An exploratory assessment of the Scaling Readiness of a re-vegetation innovation to enhance the food security in the degraded hillside areas of Tajikistan

Abstract

The document assesses the Scaling Readiness of a micro-water harvesting (MWH) innovation in Tajikistan, aimed at restoring degraded slopes through rainwater capture and native seedling planting. The approach improves soil stability, reduces snow accumulation, and extends the growing season, offering both environmental and socio-economic benefits.

Key bottlenecks include high manual labor costs, limited awareness, and insufficient documentation. Recommendations focus on exploring mechanical digging to reduce costs, enhancing the value chain for native plants, and developing targeted awareness campaigns. The innovation is in its early stages, requiring further testing and validation to ensure successful scaling.