In 2010, the UNDP and UNV joint programme implemented a total of 22 out of 29 planned activities (76 per cent of the target).
In 2011, the Collaborative Forest Management Committee will identify tenants for the newly reforested land. Future plans are also to reforest another 35 ha with mixed forest species and apricot trees to assure sustainability of the forested area. In 2011, a study tour will be organized for the Local Pasture Committee members and local government body to a Global Environment Facility (GEF) project called “Sustainable Rangeland Management” in Suusamyr. The GEF is a funder of projects to improve the global environment. In 2011, UNDP will establish and enforce local community capacity in natural disaster risks reduction and organise self-help groups for poor families. Local skills in sustainable forest management and climate change adaptation will be further developed.
4.6 THEMATIC AREA: RISK MANAGEMENT
Two kinds of risk affect Kyrgyzstan. First, the country is prone to rapid and slow onset disasters caused by floods, landslides, mudflows, droughts and earthquakes. Their effect on the national economy as well as on individual households and livelihoods can be severe. Awareness of, and preparedness for, disasters are only marginally developed, despite the prevailing risks and the increase in incidence. A shift from response towards prevention, preparedness and mitigation is thus required. Second, violent conflict is a very present risk in border regions, which is often connected to land and water access issues. There have been increasing problems along the Kyrgyz-Tajik and Kyrgyz-Uzbek borders, which is a cause for concern.
Strategic activities within this thematic area seek to lessen the impact of disasters in the future, and the consequent need for humanitarian relief. Critical infrastructure damaged in natural disasters will be restored. Children’s awareness will be raised of disaster prevention, preparedness and response. Community volunteering for disaster response will also be strengthened. Work will be carried out in multi-ethnic border areas to overcome natural resource scarcity that is heightening tensions between social groups. A system will be developed to monitor trends in natural and socio-economic risks in the country.
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The objective of the Risk Management thematic area is to reduce vulnerability to natural and man-made hazards by (a) increasing people’s awareness about natural hazards and to develop local capacity to respond more efficiently to them; (b) strengthening institutional capacities; (c) limiting human, economic, and financial losses due to these disasters; and (d) reducing the likelihood of violence in border regions.
UNDP and UNV implemented project activities under the Risk Management thematic area under the Kyrgyzstan One Fund. The UNDP increased the dialogue and cooperation skills of leaders of the Kyrgyz and Uzbek cross-border communities through a discussion group on the technical details of the water irrigation project. Two study tours were also organised, which provided 48 leaders of cross-border communities (including 12 women) with better conflict resolution skills. In 2010, a water pipeline in Akkorgon was installed by the UNDP, which provides access to irrigation water to more than 39,000 people, thereby diminishing water-related tensions and conflicts.
UNDP established joint Kyrgyz-Tajik working groups in cross-border communities, who proactively responded to local tensions, conflicts and disputes in their area. For example, in the cross-border community of Janyjer, the opening of a gambling site in the area had triggered frequent conflicts between Kyrgyz and Tajik youth. Such conflicts were reduced as a direct result of joint patrols by both Kyrgyz and Tajik policemen, suggested by the local working group. To promote the idea of youth volunteerism, UNV organized three working meetings in Alabuka, Leylek and Batken districts with the involvement of 97 young people (including 38 women). Youth from different ethnic communities participated in the events and were recruited to assist the working groups in strengthening cross-border cooperation.
4.6.1 Project “Provision of Access to Irrigation Water to the Population of the Cross-border Community of Akkorgon” – UNDP – US$119,097
The UNDP “Provision of Access to Irrigation Water to the Population of the Cross-border Community of Akkorgon” project aims to prevent a brewing conflict between Kyrgyz and Uzbek members of the multi-ethnic cross-border community of Akkorgon of Jalal-Abad oblast caused by a shortage of irrigation water due to the construction of a new water supply line. Achievements As a result of the project’s activities in 2010, the conflict caused by water shortages was reduced through the:
• Establishment of a jointly agreed water distribution schedule; • Implementation of a water irrigation project; • Capacity building of local authorities and NGOs in collaborative approaches, consensus building, and
community outreach to promote the application of modern water management principles.
In 2010, a water pipeline in Akkorgon was installed and provides access to irrigation water to more than 39,000 people, thereby diminishing water-related tensions and conflicts. Additionally, communities were committed to applying rational water usage and conservation principles. Equitable access to water resources by the cross-border communities of Kyrgyz and Uzbek was guaranteed by a jointly developed and operationalized irrigation water supply schedule that is being observed by all residents.
Several key partners were recruited that contributed to project’s success. Local Self Government and Local Authorities Advisory Committees (LAAC) were the main local implementing partners and thus fully contributed
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to project planning, implementation and monitoring. They took overall responsibility for the management and sustainability of the project. The Rural Association of Water Users, also know as “Poyoston Taza Suu”, in the Alabuka district, took over the lead in overall planning, implementation and monitoring of irrigation project activities.
To address the potential causes of cross-border conflicts and improve cooperation between cross-border communities, the UNDP implemented several activities in 2010. Two grants were allocated to two local NGOs to launch a Peace and Development Analysis (PDA) process2 and conduct activities to improve access to irrigation water. The UNDP introduced a Fast Track Procedure to facilitate the speedy issuing of the two grants due to the unstable political situation in the country caused by government overthrow and multi-ethnic conflict. The Public Fund Peaceful Development in the Fergana Valley (PDFV) was involved in launching the peace and development analysis process.
Several capacity building workshops were organized by the project to promote peace building within the two conflicting communities, and among the project partners. Working groups devised new action plans for 2011 taking into account overall critical recommendations. One Peace and Development Analysis workshop brought together 40 people representing different stakeholder groups to discuss obstacles and capacities for peace and development in cross-border communities of the Alabuka district. Two experiential trainings in conflict prevention and diversity management were conducted. Two working group meetings of Alabuka LAAC were organized with the involvement of 50 people representing local authorities, NGOs, communities, informal leaders, ethno-cultural centres (including 10 women and 14 ethnic Uzbeks), to discuss issues of water distribution in cross-border communities and the challenges of strengthening multi-ethnic dialogue and cooperation.
In addition, the UNDP Peace and Development Programme (PDP) organized a lessons learned workshop for cross-border working groups to critically evaluate activities in the 2010 Action Plan (analyzing strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats to the implementation of activities and their impact). The UNDP PDA workshop identified the following key obstacles for peace and development: (a) an incomplete border delimitation and demarcation process and obstacles at border crossings caused by corrupt custom and border services; (b) distribution and usage of water resources between cross-border communities; (c) operation of mining companies and their damage to the environment; and (d) corruption of local authorities. For a favourable environment for peace, the UNDP PDA workshop identified the active involvement of civil society and public in the protection of their rights, favourable economic conditions for development of small and medium enterprises, and culturally and historically shared solidarity between all ethnic groups.
The final UNDP PDA report was drafted based on findings of the PDA workshop and approved by all key local partners. Cross-border challenges and concerns identified during the process were reflected in the plans of local governments and Local Authorities Advisory Committees (LAACs) that function as district-level conflict resolution mechanisms. It was decided that working groups would resolve issues of exploitation of water-related facilities to prevent frictions during the irrigation season. Moreover, local authorities would prepare relevant
2 The UNDP PDA process is a participatory, multi-stakeholder process that helps government and partners, including women, youth, ethnic minorities, business and religious leaders to analyze the local peace and development context from different points of view. The PDA process is a bottom-up approach where the voices and concerns of the people are brought to national and local development planning frameworks.
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documents to request that the Government of Kyrgyzstan speed up the process of border delimitation and demarcation with Uzbekistan.
The capacity of leaders of the cross-border communities was strengthened with regard to multi-ethnic dialogue and cooperation. Leaders of the cross-border communities participated in a discussion group organized by the UNDP project about the technical details of the water irrigation project. Two study tours were organized (including one international tour) to different project sites in Jalal-Abad oblasts and Southeastern Europe, which provided an opportunity for 48 leaders of cross-border communities (including 12 women) to explore:
• Best practices of LAACs; • Lessons learned from the implementation of social and technical projects; • Partnerships and cooperation between different sectors of the society; • International practices of building cross-border cooperation and strengthening dialogue and collaboration
between different ethnic groups; and • Collaboration between UNDP Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan and related strategic support to Kyrgyz and
Tajik communities. In the framework of the small grants fund programme, UNDP PDP supported one community-based project to address water shortages. In addition, UNDP PDP organized a press tour to Batken, Osh and Jalal-Abad oblasts to draw public attention and raise stakeholder awareness with regards to cross-border problems, with the involvement of local and national media outlets and professionals. The press tour resulted in 12 thematic TV programmes broadcasted on nation-wide television news channels (5th channel, ELTR, TV MIR, Jalal-Abat TV), two radio programmes on Azzatyk radio, and one article in the Kyrgyz Tuusu newspaper.
Working groups devised new action plans for 2011, which took into account the critical recommendations from the UNDP PDP workshop participants. Peace building activities will continue in 2011 with capacity building among cross-border groups, and the identified key obstacles for peace and development will be addressed.
4.6.2 Joint Programme “Cross-border Natural Resources and Conflict” – UNDP and UNV – US$218,445 The UNDP and UNV “Cross-border Natural Resources and Conflict” joint programme aims to strengthen district level working groups in cross-border communities to assist local authorities and civil society to address the root causes of local tensions.
Achievements
The UNDP and UNV joint programme targeted the Kyrgyzstan districts of Batken, Tajikistan districts of Leylek, Alabuka, Isfara and Rasulov, and the Uzbekistan district of Kasansai. UNDP supported community-based projects in 2010, which contributed to mitigating local conflicts caused by shortage of water and lack of conflict management. Two fully equipped public preventive centres in Alabuka and Leylek districts assisted local authorities to analyze and report cross-border incidents, mediate and strengthen cross-border cooperation. In addition, the pumping facility “Dash Ravat” in Beshkent municipality of Leylek district, Batken oblast, was reconstructed.
UNDP established working groups in cross-border communities, who proactively responded to local tensions, conflicts and disputes in their area. Cross-border working groups at the district level and the association of cross-border municipalities contributed to reducing cross-border tensions and promoting cross-border cooperation.
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Working groups reduced tensions among youth in the cross-border community of Janyjer. The opening of a gambling site in the area had triggered frequent conflicts between Kyrgyz and Tajik youth. Such conflicts were reduced as a direct result of joint patrols by both Kyrgyz and Tajik policemen.
Local risk management structures were strengthened through 2 UNDP PDA workshops, 5 trainings, 7 working group meetings, 3 youth volunteerism development workshops, 2 festivals, 3 study tours, and 1 press tour. To promote the idea of youth volunteerism, UNV organized three working meetings in Alabuka, Leylek and Batken districts with the involvement of 97 young people (including 38 women). Youth from different ethnic communities participated in the events and were recruited to assist the working groups in strengthening cross-border cooperation. As a result of the working meetings, young leaders discussed and mapped key challenges and concerns for cross-border youth, devised action plans for establishing three volunteer groups, and launched three volunteerism campaigns to recruit cross-border youth. Volunteer groups benefited from the expertise and methodological tools provided by UNV (e.g. a pamphlet entitled “How to become a volunteer?”). It is planned to strengthen the partnership between UNV and UNDP in 2011 to more strongly focus on the mobilization of volunteers in relation to cross-border cooperation.
Seven working meetings resulted in the resolution of problems related to the distribution and usage of shared water resources in cross-border communities. Local water management services jointly monitored irrigation facilities and distribution processes, and ensured observance of water supply schedules. Two working meetings for leaders of the cross-border municipalities of Aksay-Kulundu (Kyrgyzstan) and Vorukh-Gulhona (Tajikistan) were held to develop joint action plans and select participants for an international study tour to Southeastern Europe. As a result of the working meetings, cross-border dialogue and cooperation was strengthened and operationalized through three working groups and one association of cross-border municipalities.
Two Peace and Development Analysis workshops brought together 120 people representing different stakeholder groups to discuss obstacles and capacities for peace and development in cross-border communities of Batken, Alabuka and Leylek districts. Five experiential trainings equipped 125 leaders of cross-border districts and communities (including 34 women, 46 Uzbeks and 8 Tajiks) with knowledge and skills in conflict analysis, management of ethnic diversity, and conflict prevention and negotiation.
Two public awareness campaigns were held in the form of friendship festivals held in Batken and Leylek districts. The festivals strengthened dialogue between multi-ethnic cross-border communities. More than 500 people representing different ethnic groups took active part in planning and implementation of these events. Moreover, leaders of the communities had a chance to discuss technical details of the water projects. Two study tours to different project sites in Batken and Jalal-Abat oblasts and Southeastern Europe were organized for 139 leaders of cross-border communities (including 31 women). These tours educated leaders about how to form partnerships and cooperation between different sectors of the society, international practices of building cross-border cooperation, and strengthening dialogue and collaboration between different ethnic groups. As a result, triangular cooperation was established between Philia Association of Southeastern Europe, cross-border communities of Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan, and the UNDP.
Future programme plans are to strengthen the technical skills of cross-border working groups, and support their cross-border initiatives. Further, in 2011 the PDA will be launched in more focus zones, community support will address cross-border challenges, and the conflict resolution skills of key stakeholders will be developed.
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4 Financial Summary
As of 31 December 2010, the Kyrgyzstan One Fund received deposits of US$3.6 million, and transferred US$3.6 million to Participating Organizations. Participating Organizations’ cumulative expenditure was US$3.2 million, which represents 88 per cent of the funds transferred, which can be considered as a solid indicator of the Kyrgyzstan One Fund’s strong performance.
4.1 Sources, Uses, and Balance of Funds In 2010, a total amount of US$3.6 million was received from the Expanded DAO Funding Window3. Table 1 provides an overview of the overall sources, uses, and balance of the Kyrgyzstan One Fund as of 31 December 2010. US$3.6 million was received from the donor, and US$3.6 million was transferred to Participating Organizations.
Table 5.1 Financial Overview for the period ending 31 December 2010, in US Dollars Thousands
Current Year Jan-Dec 2010
TOTAL
Sources of Funds Gross Donor Contributions 3,626 3,626 Fund Earned Interest Income - - Interest Income received from Participating Organizations - -
Total: Sources of Funds 3,626 3,626
Use of Funds Transfer to Participating Organizations 3,590 3,590 Refunds received from Participating Organizations - -
Net Funded Amount to Participating Organizations 3,590 3,590 Administrative Agent Fees 36 36 Direct Costs - - Bank Charges - - Other Expenditures - -
Total: Uses of Funds 3,626 3,626
Balance of Funds Available with Administrative Agent 0 0
Net Funded Amount to Participating Organizations 3,590 3,590 Participating Organizations’ Expenditure 3,175 3,175
Balance of Funds with Participating Organizations 415 415
The Administrative Agent fee is charged at an approved rate of 1 per cent on deposits, amounting US$36,260 in 2010.
3 The Expanded Delivering as One Funding Window for Achievement of the Millennium Development Goals (EFW) is a global funding facility established to support Delivering as One countries. Current donors to the EFW are the Netherlands, Norway, Spain and the United Kingdom.
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4.2 Donor Contributions Total contribution received as of 31 December 2010 was US$3.6 million, representing 100 per cent of the donor contributions to the Kyrgyzstan One Fund in 2010.
Table 5.2 Total Donor Deposits, in US Dollars Thousands
Current Year Jan-Dec 2010
TOTAL
Expanded DaO Funding Window 3,626 3,626
Total 3,626 3,626
4.3 Transfer of Funds With the overall aim of supporting new or expanded initiatives formulated in response to emerging national needs and addressing energy and food insecurity and the global economic crisis, transfers are made to the six thematic areas of the Kyrgyzstan One Fund: (1) Social Services; (2) Food Security; (3) Agriculture; (4) Energy; (5) Environment; and (6) Risk Management.
4.3.1 Transfers to Participating Organizations
Thirteen Participating Organizations have signed an MOU for the Kyrgyzstan One Fund since its inception in December 2009. As of 31 December 2010, the MDTF Office has transferred a total of US$3.6 million to ten Participating Organizations, based on the approval of the Steering Committee (SC). The distribution of approved funding by Participating Organization is summarized in Table 5.3.1.
Table 5.3.1 Net funded amount by Participating Organization, in US Dollars Thousands
Participating Organization
Current Year Jan-Dec 2010 TOTAL
Approved Amount
Net Funded Amount
Approved Amount
Net Funded Amount
FAO 680 680 680 680
UNDP 1,033 1,033 1,033 1,033
UNDP(UNV) 53 53 53 53
UNFPA 41 41 41 41
UNHCR 211 211 211 211
UNICEF 303 303 303 303
UNIDO 159 159 159 159
UNWOMEN 50 50 50 50
WFP 942 942 942 942 WHO 117 117 117 117
Total 3,590 3,590 3,590 3,590
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4.3.2 Transfers by Thematic Area
Table 5.3.2 below shows the approved and net funded amounts (or transfers to Participating Organizations) by thematic area. The Thematic Areas were funded in 2010 as follows: US$0.7 million to Social Services, US$0.9 million to Food Security, US$1.0 million to Agriculture, US$0.3 million to Energy, US$0.3 million to Environment, and US$0.3 million to Risk Management.
Table 5.3.2 Net funded amount by Thematic Area, in US Dollars Thousands
Thematic Area Total
Approved Amount
Net Funded Amount
Number of Projects
Social Services 661 661 2 Food Security 942 942 1 Agriculture 1,032 1,032 3 Energy 299 299 1 Environment 318 318 1 Risk Management 338 338 2
Total 3,590 3,590 10
4.4 Expenditure Reported by Participating Organizations Project expenditures are incurred and monitored by each Participating Organization and are reported following the UN Development Group (UNDG) categories in order to provide harmonized reporting expenditure to donors. The Participating Organizations have reported in the six harmonized UNDG categories for the period ending 31 December 20104.
The Participating Organizations that received funding reported expenditures to the MDTF Office via the MDTF Office’s reporting tool (UNEX). The expenditure data has been posted on the MDTF Office GATEWAY.
4.5 Overall Expenditure and Financial Delivery Rates Table 5.5 below presents transfers to Participating Organizations, expenditures of the Participating Organizations and financial delivery rates. In 2010, reported expenditure amounted to US$3.2 million, out of US$3.6 million of the net funded amount. Overall cumulative delivery rate as of 31 December 2010 equals 88 per cent, which can be considered as a solid indicator of Kyrgyzstan One Fund’s strong performance.
The delivery rates of each thematic area are summarized in Table 5.5. The Food Security and Energy thematic areas have 100 per cent delivery rates, followed by Risk Management and Social Services with 96 per cent and 95 per cent respectively.
4 For further reference, see document “UNDG Harmonized Reporting to Donors for Joint Programmes” approved in 2006, available at www.undg.org/docs/9442/Explanatory-Note---Annex-D.doc.
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Table 5.5 Financial Overview with breakdown by Thematic Area, in US Dollars Thousands
Thematic Area Net
Funded Amount
Expenditure Delivery
Rate ( % )
Prior Years as of
31 Dec 2009
Current Year Jan-Dec 2010
Total
Social Services 661 - 629 629 95
Food Security 942 - 938 938 100 Agriculture 1,032 - 733 733 71 Energy 299 - 299 299 100 Environment 318 - 250 250 79 Risk Management 338 - 326 326 96
Total 3,590 - 3,175 3,175 88
Annex A provides the net funded amount and expenditure information for each project funded by the Kyrgyzstan One Fund.
4.6 Total Expenditure Reported by Category Table 5.6 below shows Kyrgyzstan One Fund’s expenditure by six UNDG approved categories. The largest categories of expenditure were: Supplies, Commodities, Equipment and Transport (50 per cent) and Personnel (19 per cent).
Table 5.6 Total Expenditure by Category, in US Dollars Thousands
Category Expenditure % of Total
Programme Costs Jan-Dec
2010 Total
Supplies, Commodities, Equipment and Transport 1,468 1,468 49.52 Personnel 564 564 19.04
Training of Counterparts 101 101 3.40
Contracts 313 313 10.56
Other Direct Costs 518 518 17.49
Programme Costs Total 2,964 2,964 100.00
Indirect Support Costs 211 211 7.11
Total 3,175 3,175
4.7 Cumulative Expenditure by Participating Organization with breakdown by Category Cumulative expenditure reported by Participating Organizations are shown in table 5.7 with a breakdown by the six UNDG harmonized categories.
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Table 5.7 Total Expenditure by Participating Organization, with breakdown by Category, as of 31 December 2010, in US Dollars Thousands
Participating Organization
Net Funded Amount
Total Expen-diture
Expenditure by Category
Supplies, Commodities,
Equip & Transport
Personnel
Training of
Counter-parts
Contracts Other Direct Costs
Total Programme
Costs
Indirect Support
Costs
% of Prog-rame Costs
FAO 680 393 148 112 50 37 22 368 25 6.92 UNDP 1,033 971 195 133 - 108 470 907 63 6.99 UNDP- (UNV) 53 28 15 5 3 4 0 26 2 6.99 UNFPA 41 41 10 2 25 1 0 39 3 7.00 UNHCR 211 211 24 136 - 20 16 196 15 7.53 UNICEF 303 303 97 70 23 89 4 283 20 7.00 UNIDO 159 157 132 14 - - 0 146 10 7.00 UN-WOMEN 50 46 - 2 - 41 0 43 3 7.57 WFP 942 938 846 21 1 2 6 876 62 7.04
WHO 117 88 - 70 - 10 - 80 8 9.55
Total 3,590 3,175 1,468 564 101 313 518 2,964 211 7.11
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5 Transparency and Accountability
In 2010, the MDTF Office officially launched the MDTF Office GATEWAY (http://mdtf.undp.org). It is a knowledge platform providing real-time data from the MDTF Office accounting system, with a maximum two-hour delay, on financial information on donor contributions, programme budgets and transfers to Participating Organizations. It is designed to provide transparent, accountable fund-management services to the United Nations system to enhance its coherence, effectiveness and efficiency. Each MDTF and JP administered by the MDTF Office has its own website on the GATEWAY with extensive narrative and financial information on the MDTF/JP including its strategic framework, governance arrangements, eligibility and allocation criteria. Annual financial and narrative progress reports and quarterly/semi-annual updates on achieved results are also available. In addition, each programme has a factsheet with specific facts, figures, and updates.
The GATEWAY provides easy access to more than 5,000 reports and documents on MDTFs/JPs and individual programmes, with tools and tables displaying financial data. Enabling easy access to progress reports and related documents also facilitates knowledge sharing and management among UN agencies. The MDTF Office GATEWAY is already being recognized as a best practice standard by peers and partners.
6 Conclusion
This is the First Consolidated Annual Progress Report on Activities Implemented under the Kyrgyzstan One Fund. It covers the progress of implementation of 31 projects funded during 2010, the first year of operations of the Kyrgyzstan One Fund. The achievements of the Kyrgyzstan One Fund will significantly reduce the severity of emerging challenges on the most vulnerable, while establishing a basis for sustainable and inclusive development in the period of the country’s next Development Strategy (2012-2017) and United Nations Development Assistance Framework (2012-2017). The Annual Progress Report is consolidated by the MDTF Office, in its capacity as the Administrative Agent of the Kyrgyzstan One Fund, based on individual annual progress reports as well as certified and financial statements submitted by the Participating Organizations to the MDTF Office. It is neither an evaluation of the Kyrgyzstan One Fund nor is it an assessment by the MDTF Office of the performance of the Participating Organizations.
The Kyrgyzstan One Fund has enabled the Participating Organizations to formulate and deliver a wide range of theme-based activities. In 2010, the Kyrgyzstan One Fund received a total of US$3.6 million from the Expanded DAO Funding Window, and transferred US$3.6 million to Participating Organizations. Project implementation continued during 2010 with US$3.2 million in expenditure. The ten projects and joint programmes that were approved in December 2010 and began their implementation only in 2011 will be reported in the 2011 Annual Progress Report.
Considerable progress was made in 2010 by Participating Organizations to achieve the thematic objectives. Achievements were made by UNFPA, UNICEF and WHO to the objectives of the Social Services thematic area, by promoting effective perinatal and antenatal care. With legislative reform and UNHCR assistance, 9,958
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stateless persons received Kyrgyz citizenship in 2010, increasing access to health and social services, education, and state protection that come with proper national documentation. Among the many infrastructure improvements, WFP repaired 203 kilometers of irrigation canals, which supplied water to 20,633 ha of crop land in partnership with FAO and UNDP. UNWOMEN and FAO contributed to the achievements of the objectives of the Agriculture theme by improving food security for 1800 vulnerable female-headed households by organizing them into 256 self-help groups to enhance their economic self-reliance and improve their livelihoods. A total of 1800 assorted high quality onion, carrot, cucumber and pumpkin seeds were distributed to 1800 programme beneficiaries who have access to land suitable for vegetable cultivation. The objectives of the Agriculture theme were also achieved by UNDP who improved farming practices, strengthened agricultural extension services and increased technical inputs.
UNDP, UNIDO, UNV and WHO implemented one joint programme that contributed to the achievements of the objectives of the Energy thematic area, by equipping seven pilot first aid stations with seven micro-hydro power units, as well as valves and solar equipment. UNDP and UNV implemented one joint programme that contributed to the achievements of the objectives of the Environment thematic area by training local government staff on strategic development planning, national forest policy, and participatory forest management, and by raising awareness about the ecological sustainability of a healthy forest. UNDP and UNV also increased the cooperation and conflict resolution skills of cross-border community leaders and recruited youth to assist in strengthening cross-border cooperation.
In 2011, the United Nations system with its partners plan to implement 23 joint projects within the One UN Programme. These projects form a solid, coherent and realistic set of interventions covering the poorest oblasts of the country and, most importantly, the most vulnerable populations. In order to implement them, the United Nations system has embarked on a focused resource mobilization strategy, accessing funds from thematic windows, Trust Funds and other sources of funds in the United Nations or elsewhere. So far, US$4,912,000 million was mobilised, out of which US$3,608,000 million will be available in the second quarter of 2011.
It is clear that there is need for additional funding commitments to assist the UN System to strengthen further its support to Kyrgyzstan. Additional donor funding would support local and national authorities and ensure little or no interruption to the critical services the UN provides. Since a number of Participating Organizations have either formulated or are ready to formulate projects or joint programmes that address the six thematic area objectives, further replenishment of Kyrgyzstan One Fund resources is vital in advancing its objectives. The MDTF Office envisages, therefore, that the Annual Progress Report will give the Kyrgyzstan One Fund Steering Committee the basis to better assess resource requirements and to advocate and mobilise for additional funding, as appropriate.
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Annex 1. Kyrgyzstan One Fund Projects and Joint Programmes by Thematic Area
Thematic Area / Project No. and Project Title
Participating Organization
Total Approved Amount
Net Funded Amount
Total Expenditure
Delivery Rate ( % )
Social Services
74587 JP: Access to health services UNFPA 41 41 41 100
74587 JP: Access to health services UNICEF 303 303 303 100
74587 JP: Access to health services WHO 106 106 75 70 74588 Prevent/Reduct of statelessness UNHCR 211 211 211 100
Social Services Total 661 661 629 95
Food Security
74589 Food for Work WFP 942 942 938 100
Food Security Total 942 942 938 100
Agriculture
74602 Improvmnt of Agricult.production UNDP 301 301 294 97
74603 JP: Enhanced vegetable product FAO 269 269 248 92
74603 JP: Enhanced vegetable product UNWOMEN 50 50 46 93 74604 Agriculture infrastructure FAO 411 411 145 35
Agriculture Total 1,032 1,032 733 71
Energy
74590 JP: Energy to Rural 1st Aid Stations UNIDO 159 159 157 99
74590 JP: Energy to Rural 1st Aid Stations WHO 11 11 13 118
74590 JP: Energy to Rural 1st Aid Stations UNDP 129 129 129 100
Energy Total 299 299 299 100
Environment
74591 JP: Riparian forests rehab UNDP/UNV 53 53 28 52 74591 JP: Riparian forests rehab UNDP 265 265 222 84
Environment Total 318 318 250 79
Risk Management
74592 Access to irrigation water UNDP 119 119 326* 273* 74593 Natural Resources & Conflict UNDP 218 218 - 0
Risk Management Total 338 338 326 96
Grand Total 3,590 3,590 3,175 88
Note: *Participating Organization reported expenditures for projects 74592 and 74593 under a single output/ project ID that is dedicated to risk management/ cross-border cooperation. As two MDTF-funded projects cannot be recorded separately in Atlas under one and the same output according to MDTF rules (and the mistake was not identified in time), the expenditure for both projects could technically only be recorded under one project. This led to a situation where one project appears over spent while the other has not formally recorded expenditure. In actual fact, both projects were implemented within allocated funds (and a combined delivery of 96%). The Participating Organization will reverse the incorrect mapping in 2011.