Vibrant Greenery Thriving on Steep Inclines
In the picturesque Zarafshan Valley of Tajikistan, mountain farmers are reaping the benefits of innovative and environmentally-friendly agricultural practices. Romy Lehns, Country Director of Welthungerhilfe in Tajikistan, has highlighted the immense potential of the agricultural sector in the region.
Welthungerhilfe, a non-governmental organisation, is not only focused on reforesting land and stabilizing slopes in the Zarafshan Valley, but also on empowering local farmers to protect their gardens from landslides.
The mountain farmers take pride in their plants, and now they can effectively prevent their gardens from falling by applying methods such as lynchets (terraces), contoured gardens, and crop rotation.
Lynchets, or terraces, involve creating stone-supported flat or gently sloped platforms on steep mountain slopes, which stabilize the soil and reduce erosion while increasing arable land. Contoured gardening involves shaping planting beds and paths along the natural contours of the land, reducing runoff speed, encouraging water infiltration, and decreasing erosion risk. Crop rotation contributes by improving soil health and structure, reducing vulnerability to erosion caused by poor soil management.
These methods mimic traditional knowledge from neighbouring Yaghnob Valley communities, where mountain terrace farming has long been practiced to maintain agricultural productivity on precipitous slopes while conserving the environment.
The implementation of these techniques has led to higher harvest yields for the farmers, who are now enjoying a fresher, more balanced, and vitamin-rich diet. Approximately 35,000 people are part of this support, with Welthungerhilfe providing training sessions to 5,500 vulnerable households in the districts of Panjakent and Ayni.
Training sessions cover topics such as crop rotation, fruit tree cultivation, composting, organic fertilization, and integrated pest control. Participants are also being introduced to location-appropriate seeds and a wider variety of fruit and vegetable options.
Moreover, 16 small and mini power plants are being rehabilitated and 12 photovoltaic facilities are being established to power water pumps, ensuring a sustainable water supply for the farmers. Reforestation and slope stabilization efforts are currently underway, addressing the issue of soil erosion that was previously a problem due to deforestation for firewood.
The lush green vegetable gardens now surrounding the Zarafshan Valley are a testament to the success of these initiatives. Inefficient cultivation methods are no longer a problem due to Welthunghungerhilfe's support, and trees and plants, such as apple, walnut, and apricot trees, are now firmly rooted on the mountainside.
With these innovative practices, the farmers in the Zarafshan Valley are not only protecting their gardens from falling but also enhancing soil fertility, optimizing water use, and preserving the fragile ecosystem of the region.
[1] Source: Welthungerhilfe (2021). Agricultural Development in Tajikistan's Zarafshan Valley: A Case Study. Retrieved from www.welthungerhilfe.org/zarafshan-valley
- By adopting techniques such as lynchets, contoured gardening, and crop rotation, mountain farmers in the Zarafshan Valley are not only preserving the environment but also elevating their lifestyle, as these methods lead to higher harvest yields and a healthier diet.
- In the realm of home-and-garden improvement, these environmentally-friendly agricultural practices can serve as examples for many, demonstrating that science and environmental-science can work hand-in-hand to enhance our gardens and contribute to a sustainable lifestyle.
