Food System, Land Use and Restoration Impact Program in Uzbekistan (FOLUR-Uzbekistan)
Uzbekistan’s agricultural landscapes are essential for food security, rural livelihoods and the country’s economy, but many are under growing pressure from land degradation, water scarcity, climate change and unsustainable farming practices. Wheat-producing regions are particularly important, as decisions about land and water use affect not only agricultural productivity but also soil health, biodiversity and the resilience of local communities. Improving how these landscapes are managed can therefore deliver benefits far beyond farming. By restoring degraded land, using water more efficiently and supporting greener agricultural value chains, Uzbekistan can strengthen food production while protecting ecosystems and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
The Food System, Land Use and Restoration Impact Program in Uzbekistan (FOLUR-Uzbekistan) is part of a global initiative funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) to promote sustainable landscapes and more responsible food value chains. Led by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in Uzbekistan, with support from IUCN and the International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA), the National Committee on Ecology and Climate Change of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Uzbekistan, the project focuses on the wheat-dominated landscapes of Karakalpakstan, Khorezm and Kashkadarya.
The project aims to address fragmented land-use planning, conflicting policies and limited participation by farmers, land users and other stakeholders. It will strengthen cooperation among government institutions and improve policies, land-use planning and water management. It will also promote practical approaches such as agroecology, Nature-based Solutions and land management methods that balance agricultural production with the long-term health of soils, water resources and ecosystems. New tools, including land suitability assessments and a decision-support system will support decision-making.
