Case Synthesis Report - Andijan, Uzbekistan

Abstract

Uzbekistan, located in Central Asia, is a former Soviet Republic that became independent in 1991. Andijan Province is a region in the far eastern reach of the country. This case study was conducted in Kholdevonbek which has an approximate population of 16,885. Kholdevonbek is located in Boz District which is one of the oldest districts, being founded in 1950. Boz District consists of three rural citizens’ assemblies, and one urban gathering. This region differs from other regions of Uzbekistan in that it has densely populated mahallas. Eighty percent of the population speaks Uzbek, 10% Russian, and 10% Tatar. Locals reported that these various cultural groups are considered relatively equal in livelihood, economic standing, and yielding of political influence. Islam is the major religion. The government’s role is very important in moving people out of poverty, and also in wheat production. In Shodmonov wheat is considered a cash crop. The Government is very involved in wheat production. Uzbekistan has a national strategy for wheat self-sufficiency. Under the umbrella of the “Grain Self Sufficiency” Program, the government provides farmers with credit, and other inputs. The government takes a portion of the wheat crop, at a set price, and then the farmers can sell the rest or keep it for their own use. The people of this region have come to understand that they “have to work for themselves; work on their lands too hard to achieve the success,”