Title II Development Assistance Program

What We Did
Counterpart's Food Security projects reduce the incidence of chronic food insecurity that exists at the household and community levels throughout the select region. By using monetization proceeds and making smart partnerships with local, community based organizations, we are able to make the greatest impact on the most vulnerable households.

Counterpart's program in Tajikistan concentrated on two of the most serious symptoms of food insecurity—maternal and child health and sustainable agricultural development.

Taking a holistic approach to health programming, Counterpart integrated a number of important concepts: linking maternal and child health care practices, forming good hygiene habits, promoting nutritious foods in a diverse diet and providing essential micronutrient supplements and de-worming pills. Agricultural programs aimed to improve farmers' access to quality seed, fertilizer and farming tools.

Additional food security projects in Tajikistan included the construction of household storage facilities to safeguard grains and excess farm produce, and the use of simple canning and jarring techniques to preserve produce long term. Among commercial farmers Counterpart's work focused on the development of a Market Information System in tandem with business oriented trainings in management, marketing and development and the creation of producer associations

Impacts
The results of Counterpart's program in the Khatlon region indicate positive, far-reaching effects on levels of food security among participating households. An increase in food production with additional improvements in quality and variety of available crops along with the integration of storage facilities and safe food processing techniques have led to multiple benefits including a dramatic decline in the incidence of chronic diarrhea, lower rates of malnutrition among households and improved dietary practices.