Fairtrade NAPP recently conducted a strategic regional training on Climate Change and Gender Equality at Khujand, Tajikistan, in collaboration with Sarob, its regional partner, bringing together 20 representatives from leading Fairtrade small-scale farmers’ organizations across Central Asia with a focus on strengthening the capabilities of producers working in dried fruit and cotton value chains—two vital export commodities in the region.

The training advanced NAPP’s service objective of integrating circular agro-economic models into commercial farming while directly contributing to key environmental outcome indicators related to climate adaptation, mitigation, and sustainable supply chains.

Empowering Producers to Thrive in a Changing Climate

The climate-focused sessions delivered far more than information. Participants gained practical, actionable strategies to protect their farms and communities against the mounting impacts of climate change. Discussions explored the specific vulnerabilities faced across Central Asia—extreme weather patterns, land degradation, water scarcity—and equipped farmers with tools they could immediately integrate into their daily work.

From improved water and soil management to biodiversity protection, greenhouse-gas tracking, and safer fertilizer and chemical handling, the training strengthened participants’ capacity to implement climate-smart farming techniques that directly support long-term productivity. For many, these learnings filled critical knowledge gaps and reinforced the urgency of adopting proactive adaptation measures.

Participants like Amin from Turob Bobo emphasized how the methods discussed could be applied right away, expressing confidence that these practices would enhance both efficiency and resilience within their organizations.

Advancing Gender Equity for Stronger Agricultural Communities

One of the most transformative moments of the training came during the gender equity discussions. Although agriculture across the region relies heavily on women’s labor, their decision-making role and access to resources often lag behind. The sessions encouraged participants to closely examine the difference between gender equality and gender equity, helping them understand why equal opportunities alone are not enough—fair and needs-based support is essential for true inclusion.

This new clarity reshaped how participants viewed their organizations and communities. Farmers began recognizing how traditional gender roles influence productivity, how women’s involvement strengthens leadership and innovation, and why gender-responsive planning is critical for future sustainability. Several participants expressed excitement about integrating these insights into their 2026 strategies, marking a significant step toward more inclusive cooperative structures.

Learning Across Borders via Regional Network

Beyond technical learning, the training fostered powerful cross-border collaboration. Participants from Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan shared their experiences, challenges, and success stories—creating a regional network of practitioners committed to continuous learning and support.

This network is expected to play a critical role in improving sustainability, promoting inclusive practices, and strengthening Fairtrade supply chains throughout Central Asia.

Rustam from Bio Farmer Cooperative shared how hearing adaptation stories from peers motivated him to implement new ideas in his own community—demonstrating the power of collective learning in driving positive change.

The relationships formed during these discussions have laid the foundation for a long-term regional support network, where ongoing communication, shared problem-solving, and coordinated action will continue well beyond the event itself.

A Collaborative Roadmap for 2026

The final day of the program focused on planning and consultations for 2026. Producer organizations worked collectively to:

• identify priority climate and gender actions,
• align organizational needs with NAPP’s services, and
• map out practical steps for implementation.

This collaborative approach ensures that Fairtrade communities across the region move forward with a unified, strategic vision rooted in sustainability and equity.

Producers collaboratively identified upcoming challenges, outlined programmatic needs, and aligned with Fairtrade NAPP on next steps—ensuring a shared, region-wide commitment to sustainable agricultural development. Participants noted that this session provided essential clarity and strengthened their confidence in taking forward the new practices they had learned.

Producers returned home ready to implement climate-smart methods, gender equity initiatives, and strengthen the social and environmental foundations of their farming communities.

With follow-up activities planned—including the collection of detailed action plans, ongoing communication platforms, and regional check-in meetings—momentum will continue to grow throughout 2026. The commitment from both participants and Fairtrade NAPP  signals a united effort toward resilience, sustainability, and inclusive development across the region.