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SUFACHAIN Stakeholder Workshops held in Osh and Bishkek in June to Promote Sustainable Agroforestry in Kyrgyzstan

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Photo 1: National-level stakeholder workshop at KSTU, Bishkek

Two impactful workshops were held End of June in Osh and Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan focusing on strengthening nut and fruit value chains through sustainable agroforestry, innovation, and SME (small and medium enterprise) development in NTFP (non-timber forest products) of Central Asia.

On June 24, the Osh Technological University hosted the local stakeholder workshop, where farmers, processors, NGOs, and researchers discussed sustainable agroforestry production systems, food processing innovations, applications of walnut shells in cosmetics, and culinary tourism as new income sources for rural dwellers. The workshop also addressed transparency in supply chains and the use of environmental certification schemes. The workshop was attended by more than 40 participants.

On June 26, a national-level stakeholder workshop took place at Kyrgyz State Technical University (KSTU) in Bishkek under the theme “Promoting Sustainable Agroforestry Value Chains in the Nut and Fruit Sector.” The event was officially opened by Sydykov Jyrgalbek Duisheevich, Vice-Rector for International Relations at KSTU, and Rahat Kanybekova, representative of the Ministry of Water Resources, Agriculture and Processing Industry of the Kyrgyz Republic. International experts, researchers and partner universities shared insights into sustainable agroforestry practices, ecosystem services, and market linkages. The project’s key results and future collaboration opportunities were presented by the researchers to the stakeholders. The event was attended by more than 50 participants.

During the workshop, Prof. Darr announced that the SUFACHAIN project period will be extended until August 2026, which provides researchers and practitioners with the opportunity to enhance their research and development activities for another nine months.

Photo 2: Local stakeholder workshop at Osh TU, Osh
Photo 3: Welcome speech at Osh TU by Prof. Darr
Photo 4: Lively discussions about Philip Schierning’s work with local stakeholders
Photo 5: Exhibition of product samples for the apricot and walnut value chains (work packages 2 and 3)
Photo 6: Laboratory tour at Osh TU