The Board of Executive Directors at the World Bank has given the green light to a significant initiative aimed at modernizing the water and irrigation systems in Tajikistan, alongside supporting ongoing reforms. This project is set to enhance irrigation services and economic prospects for around 470,000 farmers and rural residents throughout the nation.
The Second Strengthening Water and Irrigation Management (SWIM-2) initiative will be funded through a $75 million grant from the International Development Association (IDA). It aims to restore and upgrade irrigation infrastructure that services 100,000 hectares of farmland while promoting institutional reforms to enhance the planning and management of water resources and the delivery of irrigation services across Tajikistan’s river basins.
“This investment signifies the World Bank’s strong commitment to fostering a more sustainable and resilient future for Tajikistan,” remarked Gael Raballand, the World Bank Group Country Manager for Tajikistan. “By modernizing the essential systems that farmers rely on daily, the nation can realize its agricultural potential, bolster food security, and cultivate a resilient economy.”
The SWIM-2 project aims to restore over 20 pumping stations and critical irrigation infrastructure in Tajikistan, enhancing water conveyance efficiency from 60% to 80%. This initiative is expected to save 65,000 MWh of energy and reduce CO2 emissions by 29,000 tons annually. It will create 8,160 new jobs and support 180,000 agricultural livelihoods, improving food security for about 200,000 people. The project includes a digital transformation of water management systems and is backed by $100 million in co-financing from the OPEC Fund and Islamic Development Bank, potentially raising total funding to $175 million, with support from the CAWEP Multi-Donor Trust Fund.
Source: The World Bank
